The calendar is inching forward, and in Atlanta, that familiar pre-season energy is starting to hum as the Braves prepare to open camp next week, just seven weeks removed from Opening Day. Spring Training once again serves as the bridge between offseason speculation and meaningful baseball, offering clarity on roster questions, prospects, and expectations for the months ahead.
Braves Spring Training Begins in North Port
Pitchers and catchers will officially report on Tuesday, marking the first tangible step toward the 2026 season. While the first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 15, many position players are expected to arrive earlier, taking advantage of the Braves’ state-of-the-art facility in North Port, Fla. The complex sits within Wellen Park, a rapidly growing community that has flourished since the team’s arrival ahead of the 2020 season. With restaurants, retail space, residences, and a golf course nearby, the setting has become a destination rather than a simple training site, encouraging players to arrive early and settle into a productive routine.
Fans will be able to attend workouts beginning Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. ET, gaining access to the back fields through Gate 3 or the Green Gate. On days when Grapefruit League games are played at CoolToday Park, the Green Gate will serve as the sole point of entry, ensuring controlled but consistent fan access throughout camp.
New Faces and Familiar Questions
This spring will introduce several notable additions to the Braves’ roster. Reliever Robert Suarez anchors the group, joined by utilitymen Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo, along with outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. Dubón is expected to handle shortstop duties while Ha-Seong Kim continues his recovery from a torn tendon in his right middle finger, a process that is expected to keep him sidelined until at least mid-May. These early weeks in camp will be critical for establishing roles, particularly as the club balances defensive flexibility and bullpen depth.
Prospect development remains another focal point. Right-hander JR Ritchie, the Braves’ No. 2 prospect, returns to major league camp after an impressive minor league season, while Didier Fuentes looks to recalibrate following an aggressive push last year. Additional names such as Garrett Baumann, Owen Murphy, John Gil, and Jhancarlos Lara add further intrigue to the back fields.
Key Dates on the Road to Opening Day
The Braves’ Grapefruit League schedule opens Feb. 21 with a road game against the Rays in Port Charlotte, followed by a home opener against the Twins on Feb. 22. Other notable matchups include potential showdowns with Paul Skenes and the Pirates, dates with the Red Sox and Yankees, and a World Baseball Classic exhibition against Team Colombia on March 4. Spring Breakout arrives March 21, when Braves and Yankees prospects meet in Tampa.
Florida play concludes March 24, and attention then shifts north to Atlanta, where the Braves will host the Royals on March 27. First pitch at Truist Park is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET, officially ushering in the 2026 season.
