Royals Spring Training 2026: Key Dates, New Faces, and What to Watch in Surprise
Baseball’s back on the horizon, and in Surprise, Arizona, the Royals are already laying the groundwork for what they hope is a breakthrough season. With Spring Training officially kicking off in just days, the energy around the complex is starting to pick up.
Some players are already getting in early reps, and by February 16, the full squad will be in motion. Here's everything Royals fans need to know as camp gets underway.
🔹 Pitchers, Catchers, and the First Big Step
Circle Tuesday on your calendar - that’s when pitchers and catchers report to camp. The first official workout follows on Wednesday. It’s the unofficial start of the season, when bullpens start popping, throwing programs ramp up, and the rhythm of spring baseball starts to take shape.
🔹 Full-Squad Workouts Begin February 16
Position players aren’t far behind. The full team will hold its first collective workout on February 16. That said, players participating in the World Baseball Classic will arrive earlier to prep with their respective national teams.
🔹 Welcome to Surprise: Royals’ Spring Home
The Royals are entering their 23rd Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona. Their facility sits on the northwest side of Surprise Stadium - third-base side for those keeping track.
The stadium is shared with the Texas Rangers, who occupy the opposite side. The setup is ideal for fans and scouts alike, with major and minor league fields all within walking distance.
🔹 Yes, Fans Can Attend Workouts
One of the best parts of Spring Training? The access.
Fans can attend daily workouts on the backfields, which are open to the public. While practice times can vary, the Major League squad typically works out in the mornings.
Parking is free at the stadium lot, and fans can enter via Buck O’Neil Way. If you’ve never been, it’s a great way to get up close with the players and see the early building blocks of the season.
🔹 New Faces in Camp
While many familiar names are back for 2026, there are some intriguing additions to the roster this spring:
- Outfielders: Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, and Kameron Misner bring fresh competition to the mix.
- Pitchers: Alex Lange, Nick Mears, Matt Strahm, and Mason Black join the staff and will look to carve out roles.
- Veteran Infielders (Non-Roster Invitees): Brandon Drury, Kevin Newman, Josh Rojas, and Abraham Toro are all in camp and bring experience and versatility.
These are the kinds of additions that can quietly shape a roster come Opening Day.
🔹 Royals Representing in the World Baseball Classic
Several key Royals will be suiting up for their countries in this year’s WBC, which means they’ll be away from camp for a stretch:
- Team USA: Bobby Witt Jr. (SS), Michael Wacha (SP)
- Team Italy: Vinnie Pasquantino (1B), Jac Caglianone (OF)
- Team Venezuela: Salvador Perez (C), Maikel Garcia (3B)
- Team Puerto Rico: Seth Lugo (SP)
- Team Dominican Republic: Carlos Estévez (RP)
- Team Canada: Eric Cerantola (RP, Triple-A), Abraham Toro (IF, NRI)
- Team Israel: Eli Morgan (RP)
- Team Nicaragua: Oscar Rayo (P, Triple-A/Minor League camp)
It’s a point of pride for the organization - and a chance for younger players to step up in their absence.
🔹 Prospects to Watch in Big League Camp
The Royals are bringing a strong crop of young talent to Major League camp this year. Here's who to keep an eye on:
- On the 40-man roster: Right-handers Ben Kudrna (No. 7 prospect) and Steven Zobac (No. 11) are officially in the big league mix.
- Top Prospect: Catcher Carter Jensen (No. 1) is in camp and could push for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
- Notable NRIs (Non-Roster Invitees): Catchers: Blake Mitchell (No.
2), Ramon Ramirez (No. 9)
- Shortstop: Daniel Vazquez (No. 16)
- Outfielders: Carson Roccaforte (No. 20), Gavin Cross (No.
- Left-handed pitcher: Frank Mozzicato (No.
Also worth noting are homegrown arms like A.J. Causey, Dennis Colleran, Shane Panzini, and Hunter Patteson. All are close enough to the Majors that a strong spring could put them on the radar for a call-up this season.
🔹 Spring Breakout: Future Stars Take the Stage
One of the highlights of the spring calendar is Spring Breakout, a league-wide showcase for top prospects. The Royals’ future stars will take on the Rangers’ top prospects on **March 20 at 3 p.m.
CT** at Surprise Stadium. If you’re curious about who might be the next Bobby Witt Jr. or Vinnie Pasquantino, this is the game to watch.
🔹 Royals.TV and Spring Game Broadcasts
A new era of Royals baseball comes with a new way to watch. The team is launching Royals.TV, a broadcast platform produced and distributed by MLB.
While the full Spring Training TV schedule hasn’t been announced yet, expect select games to be televised. Details are still coming, but fans should keep an eye out for updates.
🔹 Wrapping Up Spring and Heading to Texas
The Royals will close out their Cactus League schedule on March 21, facing the Rockies at Surprise Stadium. But before the regular season begins, they’ll head to Texas for a pair of exhibition games against the Rangers at Globe Life Field:
- March 23 at 7:05 p.m. CT
- March 24 at 1:05 p.m. CT
It’s a final tune-up before the real thing - and a chance for the roster to settle into its final form.
Final Word
Spring Training is always a time of hope, but for the Royals, it feels like more than that this year. With a mix of established stars, new additions, and a wave of young talent knocking on the door, Kansas City’s camp in Surprise could be the launching pad for something special. Stay tuned - the story of the 2026 Royals starts now.