Honestly, there isn’t much that beats that first smell of fresh-cut grass in Fort Myers. If you’re a Sox fan, you know exactly what I’m talking about. While Boston is still digging out of snowbanks, the Boston Red Sox schedule spring training for 2026 is already heating up at JetBlue Park. This year feels a bit different, though. We’ve got the World Baseball Classic (WBC) looming, a roster that’s seen some serious reshuffling, and a schedule that’s packed with 28 Grapefruit League games plus some quirky exhibitions you won’t want to miss.
Truck Day—the unofficial start of spring for anyone with a pulse in New England—happened back on February 2. Since then, the equipment has been unloaded, the lockers are full, and the mission is clear. Whether you’re planning a trip down to "Fenway South" or just trying to keep track of the scores from your couch, here is the breakdown of what the 2026 spring season looks like.
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The Key Dates: When Things Actually Start
The rhythm of spring training is pretty predictable, but the 2026 calendar has some specific milestones. Pitchers and catchers officially reported on Tuesday, February 10. By February 15, the full squad was on the field. If you’ve ever been to the workouts at the Lee Health Sports Complex, you know that’s often more fun than the games themselves—you’re basically arm’s length from guys like Triston Casas or Rafael Devers.
The actual game action kicks off with a tradition that dates back forever: the Northeastern University exhibition.
- February 20: The Sox host the Northeastern Huskies at 1:05 PM. It’s a fun, low-stakes scrimmage, and honestly, the Huskies usually put up a decent fight for a few innings.
- February 21: The real Grapefruit League play begins on the road against the Minnesota Twins.
- February 22: First "real" home game at JetBlue Park against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Rivalries and Noteworthy Matchups
You can’t talk about any Red Sox schedule without looking for the Pinstripes. We’ve got two big matchups with the Yankees this spring. The first one is a home game at JetBlue Park on Wednesday, March 4. Expect that one to be a sellout. The return leg happens on March 18 when the Sox travel to Tampa to face New York at Steinbrenner Field.
But wait, there’s a weird (and cool) addition this year. Because of the World Baseball Classic, the Red Sox are hosting Team Puerto Rico on Tuesday, March 3. This is a 6:05 PM night game, and if you’ve never seen a WBC exhibition, the energy is electric. It’s basically a party in the stands.
The Divisional Grind
Aside from the Yankees, the schedule is heavy on AL East foes. We’re looking at five games against the Tampa Bay Rays—who are always a thorn in our side—and two games each against the Orioles and Blue Jays.
Spring Breakout
Keep an eye on Friday, March 20. That’s the "Spring Breakout" game where the top prospects from the Red Sox system take on the Baltimore Orioles' young guns in Sarasota. Given how deep the Sox farm system has become lately, this might be the most important game for fans who want to see the future of the franchise.
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Attending Games at JetBlue Park
If you’re heading down to Fort Myers, you probably already know that JetBlue Park is a literal clone of Fenway, right down to the Green Monster and the manual scoreboard. But there are some logistical things you've gotta handle if you want a smooth trip.
Tickets officially went on sale online on January 8, and the box office opened for in-person sales on January 12. Most games start at 1:05 PM, which is perfect for catching some rays and then heading to dinner. There are only two night games scheduled at home this year: the March 3 game against Puerto Rico and a March 19 matchup against the Twins.
Pro tip: Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch. If you want to snag an autograph near the dugout, you need to be there the second those gates swing open.
The Final Stretch Before Opening Day
The 2026 spring season wraps up with a back-to-back series against the Twins. We play them at home on March 23 and then head over to their place (Lee Health Sports Complex) on March 24 for the finale.
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After that, the team packs up and flies to Cincinnati. Opening Day 2026 is set for March 26 against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. It’s a quick turnaround, just two days between the last spring pitch and the first regular-season one.
What to Watch For on the Roster
Look, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow hasn’t been quiet. With the additions of guys like Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo to the rotation, the spring schedule is going to be a massive audition for the backend of the starting five. We’re also hearing rumors that the front office is still hunting for one more big bat—potentially a veteran infielder—so the roster you see in February might look a little different by mid-March.
Practical Steps for Fans
- Check the Weather: Southwest Florida in February is usually gorgeous, but it can rain out of nowhere. Bring a poncho; don't buy the $20 ones at the gift shop.
- Verify Times: While 1:05 PM is the standard, travel games (like the one in Sarasota or Lakeland) sometimes shift. Always double-check the MLB app the night before.
- The "Futures" Game: If you can't make the big league games, look into the "Futures at Fenway South" game on March 14. It’s cheaper, less crowded, and you get to see the kids who will be in Boston in two years.
The Boston Red Sox schedule spring training isn't just a list of dates; it's the reset button for the whole city. It’s the hope that this year, the bullpen holds up and the young guys take that next step. Whether you're watching from the "Monster Seats" in Florida or tracking the box scores on your phone, the road to October starts right now in Fort Myers.