The Boston Red Sox’s 2026 spring training schedule has been officially announced, marking the team’s return after a remarkable 2025 season. Notably, the club will be introducing a SURPRISE YOUNG STAR at this training camp — a name few would have guessed…

The Boston Red Sox are gearing up for what promises to be an intriguing spring training period in Fort Myers, Florida, as the team officially released its 2026 Grapefruit League schedule. After a compelling 2025 campaign that saw the club post an 89-73 record, secure a Wild Card berth—their first postseason appearance since 2021—and push deep into the playoffs before falling in the AL Wild Card Series to the rival New York Yankees, expectations remain high in Boston.

That 2025 run featured breakout performances, timely pitching, and a renewed sense of competitiveness under manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, even amid some late-season inconsistencies and key roster moves.

The spring training slate kicks off with pitchers and catchers reporting on Tuesday, February 10, followed by the first full-squad workout around February 15. The exhibition schedule spans from February 20 through March 24, featuring a mix of 32 games—17 at home at JetBlue Park at Fenway South and 15 on the road—against fellow Grapefruit League opponents, plus a couple of special exhibitions. The opener on February 20 brings the traditional tilt against Northeastern University at 1:05 p.m. ET, a longstanding preseason staple that gives fans an early glimpse of the big-league club in a low-pressure setting.

From there, the schedule ramps up quickly. Home games at JetBlue Park include matchups against the Toronto Blue Jays (February 22), Pittsburgh Pirates (February 24), Tampa Bay Rays (February 26 and March 7), Minnesota Twins (February 28 and March 15), Baltimore Orioles (March 1), and a special evening contest against Puerto Rico on March 3 at 6:05 p.m. ET. The rivalry highlight comes on March 4 when the New York Yankees visit JetBlue Park at 1:05 p.m., offering an early test of the retooled Red Sox lineup against their historic foes.

Other notable home dates feature the Philadelphia Phillies (March 9), Detroit Tigers (March 10), and additional series against the Rays, Braves, and Twins to close out the month.

On the road, the Red Sox will travel to familiar Grapefruit League venues, including Hammond Stadium for games against the Minnesota Twins (February 21, February 25, March 12, and March 24), Charlotte Sports Park versus the Tampa Bay Rays (February 23 and March 20), CoolToday Park against the Atlanta Braves (February 27 and March 14), BayCare Ballpark for the Phillies (March 5), Joker Marchant Stadium versus the Tigers (March 6), LECOM Park against the Pirates (March 8 and March 22), TD Ballpark for the Blue Jays (March 2), Ed Smith Stadium versus the Orioles (March 16), and Steinbrenner Field for a rematch with the Yankees (March 18).

One off day is scheduled for March 11, providing a brief respite amid the grind.

This schedule sets the stage for what could be a pivotal spring, as the Red Sox look to build on their 2025 momentum while integrating new talent and evaluating depth. The 2025 season showcased resilience, with standout contributions from emerging arms like Garrett Crochet—who anchored the rotation—and young hitters who stepped up amid trades and transitions, including the departure of longtime star Rafael Devers midseason. That playoff push, though ending in disappointment against the Yankees, reignited optimism in Boston and positioned the club as a contender in the competitive AL East.

Amid the anticipation surrounding the schedule, the biggest buzz in camp revolves around the introduction of a surprise young star—a prospect whose rapid rise has caught even insiders off guard. While the farm system has seen graduations of top talents like Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer in recent years, leaving some to question depth, a new wave is emerging. Leading prospect rankings for 2026 is shortstop Franklin Arias, the 20-year-old Venezuelan infielder who exploded onto the scene in 2025. Ranked as high as No.

12 overall in preseason top-100 lists, Arias combines advanced hitting ability, solid defensive tools at shortstop, and impressive physical maturation—he added muscle and strength over the offseason while maintaining his contact-oriented approach.

Arias played at age 19 throughout much of 2025, starting in Low-A before a quick promotion and showing he could handle higher levels with a .278 average, strong on-base skills, and growing power. His bat-to-ball prowess, disciplined plate approach, and potential to stick at shortstop make him a rare commodity in today’s game. Few expected him to ascend this quickly after being acquired in prior trades, but his development trajectory has scouts projecting a possible big-league debut as early as late 2026 or sooner if he continues to dominate in camp.

Joining Arias in the spotlight are left-handed pitchers Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, both of whom cracked top-100 lists and could compete for rotation spots right away. Tolle, a breakout star since being drafted, boasts high-velocity stuff and swing-and-miss potential, while Early’s consistency and strikeout ability made him a late-2025 call-up sensation. Right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, selected high in a recent draft, adds further intrigue to the pitching pipeline.

As the Red Sox converge on JetBlue Park, the focus will be on how these young arms and bats mesh with the established core. Veterans like Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, and returning pitchers will provide stability, but the infusion of youth—particularly Arias—could define the team’s direction. Spring training often reveals hidden gems, and this year, the surprise element feels genuine.

Fans in Fort Myers and back in Boston will watch closely as the Grapefruit League games unfold, offering the first real indications of whether this blend of experience and emerging talent can propel the Red Sox toward another deep postseason run in 2026.

With tickets already on sale for home games and group packages moving quickly, excitement is building for what could be a transformative spring. The schedule provides ample opportunities to see rivalries renewed and new stars born, all under the Florida sun at Fenway South. For a franchise with a storied history and passionate fanbase, this 2026 preseason feels like the start of something special.