As the chill of winter settles in, baseball fans find themselves eagerly anticipating the warmth and excitement of spring training. The offseason in Major League Baseball can feel lengthy and arduous, with supporters yearning for the return of their beloved sport. This sentiment rings especially true for Cincinnati Reds fans, who are buzzing with optimism after the team's remarkable playoff return last season—the first since 2013. The excitement is palpable as fans look forward to seeing their favorite players head to Goodyear, Arizona, in hopes of another postseason appearance in 2026.
While Reds enthusiasts were already aware of the Cactus League opener against the Cleveland Guardians slated for February 21, other pivotal spring training dates have now been unveiled, adding to the anticipation.
Spring Training Schedule: Key Dates on the Horizon
For many fans, the date that truly marks the start of spring training is when pitchers and catchers report. For the Reds, this important day falls on Monday, February 9. On this date, fans can expect to see talented players like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Tyler Stephenson arriving in Goodyear, ready to kick off their training with the first workout scheduled just two days later.
This year is particularly intriguing because the World Baseball Classic (WBC) will commence in early March. Consequently, not only will the Reds' pitchers and catchers arrive on February 9, but any players participating in the WBC will also be present. Currently, the only known Reds player slated to represent a nation in the WBC is shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who will be donning the colors of the Dominican Republic.
Position players will make their way to Arizona a few days after. Non-pitchers are required to report by February 14, which means that players like De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and others will be on the field by mid-February, culminating in the first full squad workout on February 16.
Who Will Join the Reds? Roster Insights
In every spring training, teams often invite several players on Minor League contracts, providing them with a non-roster invitation to camp. These athletes usually faced challenges in the previous season or spent significant time in the minor leagues, seeking a chance to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the roster.
Among those invited to join the camp this spring are:
- Tejay Antone, RHP
- Michael Chavis, IF
- Will Banfield, C
- Joel Valdez, LHP
- Carson Spiers, RHP
- Garrett Hampson, IF/OF
- Lyon Richardson, RHP
- Michael Toglia, IF
- Hagen Danner, RHP
The Reds have already signed several players to such contracts, with expectations that more will follow. It's common for a team’s non-roster list to swell to over 20 players, especially when top prospects come into play.
Notably, the oft-injured Tejay Antone will be attending as a non-roster invitee this spring, alongside new signings Michael Chavis, Garrett Hampson, and Michael Toglia. Lyon Richardson, who was assigned to Triple-A Louisville earlier this winter, has also received an invitation to join the camp.
Fans are still holding their breath for a significant free-agent signing or a major trade before the players hit the fields in Arizona. Despite what some may perceive as a quiet offseason, Reds Country eagerly awaits the sounds of baseball—the gratifying pop of the mitt and the satisfying crack of the bat—when spring training officially kicks off.
