Sunday, February 09

Spring Training is almost here. The Pirates will be kicking off another camp in Bradenton, Fla. next week, and they’re just two weeks away from their first Grapefruit League game. After another offseason of waiting, a new year is about to begin.

Before the players’ planes land in Florida and the grounds crew starts preparing the field, let’s take a look at what you need to know for Spring Training.

When are the first workouts?

Pitchers and catchers will have their first workout on Feb. 12, and the first full squad workout will be Feb. 17.

Where is the team’s facility?

The Pirates have two Spring Training homes in Bradenton, Fla. They start at Pirate City for workouts before moving to LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton once the Grapefruit League schedule begins. Once the Major League camp moves to LECOM Park, Minor League camp fully takes over Pirate City.

Can fans attend workouts?

Fans are welcome to attend workouts at Pirate City, both for Major League and Minor League camp.

Who are some new faces fans should know? 

Two of the team’s five free agent signings this winter are familiar faces: Andrew McCutchen and Adam Frazier. Caleb Ferguson and Tim Mayza have been brought in to add some lefties to the roster, and Tommy Pham is set to be one of the team’s primary outfielders.

Perhaps the most notable acquisition is Spencer Horwitz, who the Pirates picked up in a trade with the Guardians and is now set to be their first baseman.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?

All four of the Pirates’ representatives on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list will be in Major League camp: Right-handed pitchers Bubba Chandler (No. 15) and Thomas Harrington (No. 80), and infielders Konnor Griffin (No. 43) and Termarr Johnson (No. 83). Right-hander Braxton Ashcraft, infielders Nick Yorke and Tsung-Che Cheng and outfielder Billy Cook are all on the 40 man roster and will be invited to Major League camp. Notable non-roster invitees include left-handers Hunter Barco and Anthony Solometo, infielder Jack Brannigan and catcher Omar Alfonzo, all of whom rank in the organization’s Top 30 prospects list.

When is the team’s first Grapefruit League game? 

The Pirates’ first Grapefruit League game will be Feb. 22 against the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla., while their home opener at LECOM Park will be the next day against the Twins. Both first pitches will be at 1:05 p.m.

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Pirates will have two night home games this year: March 10 against the Orioles and March 14 against the Tigers. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. for the nightcaps. Their final home game at LECOM Park will be March 22 against the Orioles.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?
Spring Breakout is a showcase of each team’s top prospects as part of a four-day event. Last year, Paul Skenes, Chandler and Johnson were the headliners for the Pirates, and they should again have many of their top prospects in their game.

The Pirates will be on the road for this year’s Spring Breakout, traveling to Clearwater, Fla. to take on the Phillies on March 14. First pitch will be at 1:05 p.m.

Will Pirate games be televised?
SportsNet Pittsburgh will televise 12 home Spring Training games from Bradenton. They’re also scheduled to carry seven more opponent telecasts from the road team’s ballpark.

When is the Pirates’ last game in Florida?
The Pirates will conclude their Grapefruit League schedule on March 24 on the road against the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla. They have no planned scrimmages between then and the start of the regular season.

What are the details for Opening Day?

The Pirates will start the season in Miami for the second year in a row. They’ll take on the Marlins at loanDepot park on March 27, with the first pitch coming at 4:10 p.m.

The Pirates have had four relievers pick up 40 saves in a season, but only one did not get an All-Star nod that season. Who is that pitcher?

A) Joel Hanrahan

B) Mark Melancon

C) José Mesa

D) Mike Williams

This is the final Pirates Beat newsletter this offseason. The next time you see me in your inbox, it’ll be from Bradenton.

Only 47 more days until Opening Day.

• Tommy Pham signs with Pirates (source)

• Which Pirates prospects excelled on the gridiron?

• Podcast: Previewing the 2025 Pirates

C) José Mesa

Williams saved 46 games in 2002 and Hanrahan had 40 in 2011, and Mark Melancon holds the single season franchise record with 51 in 2015. But Mesa was overlooked in 2004, saving 43 games with a 3.25 ERA.

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