Saturday, February 22

KANSAS CITY -- While the Royals’ 2024 season should be seen as largely a success given the turnaround from 106 losses to 86 wins and a postseason appearance, players and coaches have emphasized since then that their expectations were higher than simply making it to the postseason -- they wanted to make a deep run, not get knocked out in the American League Division Series.

Now that they know what it takes to get there, though, the goal remains the same, if not higher, in 2025.

“We felt unsatisfied,” shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. said. “We made it to the playoffs, we wanted to make the playoffs, but it’s also like we knew that we had a chance to win [the ALDS] and move on and keep going, and who knows what would have happened after that? That’s something that’s in everyone’s back of their heads, and that’s definitely motivation for everyone. You get a taste of the postseason now and you want to get back.” 

Spring Training is the first step toward doing so, and it starts in less than a week. Here’s an FAQ with all you need to know as we get closer to baseball ramping up again:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?

Royals players will be trickling into Surprise, Ariz., over the weekend and into next week, but the first official workout for pitchers and catchers will be Wednesday.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout? 

Position players aren’t required to join the fold until the Royals hold their first official full-squad workout on Feb. 17, but there will be plenty there already getting their work in ahead of time.

Where is the team’s facility?

Surprise Stadium, the Royals’ home for Spring Training, is located at 15850 N. Bullard Ave. in Surprise, Ariz. Their training facility and backfields for the Major and Minor League clubs are on the northwest side of the stadium (along the third-base side). They share the stadium with the Rangers, who have their facility and fields on the opposite side of the stadium.

Can fans attend workouts?

Workouts on the backfields are open to the public daily, with times varied based on the team’s practice schedule (typically the Major League club works out in the mornings). Parking is free in the stadium lot and there is a walking path from the entrance off Buck O’Neil Way.

Who are some new faces fans should know?

The Royals have a new leadoff hitter in Jonathan India, whom they acquired in a trade that sent starter Brady Singer to the Reds. India will be working with the infielders -- his main position is second base -- and outfielders this spring as the Royals see how he might handle left field. Also coming in that trade was Joey Wiemer, a young outfielder still with upside. He can play center field, but you’ll probably see him get work in all three spots of the outfield.

You already know two of the pitchers the Royals signed this offseason in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen, who came back to Kansas City on a three-year and one-year deal, respectively. Both will be in the rotation to begin the year.

But a new pitcher to keep an eye out for is Carlos Estévez, the reliever the Royals signed to fortify the back end of their bullpen.

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

The Royals have a good chunk of their top prospects in camp, including three pitchers who were added to the 40-man roster in November: lefty Noah Cameron (No. 12) and righties Luinder Avila (No. 26) and Eric Cerantola (No. 29). Cameron -- who is most likely to make his debut this year -- and Avila will be built up as starters, while Cerantola is seen as a reliever who can throw multiple innings.

But the most notable prospect in camp will be Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ top-ranked prospect and 22nd on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. Caglianone was just drafted last summer out of Florida, but he’s advanced enough to join big league hitters in camp and get that experience. He’ll be joined by three other top hitting prospects in the Royals’ system: catchers Blake Mitchell (No. 2 in the Royals’ Top 30 and 48th in the Top 100) and Carter Jensen (No. 5, No. 86 in Top 100) and outfielder Gavin Cross (No. 6).

Here’s the full list of NRIs this spring.

When is the team’s first Cactus League game?

The Royals kick off their Cactus League slate on Feb. 21 at Surprise Stadium against the Rangers. Kansas City will be the home squad.

What are a few other notable spring games?

On Feb. 22, the Royals will be in Glendale against the World Series champion Dodgers, a team that features Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Mookie Betts and several other stars in the game. The Royals will play their first game against the AL Central champion Guardians at Surprise Stadium on March 10.

What is Spring Breakout and when is the game?

Spring Breakout returns as a showcase for top prospects from around baseball. The game’s future stars will square off in games across Arizona and Florida from March 13-16. The Royals will send their top prospects against prospects from the D-backs' farm system on March 14 in Scottsdale.

Will the team’s games be televised?

The Royals are planning on having a few Cactus League games televised on FanDuel Sports Kansas City (formerly Bally Sports), but the exact schedule has not been announced.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?

The Royals and Rangers will pack up their stuff and head to Texas for two exhibition games at Globe Life Field in Arlington on March 24 and 25.

What are the details for Opening Day?

The Royals open the 2025 season at home again this year, hosting the Guardians on March 27. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CT.

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