As the anticipation builds for baseball season, the Cincinnati Reds' spring training details are finally unveiled, and there are some key dates that fans won't want to miss!
The Major League Baseball offseason can sometimes feel like a long and arduous wait, similar to the regular season grind. Fans, eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved sport, must brave the chilly winter months as they look forward to spring—a time that often brings fresh optimism for the upcoming season.
Reds enthusiasts are no exception. Following an exhilarating year where the team made its way back to the playoffs for the first time in a full season since 2013, excitement is palpable. Many supporters are hopeful that 2026 will usher in another postseason appearance for their favorite team as players prepare for spring training in Goodyear, Arizona.
While fans have already marked February 21 on their calendars for the Reds' Cactus League opener against the Cleveland Guardians, other important dates related to spring training had remained under wraps until now.
Key Spring Training Dates: Pitchers and Catchers Report, Position Players Report, Full Squad Workout
The date that baseball fans typically highlight first is when pitchers and catchers report for spring training. For the Cincinnati Reds, this significant day is set for Monday, February 9. During the second week of February, fans will get to see stars like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Tyler Stephenson, and others arriving in Goodyear, with their first workout scheduled just two days later.
This year's spring training is particularly noteworthy due to the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which is slated to kick off in early March. Thus, not only will the Reds' pitchers and catchers gather in Goodyear on February 9, but so will any players selected to participate in the WBC. Currently, shortstop Elly De La Cruz is the sole Reds player confirmed to be on a WBC roster, proudly representing the Dominican Republic.
Position players will follow a few days later, with non-pitchers required to report to Arizona by February 14. This means that players such as De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and many others will be taking the field by mid-February, culminating in their first full squad workout on February 16.
Reds Spring Training Roster: Who Are the Non-Roster Invitees?
Every year, teams bring in several players on Minor League contracts, some of which include non-roster invitations to spring camp. These players often include those who faced challenges the previous season or spent the majority of it playing in the minor leagues, seeking an opportunity to showcase their skills.
This year, the Reds have signed several players to non-roster deals, including:
- 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
Tejay Antone, who has faced multiple injuries, will join spring training as a non-roster invitee. He will be joined by the recently signed trio of Michael Chavis, Garrett Hampson, and Michael Toglia. Additionally, Lyon Richardson, who was reassigned to Triple-A Louisville earlier this winter, has also received a non-roster invitation.
Fans of the Reds are still holding out hope for a major free agent signing or a significant trade before the players head to Arizona. Although this offseason has been relatively quiet, the excitement in Reds Country is undeniable, especially as they look forward to hearing the sound of mitts popping and bats cracking when spring training kicks off.
