Down in Tampa, Florida, a collection of New York Yankees – led by captain Aaron Judge – has already been conducting on-field workouts ahead of spring training.
Officially, it all begins this week when the 2026 team reports to camp.
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“It’s no guarantees, but I’m really excited to go to battle with this group,’’ manager Aaron Boone said recently, as the Yanks essentially bring back last year’s 94-win club, with the usual lofty expectations.
“At the end of last year, in so many ways, it’s as good as I felt about our team heading into postseason in the years I’ve been here,’’ said Boone, whose 2025 club lost to the eventual American League champion Toronto Blue Jays in a four-game AL Division Series.
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“It didn’t go our way,’’ said Boone. “That doesn’t mean it’s not going to go our way the next time.’’
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Boone’s annual spring optimism is boosted by the expectation of ace Gerrit Cole (elbow surgery rehab) returning around June, and by running back MLB’s most productive offense from a year ago.
“We have a chance to be really good,’’ said Boone, and the long grind toward October starts now.
When do Yankees pitchers and catchers report to spring training?
Pitchers and catchers report to Tampa on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with their first official workout on Thursday, Feb. 12.
When do Yankees position players report to spring training?
Yankees position players report on Sunday, Feb. 15, with their first official workout at Steinbrenner Field on Monday, Feb. 16.
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When is Yankees’ first spring training game of 2026?
Feb 11, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone talks with media during a press conference as spring training starts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
A slate of 31 scheduled Yankees’ Florida Grapefruit League games begins Friday, Feb. 20, at 1:05 p.m., as they travel to Sarasota, Fla., to play the Baltimore Orioles, featuring new slugger Pete Alonso.
When is Yankees’ first home spring training game of 2026?
There are 16 Yankees’ home Grapefruit League games on tap, beginning Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1:05 p.m., against the Detroit Tigers at Steinbrenner Field.
Yankees vs. Mets spring training dates
There are two scheduled Mets-Yankees spring training games.
At Tampa, Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1:05 p.m., the Yankees will host Carlos Mendoza’s club, and the Yanks will travel across the state to Port St. Lucie on Sunday, March 8, for a 1:10 p.m. game.
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Yankees vs. Blue Jays spring training dates
Oct 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates with third baseman Addison Barger (47) after hitting a home run in the first inning against the New York Yankees during game one of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The first exhibition meeting against the defending AL champs is Thursday, Feb. 24, at 1:07 p.m., at Dunedin.
It’s the first of four Grapefruit League games vs. the Blue Jays, with the Yanks hosting Saturday, Feb. 28 (1:05 pm.) and Wednesday, March 11 (6:35 p.m.), and Toronto hosting Thursday, March 19 (1:07 p.m.).
Which Yankees players are in 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Oct 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Led by Team USA captain Aaron Judge, several Yankees are due to participate in this year’s WBC, including closer David Bednar (USA) and second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Great Britain).
When does 2026 World Baseball Classic begin?
Team USA’s first game is Friday, March 6, at Houston, and the WBC final is Tuesday, March 17. On Tuesday, March 3, the Yankees host a 1:05 p.m. exhibition game versus Panama.
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Yankees vs. Red Sox spring training schedule
Previewing the renewal of MLB’s ancient rivalry, the Yankees travel to Fort Myers on Wednesday, March 4, to play a 1:05 p.m. exhibition against Boston.
On Wednesday, March 18, the Red Sox will visit Steinbrenner Field for a 1:05 p.m. game.
Yankees prospects will play Braves prospects
Yankees’ prospect George Lombard Jr.
Saturday, March 21, is the annual Prospects Game, with the Yankees’ group – likely to be led by shortstop George Lombard – traveling to North Port to play a team of Braves’ prospects.
When does Yankees spring training end?
After their Grapefruit League finale, Sunday, March 22 (1:05 p.m.) vs. the Philadelphia Phillies at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees travel to Arizona for two last exhibition games.
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At Mesa, the Yanks will play afternoon games on March 23 and 24 against the Chicago Cubs.
It’s the Yankees’ first spring training trip to Arizona since they trained there in 1951, swapping camps with the New York Giants.
When is Yankees’ Opening Day 2026?
Apr 20, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
In a quick turnaround, the Yankees exit Arizona immediately after their exhibition finale and arrive at San Francisco for their standalone MLB opener, Wednesday, March 25 (8:05 p.m. EDT) against the Giants.
Their six-game, western swing to open the 2026 season also takes the Yankees to Seattle.
When is Yankees’ 2026 home opener at Yankee Stadium?
Following an off day, the Yankees’ home opener is set for Friday, April 3, at 1:35 p.m., against the Miami Marlins.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New York Yankees 2026 spring training schedule, report dates