LAKELAND, Fla. — After a long and unforgiving winter in Detroit, the forecast this week in central Florida calls for sunny skies, warm temperatures and the familiar sounds of baseball returning.
Spring training gets underway this week in Lakeland, where the Tigers begin preparations for the 2026 season and offer fans a welcome escape from winter back home.
MLive will have daily on-site coverage from TigerTown in Lakeland beginning when Tigers pitchers and catchers officially report to camp on Wednesday. The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15, although players participating in the World Baseball Classic are asked to arrive no later than Thursday.
Here’s the full rundown.
Key Dates
Feb. 11: Pitchers and catchers officially report.
Feb. 15: First full squad workout.
Feb. 21: Grapefruit League opener vs. Yankees at Tampa, 1:05 p.m.
Feb. 22: Home opener vs. Orioles at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.
March 3-4: The Tigers will play two exhibition games in the Dominican Republic in advance of the World Baseball Classic.
March 5-6: First game of World Baseball Classic (details here)
March 15-17: WBC Finals at loanDepot park, Miami
March 20: The annual Spring Breakout prospect showcase game is against the Pirates in Bradenton at 7:35 p.m.
March 21: Final Grapefruit League game vs. Yankees in Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.
March 23-24: Two exhibition games in Scottsdale, Ariz., against the Colorado Rockies
March 26: Opening Day vs. San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego, 4:10 p.m.
April 3: Home opener at Comerica Park vs. Cardinals, 1:10 p.m.
Which games are on TV?
Stay tuned.
Regional sports networks remain in flux, with several teams moving away from traditional RSN agreements and turning television production over to Major League Baseball. The Tigers are expected to be part of that group, but no formal announcement has been made.
The situation is complicated by the fact that FanDuel Sports currently broadcasts both Tigers and Red Wings games. More clarity, including which spring training games will be televised, is expected soon.
Where do the Tigers play?
The Tigers have a longer relationship with Lakeland, Fla., than any other club in baseball.
This spring marks their 61st consecutive season playing exhibition games at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and their 90th overall spring in Lakeland.
The stadium is part of the historic TigerTown complex and serves as the primary site for spring games, workouts and minor-league activity. It features a wraparound concourse, shaded and indoor seating options, and areas designed for families.
How to buy tickets?
Fans can purchase season or individual game tickets online at Tigers.com/Spring, by calling 863-686-8075, or by visiting the Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium ticket office in person.
What’s to watch in 2026?
The Tigers are aiming for a third consecutive postseason appearance after snapping a nine-year playoff drought.
Ace Tarik Skubal will attempt to become just the third pitcher in MLB history to win three straight Cy Young Awards. He will anchor a rotation that also includes Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Reese Olson and newcomer Framber Valdez, who signed a three-year deal last week.
Spring camp will also offer a first look at several of the organization’s top prospects. Infielder Kevin McGonigle, outfielder Max Clark and catcher Josue Briceño will all be in big-league camp for the first time.