On Feb. 3, a truck full of bats, baseballs, sunflower seeds and bubblegum set off for Fort Myers from Fenway Park as part of a yearly tradition that has become the first sign of spring in a wintry Boston.
The departure of the truck also means that spring training nears, and a long few months without baseball will soon come to an end. Fans won't have to wait much longer for the Boston Red Sox's return.
The Red Sox have reinforced their pitching staff and announced their list of non-roster invitees, which includes top prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer. The race to secure a big league roster spot is nearly on. Here is a list of important dates Red Sox Nation needs to know to stay on top of the action this spring training.
Red Sox spring training report date, location & other important dates to know
Pitchers and catchers report: Wed. Feb. 12
Plenty of Red Sox players and prospects have been down in Fort Myers for a while, like rehabbing pitchers Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock, but all pitchers and catchers are due down at JetBlue Park on Feb. 12. Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler will make their push to join the rotation while Justin Wilson, Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman fight for their spots in the bullpen.
First full-squad workout: Mon. Feb. 17
The 2025 Red Sox squad will meet in full for the first time on Feb. 17, just days before spring training games start. Team workouts are free, open to the public, and usually begin around 10 a.m.
First spring training game: Sat. Feb. 22
The Red Sox will play against Northeastern baseball on Feb. 21 for the team's first game of spring training, but their first game against a big league team in the Grapefruit League will be the following day against the Rays.
MLB in Monterrey: Mon. March 24 - Tues. March 25
For their final games before the regular season, the Sox will head down to Monterrey, Mexico to play two exhibition games against the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League and Mexican Pacific League.