The Houston Astros are gearing up for a crucial Spring Training after a rare postseason miss, and you won't want to miss what's happening!
After a 2025 season that saw them sidelined from the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Astros are entering their upcoming Spring Training with a renewed sense of purpose. Much of their offseason focus has been on bolstering a starting rotation that was significantly impacted by injuries last year. This means the competition for those coveted pitching spots will be fierce!
On the position-player side, the Astros boast a strong core of seasoned veterans. Think of stars like Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, and Carlos Correa, alongside the impressive Jeremy Peña, who was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 2025. With such a solid foundation, there are very few open spots for position players. The real drama this spring will unfold on the mound, with Hunter Brown, an AL Cy Young finalist last year, anchoring the rotation.
Curious about when you can catch all the action?
- Pitchers and catchers will throw their first workout on Wednesday, February 11th.
- The first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, February 16th.
Where's all the magic happening?
The team's facility is the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. And the best part? Fans can attend these workouts for free, starting on Wednesday, February 11th, at 10 a.m. ET.
Any new faces to watch out for?
A notable addition to the position-player roster is Nick Allen, a versatile utility man who joined the Astros from the Braves in a trade that sent Mauricio Dubón to Atlanta. Keep an eye on him!
What about the rising stars?
Several top prospects are making their way to Major League camp, eager to impress. Brice Matthews, the Astros' No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, will be vying for a spot on the club, and you can expect to see him playing both center field and second base. Also joining the big league camp are catcher Walker Janek (the team's No. 3 prospect and a former first-round pick), right-handed pitcher Miguel Ullola (the No. 4 prospect), and outfielder Joseph Sullivan (the No. 5 prospect). Fun fact: Joseph Sullivan is the grandson of the legendary 1971 Heisman Trophy winner, Pat Sullivan!
When does the Grapefruit League season kick off?
The Astros' first Grapefruit League game is on Saturday, February 21st, when they'll face the Nationals at 12:05 p.m. CT.
What are some other must-see spring matchups?
The Astros will host the Cardinals on February 22nd and March 9th. They'll also travel to Jupiter, Florida, to play St. Louis on February 26th (split squad), March 13th, and March 18th. Get ready for six games against the Mets: February 24th, March 1st, and March 21st in Port St. Lucie, and February 26th (split squad), March 14th, and March 19th (split squad) in West Palm Beach.
What is Spring Breakout and when is it?
Since 2024, Spring Breakout has been a thrilling showcase pitting teams of prospects from various clubs against each other. This year, the Astros' prospect team will host their Marlins counterparts on March 19th at 11:05 a.m. CT. The specific prospects participating will be announced later, so stay tuned!
Will the games be on TV?
Absolutely! Space City Home Network will be broadcasting 11 Spring Training/exhibition games. Here's a peek at some of them:
- Saturday, Feb. 21 vs. Nationals, 12:05 p.m. CT
- Sunday, Feb. 22 vs. Cardinals, 12:05 p.m. CT
- Tuesday, March 3 vs. Venezuela (World Baseball Classic), 5:05 p.m. CT
- Wednesday, March 4 at Orioles, 12:05 p.m. CT
- Tuesday, March 10 vs. Orioles, 12:05 p.m. CT
- Thursday, March 12 vs. Nationals, 5:05 p.m. CT
- Saturday, March 14 vs. Mets, 5:05 p.m. CT
- Wednesday, March 18 at Cardinals, 12:05 p.m. CT
- Thursday, March 19 vs. Marlins (Spring Breakout), 11:05 a.m. CT
- Sunday, March 22 vs. Cardinals, 11:05 a.m. CT
- Tuesday, March 24 vs. Triple-A Sugar Land (at Daikin Park), 7:10 p.m. CT
When is the team's final game in Florida?
The Astros' last game in Florida will be on Sunday, March 22nd, against the Cardinals.
Any more tune-ups before the regular season?
Yes! The Astros have scheduled two exhibition games against their Triple-A affiliate, Sugar Land, on Monday, March 23rd, and Tuesday, March 24th, both starting at 7:10 p.m. CT at Daikin Park.
And the big day? Opening Day details!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 26th, with the first pitch at 3:10 p.m. CT. The Astros will host the Angels at Daikin Park.
But here's where it gets interesting... With a strong veteran core and promising prospects, the Astros have a lot to prove after missing the postseason. Do you think their offseason moves have done enough to put them back in contention for a World Series run? Or will the lingering effects of last year's injuries and the competitive landscape of the league prove too much? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your predictions and whether you agree with this outlook!
