The most shocking part of the new 2027 Spring Training schedule is not the date it starts, but when the Red Sox actually get to play their biggest rival. Fans expecting early action will have to wait until March 8 to see Boston take the field against the Philadelphia Phillies in Lakeland.
While the Yankees and Dodgers kick things off on February 19, the Sox sit out the first week entirely. This delay leaves a wide gap for other teams to grind out their rhythm before Fenway faithfuls get their first taste of live baseball.
The Grind for New York and Los Angeles
The New York Yankees are not wasting any time once the clock strikes February 19. They will face the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin to start their campaign. According to Pinstripe Alley, the Yankees will then host the Atlanta Braves just one day later.
Things get tough fast for the Bronx club. Through the end of February, they are set to compete for ten consecutive days. Their first real rest day does not come until Monday, March 1. That is a heavy load of games before the team gets a single break.
The Dodgers are also hitting the ground running in Glendale, Arizona. Per MLB.com, they will open their season against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. The two-time defending World Champions will play 17 of their 30 games at that shared facility.
Los Angeles has a clear plan to win early. They will host four out of five Spring Training weekends right at the start. The Dodgers face the White Sox and Kansas City Royals in those first two weekends.
A Busy Road for Boston and the Phillies
The Phillies get their own schedule released with a lot of action. They will officially start on February 19 against the Detroit Tigers. According to MLB.com, they will then move to BayCare Ballpark on February 20 to host the Toronto Blue Jays.
Boston finally enters the mix on March 8. The Red Sox will play the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark. This is one of the few times the two teams meet during the exhibition season. The schedule also lists a split-squad game for the Phillies on March 14 against the Atlanta Braves.
The Kansas City Royals are trying something different this year. They plan to play 30 games in 30 days. Per KCTV, this grueling slate includes two split-squad days where players will travel to different cities on the same day.
The Royals also have a historic opening day coming up. They will host the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on March 25. This date marks the earliest Opening Day in franchise history.
Labor talks remain a shadow over these plans. Commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN, “We’re meeting regularly, which is good.” He added that the goal is to make a deal so teams can play baseball next year.
The Pirates also released their schedule. They will open at home on February 19 against Toronto. They face Boston twice, on February 24 and March 12.
The final game of the Grapefruit League for the Pirates is on March 21. They will travel to North Port to face Atlanta. This marks the end of the exhibition season for them.
The Dodgers will close their schedule with a three-game series against the Angels. They play on March 21 at Dodger Stadium and March 22 and 23 at Angel Stadium.
The Yankees will face the Philadelphia Phillies five times. This is the most any team will play the Yankees. Those games fall on February 21, 26, and March 3, 10, and 20.
The Red Sox have a lot to make up for in March. They will play the Boston Red Sox on March 8. This late start means the team has to hit the ground running in the second half of the month.
The schedule is set, but the work is just beginning. Go Sox!
