Ah, spring training. The time of year when hope springs eternal, arms are fresh, and Phillies fans flock to Clearwater like it’s their own personal baseball paradise. If you’re making the pilgrimage—or just following from home—here’s your guide to everything you need to know about Phillies camp in 2025.
Pitchers, Catchers, and First Workouts
The annual tradition of new gloves popping and pitchers pretending they haven’t been throwing all winter officially begins Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Carpenter Complex. A few days later, the entire squad joins in on the fun, with the first full-squad workout set for Feb. 17.
Carpenter Complex is where all the pre-Grapefruit League action happens, with its four fields named after Phillies royalty: Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts, and Richie Ashburn. Expect to see drills, batting practice, bullpen sessions, and some early-season overreactions.
Oh, and yes—fans are welcome. Workouts are free and typically start mid-to-late morning and run into early afternoon. Bring sunscreen.
New Faces to Know
Let’s talk fresh blood. The Phillies made some notable moves this offseason, bringing in Jesús Luzardo (RHP). Jordan Romano (RHP), Joe Ross (RHP), and Max Kepler (LF)
But the most intriguing addition? Koyo Aoyagi, a Japanese right-hander signed to a minor league deal. If he makes the big leagues, he’d be the first Japanese-born player the Phillies signed directly from Japan. The Phillies haven’t exactly been a hot spot for Japanese talent (see: So Taguchi, Tadahito Iguchi), but maybe Aoyagi changes that.
The Kids Are Coming
If prospects are your thing, you’re in luck. The Phillies have three MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects in camp as non-roster invitees:
- Andrew Painter (RHP, No. 8) – If his elbow holds up, he’s the future.
- Aidan Miller (SS, No. 27) – Just 20 years old and already making waves.
- Justin Crawford (CF, No. 64) – Speed for days, plus some MLB bloodlines (his dad, Carl, stole a few bases back in the day).
Game Time: Grapefruit League Edition
The Phillies start actual baseball activities on Feb. 22 in Lakeland against the Tigers. The first home game? Feb. 23 vs. the Orioles at BayCare Ballpark.
Circle these on your calendar:
- Feb. 27 & 28 – Yankees and Red Sox visit Clearwater.
- March 4 & 19 – Yankees again. Because, of course.
- March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day vs. Blue Jays. If you’ve never done a St. Paddy’s Day game in Clearwater, you haven’t lived. Green beer. Packed tiki bar. Pure chaos.
The Spring Breakout Game
This one is fun. On March 14, the Phillies’ top prospects will take on the Pirates’ top prospects in Spring Breakout, a new MLB initiative to showcase the game’s future stars.
It’s a chance to see Painter, Miller, Crawford, and friends playing together—sometimes for the first time. If you like watching future big leaguers before they make it, this is your game.
How to Watch
NBC Sports Philadelphia is expected to broadcast 12-13 home games (though nothing official yet). And yes, Cole Hamels is expected to be in the booth for a couple of games.
Most road games will be available via SportsRadio 94WIP or MLB.com. Because what’s a Florida drive without Franzke and LA?
The Final Countdown
The Phillies wrap up their Florida stay on March 24 vs. the Rays in Clearwater. No extra exhibitions this year, so it’s straight from the sunshine to chilly Washington, D.C., for Opening Day vs. the Nationals on March 27.
Home opener? March 31 vs. the Rockies at Citizens Bank Park. See you there.
So there you have it, folks. Spring training in all its glory. Sun. Baseball. Hope. And, of course, just enough spring overreactions to fuel us until April.
