The Ultimate Guide To Texas Rangers Spring Training 2026: Dates, Tickets, And Key Storylines
The Texas Rangers are officially set to return to the diamond, kicking off the 2026 season with the annual excitement of the Cactus League in Arizona. As of today, December 20, 2025, the full schedule is locked in, giving fans a precise roadmap for the return of baseball. This guide provides the most current, up-to-date information on every critical date, from the moment pitchers and catchers report to the final exhibition game before the regular season begins.
The journey to the 2026 MLB season officially starts in Surprise, Arizona, at the shared facility with the Kansas City Royals. Fans eager to see the team's new look, top prospects, and veteran stars will find all the crucial reporting dates, game times, and essential ticket information right here to plan their ultimate spring training trip.
Texas Rangers Spring Training 2026 Key Dates and Location
The Texas Rangers will once again call the beautiful Surprise Recreation Campus their home base for the entire 2026 Cactus League season. This facility, shared with their cross-complex rivals, the Kansas City Royals, offers one of the best fan experiences in all of Spring Training baseball. The official schedule is packed with matchups against every team in the Cactus League, culminating in a final tune-up before heading north for Opening Day.
Essential Reporting Dates in Surprise, AZ
The first signs of baseball life begin in mid-February, with the early arrival of the pitching staff and battery mates. These dates mark the official start of the team's preparation and are when the first workouts begin.
- Pitchers and Catchers Report Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
- First Pitchers and Catchers Workout: Thursday, February 13, 2026.
- Full Squad Report Date: Monday, February 17, 2026.
- First Full Squad Workout: Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
These initial workouts are often open to the public and provide a unique, intimate look at the players going through drills and conditioning before the exhibition games start.
The 2026 Cactus League Schedule Highlights
The exhibition schedule officially begins on the third Friday of February, featuring a home game against their complex partners. The Rangers' schedule is highlighted by numerous divisional matchups and weekend games perfect for travelling fans.
- First Spring Training Game: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 1:05 p.m. MST vs. the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium.
- Key Matchup: Sunday, February 22, 2026, vs. Colorado Rockies at Surprise Stadium.
- Special Event: The MLB Spring Breakout game, a prospect-focused exhibition, is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, against the Kansas City Royals.
- Cactus League Finale: The final game in Arizona will be in late March before the team travels for their final exhibition series prior to the regular season.
How to Get Texas Rangers Spring Training Tickets
Securing tickets for the Cactus League is a high priority for fans planning a trip to Surprise, Arizona. Due to the intimate size of Surprise Stadium and the popularity of the Rangers, tickets sell out quickly, especially for weekend games and matchups against major rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers or Chicago Cubs.
Ticket On-Sale Information
The window for purchasing tickets opens well in advance of the first pitch. For the 2026 season, the most dedicated fans already had a chance to secure their seats.
- Group and Season Ticket Plans: These packages typically go on sale in mid-November, with the 2026 plans becoming available around November 18.
- Individual Game Tickets: Single-game tickets are usually released to the general public in December or early January. Fans should monitor the official Texas Rangers and Surprise Stadium websites closely for the exact date.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets through the official Surprise Stadium box office or authorized vendors to avoid inflated prices and ensure authenticity. Various secondary market sites, such as Vivid Seats and SeatGeek, also offer tickets once released.
Surprise Stadium and Fan Experience
Surprise Stadium is known for its fan-friendly atmosphere and accessibility. The complex offers expansive lawn seating—a popular, affordable option—alongside traditional reserved seating. The surrounding area in Surprise, Arizona, is also a hub for fans, offering numerous dining and lodging options for the duration of the spring training period. The weather in February and March is typically sunny and warm, making it an ideal baseball viewing environment.
Key Storylines and Players to Watch in 2026
The 2026 Spring Training will be a critical period for the Texas Rangers as they look to build a competitive roster while operating with a more constrained budget compared to previous years. The focus will be on internal development, prospect evaluation, and resolving key positional battles.
Positional Battles and Offseason Focus
One of the biggest questions heading into camp is the situation at second base, a key position the team must solidify. The coaching staff will be evaluating multiple internal candidates and affordable offseason acquisitions to fill this spot.
The outfield picture will also be a major focus, especially as the team looks to optimize the alignment and playing time for various players. Spring Training will serve as a proving ground for who earns the everyday roles in the corner outfield spots.
Top Prospects and Non-Roster Invitees (NRIs)
The annual Spring Breakout game highlights the importance of the team’s farm system, and several prospects will be pushing for a spot on the 26-man roster. Fans should pay close attention to the following emerging talents in the minor league and Major League camps:
- RHP Caden Scarborough: A high-ceiling pitching prospect whose performance in camp could fast-track his path to the big league bullpen or rotation later in the season.
- INF Cameron Cauley: An exciting infield prospect who will get significant reps to showcase his defensive versatility and bat against higher-level pitching.
- INF Jonah Bride: As one of the Non-Roster Invitees (NRIs), Bride will be fighting for a utility spot on the bench, providing depth at multiple infield positions.
These prospects, along with others, will be the engine of the "fresh" storylines, as the Rangers prioritize player development and finding cost-effective solutions to bolster the roster for the upcoming campaign. The performance of these young players against established Major Leaguers is often the most exciting element of the Cactus League.
The Bounce-Back Narrative
Coming off a disappointing previous season, the Rangers enter the 2026 Spring Training with a clear mission: to re-establish themselves as contenders. The training camp is not just about conditioning; it’s about setting a new tone, building team chemistry, and instilling the competitive fire needed for a long MLB season. The veterans will be looked upon to lead the charge and guide the younger players through the rigors of a full Major League schedule, making every workout and exhibition game a crucial step in the team's journey back to the top of the American League West.
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