Red Sox Spring Training Impacted by World Baseball Classic Absences

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Boston Red Sox began exhibition play on Friday, February 20, 2026, with a 1:05 p.m. ET game against Northeastern University at JetBlue Park. This game marks the start of the spring training schedule, but the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) is poised to significantly alter the team’s composition throughout camp and potentially impact Opening Day decisions.

WBC Player Absences Create Opportunities

Approximately half of the Red Sox’s projected 26-man roster will be absent for extended periods due to participation in the WBC, including key players in all facets of the game. This includes the entire outfield group – Anthony, Duran, Rafaela, Abreu, Yoshida, and Eaton – as well as a portion of the infield (Contreras) and starting rotation (Bello, Suarez). Several bullpen members, including Chapman, Weissert, and Whitlock, will also be away.

Manager Alex Cora views these absences as a valuable opportunity for players on the bubble and younger prospects to showcase their abilities. “It’s a great chance for kids to approach here and play, for guys to get at-bats,” Cora stated. “It’s a chance to show who they are.”

Prospects to Watch

With established starters unavailable, evaluators will have increased opportunities to assess depth players and prospects. Kristian Campbell is expected to receive significant playing time in the outfield as he adjusts to the position. Non-roster invitee Allan Castro and other younger players may also be brought to the considerable league side for at-bats in Grapefruit League games.

On the pitching side, the absence of Suarez and Bello provides an opportunity to evaluate rehabbing veteran Patrick Sandoval and younger arms like Payton Tolle and Connelly Early.

Friday’s Exhibition Game

Tyler Uberstine started for the Red Sox in Friday’s exhibition game against Northeastern. The Red Sox lineup featured Masataka Yoshida in left field, Kristian Campbell in center field, and Nate Eaton in right field, with Eaton leading off. The game was a seven-inning contest, broadcast on NESN.

Grapefruit League Schedule

The Red Sox will open their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday, February 21, 2026, on the road against the Minnesota Twins. The preseason home opener at JetBlue Park is scheduled for Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays. All three games this weekend begin at 1:05 p.m. ET and are available on NESN and NESN 360, with radio broadcasts on WEEI for the Saturday and Sunday games.