Red Sox Face Spring Training Disruptions Due to World Baseball Classic

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The Boston Red Sox have begun their 2026 spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, with exhibition play starting on Friday against Northeastern University. However, the team's Grapefruit League schedule will be disrupted by the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, which will see several Red Sox players representing their home countries.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball tournament that occurs every four years, drawing top talent from around the globe. While it provides great exposure for the sport, it can also disrupt the normal spring training routines of MLB teams like the Red Sox, who will be without key players for portions of their preseason preparations.

The details

The Red Sox' Grapefruit League schedule is set to kick off on Saturday and run for roughly four and a half weeks. However, the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which takes place from March 8-22, will pull several Red Sox players away from the team's spring training camp to represent their home countries in the tournament.

• Exhibition play began on Friday, February 20, 2026 with a game against Northeastern University.
• The Red Sox' Grapefruit League schedule will start on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and run for approximately four and a half weeks.
• The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 8-22, 2026.

What’s next

The Red Sox will need to carefully manage their roster and playing time during spring training to ensure their key players are prepared for the regular season, despite the disruptions caused by the World Baseball Classic.