Happy first day of Spring Training to all those who celebrate. Baseball season is finally here.
On Thursday, February 12, Minnesota Twins pitchers and catchers arrived in Fort Myers, Florida, marking the first day of Spring Training for the 2026 season. It's a clean slate. We can block out the season projections. Roster worries can be put on ice as Twins players enjoy the sunny Floridian weather for the first time.
We're just happy that baseball has hit its first step of the new year.
Good morning, Joe!!! ☀️ pic.twitter.com/Flr4exkI5y
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) February 12, 2026
Minnesota Twins pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers on February 12
Though there will be some long-tossing, short bullpen sessions, and players re-acclimating to a baseball schedule, we won't see a game broadcast until Feb. 20 (full schedule is here). The Twins will play the University of Minnesota in their first spring game before playing the Red Sox on Feb. 21 and the Braves on Feb. 22 in the first weekend of live games. Spring games will run through March 24.
We'll take the next week to soak in content on social media as player continue to roll into the Lee Health Sports Complex.
Familiar faces in new places
The Twins have brought back two former Twins this past week. Veteran Gio Urshela was signed to a minor league deal at the top of the week, as fans hope he can be a solid backup to Royce Lewis at third base. Urshela batted .285 in 2022, his lone season with Minnesota before playing for Angels, Athletics, and Tigers before his return.
Also re-joining the Twins is Hall of Famer Paul Molitor. He will be a TV broadcast analyst for Minnesota this season, alongside some other Twins legends like Justin Morneau.
Another former Twin coming back to the organization is Liam Hendriks, who was signed to a minor league contract. Hendriks, 37, began his MLB career with Minnesota, pitching three seasons to a 6.06 ERA.