Mets spring training workout dates announced

The calendar is steadily inching towards the date when the sweet sights and sounds of baseball will once again break the winter doldrums. The first workout dates for all 30 teams were announced, and Mets pitchers and catchers will get their first workout in on February 14. The full squad will begin their preparation for the 2017 season five days later on February 19.

The team will first report to camp two days ahead of the first official workout, with pitchers and catchers reporting first on February 12, followed by the position players on February 17.

The workouts are usually open to the general public and free of charge. After the successful 2015 season, excitement surrounding the team was high heading into spring last year, and fans flocked to the first workout, setting a new record. The games, too were in high demand, with Tradition Field recording five sellout crowds, the most in its history.

The Grapefruit League games get underway this year on February 24, but the first home game for the Mets will be the next day against the Washington Nationals. Tickets for the games at Tradition Field go on sale this weekend.

Some Mets will be absent from the Grapefruit League games since the World Baseball Classic will be played in March this year. Six Mets will be representing multiple countries during the tournament.