February in West Palm Beach just hits different. You’ve got that specific mix of salt air, the smell of fresh-cut Bermuda grass, and the rhythmic pop of fastballs hitting leather. If you’re looking at the nationals spring training schedule for 2026, you aren't just looking at a list of exhibition games. You’re looking at the blueprint for a rebuild that’s finally, mercifully, starting to show some real teeth.
Honestly, the "early days" of the post-Soto era were rough. We all felt it. But this year? The vibe at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches is electric. Pitchers and catchers officially report on Wednesday, February 11, with the first full-squad workout following on Monday, February 16. That’s when the real work begins.
The 2026 Grapefruit League Grind
The Nats don't ease into things. They kick off the slate with a split-squad double-header on Saturday, February 21. Half the team stays home in West Palm to host the Houston Astros at 6:05 PM, while the other half travels up the road to Jupiter to face the Cardinals at 1:05 PM. It’s a logistical headache for the staff, but a dream for fans who want to see the depth of this roster.
Basically, if you're planning a trip down, you need to know that the schedule is heavy on local rivalries. Because the Nats share a facility with the Astros, and the Marlins and Cardinals are just a 20-minute drive away at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, there’s very little travel. It keeps the players fresh. It keeps the fans happy.
Key Home Matchups at CACTI Park
- February 23 vs. Phillies (6:05 PM): The first night game. Seeing the Phils come to town always brings out the DC transplants living in Florida.
- March 4 vs. Team Venezuela (6:05 PM): This is a fun one. With the World Baseball Classic cycle and international exhibitions, the Nats get a look at some global talent.
- March 7 vs. Yankees (6:05 PM): Expect a sellout. It doesn't matter if it's a "fake" game; the Yankees moving into West Palm is always a circus.
- March 21 vs. Mets (1:05 PM): The final home game in Florida before the team breaks camp.
Prices for these games aren't as cheap as they used to be, but they're still manageable. You're looking at anywhere from $24 for lawn seats to $65+ for the premium box spots. If you're smart, you'll grab a spot on the Banana Boat Lawn. It’s the best way to watch a game, hands down. Bring a towel, sit on the grass, and hope a home run ball lands in your lap.
What’s Actually at Stake This Spring?
It’s easy to dismiss Spring Training as a series of meaningless innings where starters leave after the third. Don't do that. Not this year.
The biggest storyline? The rotation. MacKenzie Gore is the undisputed anchor, but the chatter around him is deafening. After agreeing to a $5.6 million deal to avoid arbitration, he’s the guy every contender wants to trade for. Watching how Mike Rizzo handles the roster this spring will be fascinating. Do they keep the core together, or is another "big pivot" coming?
Then you have the kids. James Wood and Dylan Crews. Last year was a learning curve for Crews, but he’s coming into 2026 looking to prove that the "top prospect" label wasn't just hype. And James Wood? The man is a mountain. Seeing him track fly balls in the Florida sun is worth the price of admission alone.
We also have Cade Cavalli returning to full strength. People forget how high the ceiling is for him. If the elbow holds up and his command is back, the Nats suddenly have a very scary 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.
Survival Guide for CACTI Park
The stadium is located at 5444 Haverhill Road. If you’re driving in, do yourself a favor and pre-pay for parking. It’s $12 online but jumps to $15 at the gate, and they are strictly cashless.
The "MD Anderson Cancer Center Shade Concourse" is your best friend. Florida sun in late February is no joke. It’ll be 85 degrees and humid before you can finish your first hot dog. Sections 101 through 118 offer the best protection from the sun. If you’re sitting down the lines, wear a hat. Seriously.
Where to Eat and Stay
Don't stay right next to the ballpark. There’s not much there. Instead, look for spots near CityPlace or downtown West Palm. You’ll be closer to the actual nightlife and the beach.
For food, the Sailfish Bar on the left-field concourse is the go-to. They’ve got a solid selection of craft beers and a great view of the bullpen. You can literally stand five feet away from a guy throwing 98 mph while you eat a taco. It’s intimate in a way that Nationals Park just can’t be.
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The "Secret" Workouts
Most people show up for the 1:05 PM first pitch. That’s a mistake. The best part of the nationals spring training schedule happens at 9:00 AM on the back fields.
You can walk right up to the fences of the six practice fields. You’ll see the infielders doing "bucket drills"—hundreds of ground balls until their back aches. You’ll hear the coaches yelling instructions you’d never hear over a stadium PA system. It’s raw. It’s gritty. And it’s the only place you can reliably get an autograph from the stars without fighting a crowd of 7,000 people.
Looking Toward Opening Day
The Florida portion of the schedule wraps up around March 21. After that, the Nats head north for a final exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on March 23. It’s a quick tune-up before the games actually start counting.
The 2026 season feels like a crossroads. We aren't just waiting for "next year" anymore. This spring is about seeing if the "next year" we’ve been promised is finally here.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Split-Squads: Before buying tickets for the Feb 21 or March 10 dates, double-check which "half" of the team is playing at home so you don't miss your favorite player.
- Book the Morning: Plan to arrive at the complex by 9:30 AM to catch the back-field workouts; this is where the real evaluation happens.
- Download the MLB Ballpark App: Everything from parking passes to digital tickets runs through this now—don't expect to walk up to a window and buy a paper ticket.
- Monitor the MASN Schedule: If you can't make it to Florida, MASN has stepped up their coverage for 2026, though many games are still radio-only on 106.7 The Fan.