What's Happening?
The Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox are set to face off in their first Grapefruit League game on February 21, 2026, at 1:05 p.m. ET. Both teams had a relatively quiet offseason, with the Red Sox adding pitchers Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez, and first baseman Willson Contreras. The Twins acquired veteran slugger Josh Bell and lefty Taylor Rogers, and hired former Pirates manager Derek Shelton to replace Rocco Baldelli. Joe Ryan is expected to start for the Twins, while the Red Sox will start 23-year-old lefty Payton Tolle. The game will be broadcast nationally by MLB Network and in the Boston market by NESN, with live streaming available via Twins.TV, NESN 360, and Fubo.
Why It's Important?
This game marks the beginning of the Grapefruit League, a key part of spring
training that allows teams to evaluate their rosters and make necessary adjustments before the regular season. For the Twins, this is an opportunity to see how their new acquisitions and managerial changes will impact team dynamics. The Red Sox, on the other hand, will be looking to integrate their new players and assess their pitching depth. The outcomes of these games can influence roster decisions and set the tone for the upcoming season, making them crucial for both teams' preparations.
What's Next?
Following this game, the Twins will continue their spring training with games against the Braves, Tigers, Orioles, and Rays. The Red Sox will face the Blue Jays, Rays, Pirates, and Twins in their upcoming matches. These games will provide further opportunities for both teams to refine their strategies and finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how new players perform and how teams adjust their lineups.
