Report: MLBPA-sponsored free-agent spring training to open Feb. 13
Spring training is about to begin, even for players who don't yet have a home for 2018.
A training camp will be held for unsigned free agents at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. This comes a day after it was reported that a camp was coming, but now the specific setting has come to light.
The camp will reportedly be led by former Houston Astros manager Bo Porter, with the MLBPA arranging travel and housing. Personal trainers won't be permitted.
It's slated to open for players Tuesday, Feb. 13, with the first workout scheduled for the following day. The rest of baseball will see pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring facilities Feb. 12.
Depending on player attendance, the camp could be open through the end of March, though it's scheduled to close March 4. After agent Scott Boras said his clients would be taking part in their own private training sessions, the turnout could be relatively slim. Boras represents several of the top remaining free agents including Eric Hosmer, J.D. Martinez, Jake Arrieta, and others.
That leaves Yu Darvish, Alex Cobb, and Lance Lynn as the highest-profile names who could attend.