WEST PALM BEACH, Fla — Nothing signals the start of a spring training schedule like a split-squad. The Houston Astros will open Grapefruit League play with one on Saturday morning, when one team will host the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches and another will travel to Port St. Lucie to face the New York Mets.

Training began in earnest last week and the Astros have already played a few spring games in Florida. It's still incredibly early, but it's never to early to look at some of the big storylines for the ballclub this spring.

With spring training games now underway, here are five Houston Astros hitters and pitchers to watch during Grapefruit League games.

Travis Scott had an eventful Sunday in sunny Florida, where he was not only the one to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Houston Astros at the team’s spring training opener, but was also the face of a bobblehead created in his likeness for the occasion.

The New York Mets open up Spring Training play against the Houston Astros on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 (2/22/25) at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Astros continue Grapefruit League play with a road game Sunday against the Cardinals. How to watch, listen When: 12:05 p.m. Sunday TV/streaming: The game will be televised on Space City Home Network.

The Astros face a challenging season with player changes, an aging lineup, and a focus on enhancing their pitching strength. Matt Lutovsky talks their season.