The 2026 MLB Spring Training season delivers an intriguing matchup as the Washington Nationals take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 PM Eastern Time at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. This early-season Grapefruit League contest offers fans a first meaningful look at both clubs’ preparation for the regular season, showcasing roster depth, pitching rotations, lineup options, and tactical approaches long before Opening Day.

For Nationals supporters, Spring Training games represent a chance to see emerging talent, early chemistry, and how new roster pieces fit together. The Cardinals, constantly aiming to stay competitive and build around a mix of veterans and younger contributors, bring their own spring ambitions to this matchup. While preseason results don’t count toward regular-season standings, performances here can foreshadow how each franchise will carry momentum into the year ahead and influence fan expectations.

Below is your complete guide to watching this Spring Training matchup live — including kickoff time, TV and streaming access, and what makes this game an unmissable early contest.

📅 Match Details: Date, Time & Ballpark

• Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026

• First Pitch: 6:05 PM ET

• Venue: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches — West Palm Beach, Florida

CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches is home to both the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros during Grapefruit League play, providing a vibrant ballpark experience for fans of preseason baseball. The stadium is known for its fan-friendly design, accessible seating, and an atmosphere that allows fans to get close to the action early in the year.

📺 Where to Watch: TV, Radio & Streaming Options

Spring Training broadcast schedules vary by region, but for fans following this game:

• Television:

  • Nationals games are often streamed on regional platforms or carried via team’s digital broadcast partner.

  • Some Spring Training matchups may be available on national or regional sports networks depending on local rights.

• Streaming:

  • MLB.tv typically carries a majority of Spring Training games, including this matchup, subject to local blackouts and broadcast agreements.

  • Club-specific streaming options may also be available, especially for Nationals fans looking to follow every pitch live.

Because broadcast rights can differ by area, audiences should check their available streaming services or local listings to ensure live access before game time.

🔥 Why This Spring Training Game Matters

Spring Training games like Washington vs. St. Louis are not just exhibition contests — they provide a valuable early snapshot of each team’s competitive outlook and unfolding storylines. For the Washington Nationals, this game is an opportunity to gauge progress on roster construction, pitching development, and lineup balance. After offseason adjustments, Nationals fans are watching closely to see how the team’s returning veterans and emerging prospects mesh on the field.

Conversely, the St. Louis Cardinals bring a blend of veteran leadership and young talent into this matchup, using Spring Training to sharpen skills, stabilize pitching roles, and refine defensive alignments. While exhibition baseball doesn’t dictate regular-season fortunes, success in early games builds confidence, informs tactical decisions, and sets the tone for how each club approaches the competitive grind ahead.

⭐ Team Breakdown: Strengths & Storylines

Washington Nationals

The Nationals enter this spring with a mix of returning everyday players and exciting prospects pushing for opportunities. The team’s offensive strategy emphasizes contact hitting, situational awareness, and pressure on opposing defenses. Pitching depth is also under evaluation, with multiple arms competing for rotation or relief roles. Seeing these players in a live competitive setting allows fans and coaches to assess fundamental strengths and challenges.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals continue a tradition of melding seasoned veterans with rising players to maintain a competitive edge. Spring Training games are crucial opportunities to test strategic combinations, evaluate bullpen roles, and find lineup consistency. Cardinals fans are eager to see how their roster executes against a Nationals lineup that can be both aggressive and disciplined.

🏆 What to Watch During the Game

Baseball fans should focus on several key aspects that can reveal early trends for each team:

• Pitching Performance: Spring outings often determine how starters manage counts, location, and approach under pressure. Relief pitching depth can also emerge by mid-game.

• Lineup Variability: Expect both clubs to experiment with different batting orders and defensive arrangements, looking for optimal combinations as spring progresses.

• Fundamental Execution: Base running, defensive positioning, and situational hitting all contribute to early impressions of team readiness.

📌 Final Take: Early Spring Preview

Whether you are a supporter of the Nationals or a fan of the Cardinals, this February 24, 2026 — 6:05 PM ET game at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches presents a compelling early matchup with plenty to watch. Both clubs are aiming to build confidence, refine their rosters, and establish momentum that can carry into March and beyond.

Be sure to tune in live through available TV or streaming options and follow the action as these two franchises begin their 2026 journeys under Florida’s spring skies.