For those looking to learn about prospects each spring, it's usually best to head to the back yards of Spring Training facilities in Arizona and Florida, or for a few scattered pitches or in the final innings of the Cactus and Grapefruit League games to stay there -bats.
But what if the next generation had the spring spotlight all to themselves? Let the kids actually play.
On Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced a new spring training event called Spring Breakout that will take place March 14-17.
All 30 MLB clubs will assemble rosters with 20 to 25 of their top prospects to compete against top minor league talent or rookies from other organizations. Each team will play at least one seven-inning exhibition game as part of the initiative. An Arizona organization and a Florida organization will play two games over the four days to make the score work.
Twelve of this year's matchups will be paired with Major League Spring Training games as doubleheaders at the stadium, giving fans a glimpse into the future and present of their favorite team in one unforgettable day.
“Spring Breakout will provide a new opportunity to showcase the game’s future stars as they journey to the Major Leagues,” MLB Chief Operations and Strategy Officer Chris Marinak said in a press release Wednesday. “Our fans will have unique opportunities to meet our best talent, get autographs and see the next generation of Major League players up close.” We are pleased that Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and all of our clubs working together more closely than ever to continue to grow the game and shine a better light on our future All-Stars.”
Rosters will be officially announced closer to Spring Breakout. Prospects are eligible regardless of their previous minor league level or experience, allowing for a mix of near-MLB ready players and some of the youngest pro talents.
The action begins on Thursday, March 14 when the Rangers host the Reds at Surprise Stadium at 6:05 p.m. ET/3:05 p.m. Arizona time. An hour later, the Orioles contenders in the Sunshine State travel to Bradenton to take on their counterparts from the Pirates system.
So on a day in the middle of spring, it might be possible to see 2023 first-rounders Wyatt Langford and Rhett Lowder squaring off in the desert as top-three contenders Jackson Holliday and Paul Skenes prepare to take part in the Gulf Coast to compete against each other.
Other top matchups include the Nationals-Mets (Dylan Crews, James Wood; Jett Williams, Luisangel Acuña, Drew Gilbert), the Rays-Twins (Junior Caminero, Carson Williams; Walker Jenkins, Brooks Lee) and the Mariners-Padres (Cole Young, Harry Ford). ; Ethan Salas, Jackson Merrill).
The full schedule for the first Spring Breakout is listed below:
Thursday March 14th
Reds @ Rangers*, 6:05 p.m. ET/3:05 p.m. PT
Orioles @ Pirates*, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
Friday March 15th
Marlins @ Cardinals*, 2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT
Mariners @ Padres, 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT
White Sox @ Cubs, 5:05 p.m. ET/2:05 p.m. PT
Nationals @ Mets*, 3:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. PT
Giants @ Athletics*, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
Saturday March 16th
Braves @ Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT
Phillies @ Tigers, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT
Blue Jays @ Yankees*, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
Rays @ Twins*, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
Dodgers @ Angels*, 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT
Guardians @ Reds*, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
D-backs @ Rockies*, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT
Sunday March 17th
Astros @ Cardinals*, 10:05 a.m. ET/7:05 a.m. PT
Brewers @ Royals*, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
* – paired with a major league game as a traditional doubleheader