Top prospects from all 30 MLB clubs will emerge from the backfields this spring in Major League Baseball’s new “Spring Breakout” series taking place from March 14 – March 17 in conjunction with MLB spring training. Major League Baseball announced the new series on Wednesday.
During the four-day series, all 30 MLB teams will field a team of 20-25 of their top prospects. Those teams will each play at least one game that will be seven innings long. One Grapefruit League and one Cactus League team will each play two games in order to make the schedule work.
Twelve of the prospect games taking place as part of Spring Breakout will take place as part of a spring training doubleheader that will be followed by an MLB spring game. These games will be an opportunity for fans to see their favorite team’s top prospects and top major leaguers on the same day.
As part of the initiative, MLB will also be offering autograph sessions and meet-the-prospect opportunities. They are also hoping to televise the Spring Breakout series on MLB Network. The league is currently making an attempt at increasing its coverage of the minor leagues on its app and online digitally in general throughout the season as well.
“Spring Breakout will provide a new opportunity to showcase the future stars of the game as they continue on their journey to the major leagues,” said commissioner Rob Manfred. “Our fans will get unique opportunities to meet our best prospects, get autographs, and see the next generation of Major Leaguers up close. We are thrilled that Major League baseball, Minor League Baseball, and all of our clubs are working closer than ever to grow the game and to shine a brighter light on our future All-Stars,” said Manfred.
ESPN surveyed many of the teams’ farm directors and the new event seems to be getting positive reviews as it keeps players close their spring facilities.
Spring Breakout kicks off on March 14 with two games: The Rangers face the Reds at Surprise Stadium in Arizona at 6:05 p.m. ET/ 3:05 p.m. Arizona time, which could feature 2023 first-round draft picks Wyatt Langford and Rhett Lowder; while at 7:05 p.m. ET the Pirates host the Orioles at LECOM park in Bradenton, FL., which could feature Jackson Holliday and Paul Skenes.
The Mets’ prospect team will play host to the Washington Nationals at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, FL. on Friday, March 15 at 3:10 p.m. ET and will be paired with a Major League game as a traditional doubleheader when the Mets’ and Nationals’ big league clubs face off following the minor league Spring Breakout game.
Prospects that Mets’ fans might have an opportunity to see showcased include Luisangel Acuna, Drew Gilbert, Jett Williams, Kevin Parada, Ryan Clifford, Colin Houck, Marco Vargas, Mike Vasil, Blade Tidwell, Alex Ramirez, and more.
