Spring Breakout returns for 2025!
Remember Paul Skenes squaring off against Jackson Holliday on opening night of the inaugural Spring Breakout? Pitching in his first Spring Training, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick struck out the 2022 No. 1 overall pick while showcasing a fastball up to 101.7 mph, a 90.4 mph splinker and a
Remember Paul Skenes squaring off against Jackson Holliday on opening night of the inaugural Spring Breakout? Pitching in his first Spring Training, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick struck out the 2022 No. 1 overall pick while showcasing a fastball up to 101.7 mph, a 90.4 mph splinker and a couple tough low-90s sliders.
“That’s why we play the game, to have cool matchups like that,” Skenes later told reporters.
That battle was no mistake. It’s exactly what the first Spring Breakout series was designed to display. So now, MLB is running it back for more prospect-heavy clashes.
The Spring Breakout series will return to Arizona and Florida for four days from March 13-16, 2025, Major League Baseball announced Thursday as part of the Spring Training schedule reveal.
Team Top 30 Prospects lists:
ALE: BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TOR
ALC: CLE | CWS | DET | KC | MIN
ALW: HOU | LAA | OAK | SEA | TEX
NLE: ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH
NLC: CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STL
NLW: AZ | COL | LAD | SD | SF
Spring Breakout is meant to spotlight some of the game’s brightest young prospects and put the next generation of baseball’s stars on full display in Major League Spring Training stadiums. In fact, fans got to see many such players reach The Show shortly after the first event. Ninety-five of last spring's Spring Breakout participants have played in the Majors this season, including Skenes and Holliday. Forty-eight of the 54 participants in this year’s All-Star Futures Game were on 2024 Breakout rosters. More are expected to head to the Arizona Fall League for the start of play there in early October.
The fun was just getting started.
Beginning with a pair of games featuring four of MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 farm systems, here’s how the schedule shakes out for 2025:
Thursday, March 13
Cubs* (8) @ Dodgers (5)
Red Sox (7) @ Rays (1)
Friday, March 14
Mariners (9) @ Guardians (4)
Royals (25) @ D-backs (21)
Athletics (22) @ Padres (28)
Pirates (20) @ Phillies (16)
Nationals* (10) @ Astros (30)
Cardinals (19) @ Marlins (15)
Saturday, March 15
Rangers (26) @ Giants (23)
Angels (29) @ Cubs* (8)
Yankees (18) @ Orioles (3)
Twins (2) @ Blue Jays (24)
Sunday, March 16
Reds (14) @ Brewers (17)
Rockies (12) @ White Sox (11)
Tigers (6) @ Braves (27)
Mets (13) @ Nationals* (10)
* --The Nationals and Cubs are scheduled to play two games in 2025
📩 CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO BEN'S BIZ
While official rosters won’t come out until next year, here are some of the best potential individual and team matchups:
Individual matchups
Dylan Crews, OF, Nationals (No. 1/MLB No. 3) vs. Brandon Sproat, RHP, Mets (No. 1/MLB No. 40): This almost happened last spring when the Nats and Mets first squared off in Spring Breakout. Sproat touched 99 mph on the gun and faced three batters, none of whom were Crews. Here’s hoping it happens in ‘25. With James Wood up in the Majors, Crews is the next Washington outfielder with promising power and speed awaiting his turn at The Show, and Sproat brings high heat along with a full complement of secondaries (sweeping slider, cutter, and changeup).
Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox (No. 1/MLB No. 5) vs. Carson Williams, SS, Rays (No. 2/MLB No. 6): The future of the shortstop position in the AL East could be on full display in Port Charlotte, Florida. Mayer just reached Triple-A after leading the Eastern League with a .307 average. Williams is pushing for his second straight 20/20 season and is a gifted defender at the six with good actions and a plus-plus arm.
Charlie Condon, OF/3B, Rockies (No. 1/MLB No. 12) vs Noah Schultz, LHP, White Sox (No. 1/MLB No. 15): Before he went third overall in the Draft to Colorado, Condon led Division I in batting (.433), slugging (1.009), OPS (1.565) and homers (37). His plus-plus power potential should have Rockies fans salivating about what he could achieve in Denver’s thin air. But the former Georgia star likely didn’t face an arm like Schultz’s in the SEC. The 6-foot-9 southpaw has a deadly slider and plus fastball and has held opposing righties (like Condon) to a .555 OPS in 2024.
Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians (No. 1/MLB No. 13) vs. Colt Emerson, SS, Mariners (No. 1/MLB No. 30): Bazzana will take the mantle from Skenes as the reigning No. 1 overall pick in his first Spring Training. As a .407 hitter last spring for Oregon State, he might also get plenty of run on the Major League side of Cleveland’s camp, but Spring Breakout would be his chance to take center stage with his plus-plus hit tool and above-average power. Emerson would be a nice infield foil on the Seattle side. The 19-year-old slugger is already walking more than he strikes out, showing a strong approach that earned him an early promotion to High-A.
JJ Wetherholt, SS/2B, Cardinals (No. 1/MLB No. 19) vs. Thomas White, LHP, Marlins (No. 1/MLB No. 46): The Battle of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is back on in 2025 and could feature an at-bat between the top prospect from both Jupiter-based organizations. Wetherholt’s elite bat-to-ball skills would be challenged by White’s three-pitch mix featuring a plus fastball, high-spin curveball and above-average changeup.
Team matchups (Farm system rankings in parentheses)
Cubs (8th) @ Dodgers (5th)
The Cactus League side begins with a bang featuring two Top 10 systems. The Cubs boast six Top 100 prospects, five of whom are at Triple-A already: Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, Moises Ballesteros, James Triantos and Kevin Alcántara. Put that quintet in the heart of the lineup, and the Dodgers arms could have their hands full all game. Luckily, Los Angeles could bring promising bats of their own in Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula and Alex Freeland, and southpaws Jackson Ferris and Justin Wrobleski have the stuff to hold the Cubbies at bay.
Yankees (18th) @ Orioles (3rd)
With Holliday set to graduate soon and Coby Mayo already in the Majors, Baltimore fans might want to know which big bat is coming next. Step in, Samuel Basallo. The 20-year-old catcher has transitioned nicely to Double-A while continuing to show plus hit and power tools, and he could be on his way to Camden Yards in 2025, post-Breakout. First-rounders Vance Honeycutt (2024) and Enrique Bradfield Jr. (2023) would add speed to Baltimore’s lineup around Basallo. This AL East matchup could feature Jasson Domínguez, should he not graduate first, teaming up with Spencer Jones in the outfield and George Lombard Jr. and Roderick Arias together on the dirt.
Reds (14th) @ Brewers (17th)
Sticking with division rivalries, the Reds have a pair of former Wake Forest aces in the pipeline in Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, and while it’d take some scheduling work to get their pitching days to line up, the thought of the two putting on a show against the Brewers is tantalizing. On the Milwaukee side, shortstop Cooper Pratt will be building on a breakout first full season, and catcher Jeferson Quero could be recovered enough from shoulder surgery to provide a big boost behind the plate.
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Boise Hawks 2022 Seasonal Job Fair Announced
BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks have announced the date of their annual seasonal job fair for the 2022 season on Saturday, April 23rd from 10 AM to 1 PM at Memorial Stadium. The Hawks are in search of dedicated and reliable personnel to join their game day staff for the
Boise Hawks Announce Sports Career Academy
BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks, the Pioneer Baseball League Southern Division Champions, have announced they are taking resumes for their new Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy. The Boise Hawks Sports Career Academy gives Treasure Valley college students a first-hand look into the world of sports and entertainment sales and service.
Hawks Release New Hospitality Options for 2022
BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks, the Pioneer Baseball League Southern Division Champions, have released their new hospitality options at Memorial Stadium for the 2022 season. Groups now can choose from two hospitality options, based on time of food service and each with unique offerings. “Our goal is the give the
Hawks Announce Annual Winter Glove Drive
Hawks Announce Annual Winter Glove Drive Donate a pair of winter gloves and receive a complimentary ticket to Opening Night BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks, the Pioneer Baseball League Southern Division Champions, have announced their annual Winter Glove Drive. For each new pair of winter gloves donated, fans will receive
PBL Announces Postseason Award Winners
All Star Team, Award Winners and Stats Champs Announced At its Annual Meetings in Las Vegas, NV, the Pioneer Baseball League (“PBL”) today announced its 2021 All Star Team, Postseason Award Winners and Statistics Champions. Zac Almond, catcher for the PBL champion Missoula PaddleHeads was named the league’s Most Valuable
2022 Hawks Schedule Release
The Boise Hawks, 2021 Pioneer Baseball League Southern Division Champions, have announced their 2022 game schedule. The 2022 campaign begins on the road, in Idaho Falls, on Wednesday, May 25. Opening Night at Memorial Stadium will take place on Saturday, May 28 against the Idaho Fall Chukars. The final game
BallparktoberFest Postponed
BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks announced this morning that they have postponed BallparktoberFest, their annual beer tasting event at Memorial Stadium, until the Spring of 2022. “With TreeFort, AleFort, and various similarly themed events going on throughout the state, we unfortunately had to postpone BallparktoberFest until the spring. With all
From the Desk of Mike Van Hise
It’s taken a few days for me to come down from the excitement (and anxiety, lots of anxiety) of the Championship Series and I can’t help but take some time to share with you our thoughts on the 2021 season. For the first time, we were able to showcase home
PBL Championship Game Three: Boise bested in season finale
Boise, ID - In the final game of the PBL Championship, the Boise Hawks (1-2) had their season end in disappointing fashion, falling 14-1 at the hands of the Missoula PaddleHeads (2-1) on Thursday night at Memorial Stadium. It was a bad start for Boise, who allowed a two-run homer
PBL Championship Game Two: Hawks leave it late to force decisive Game Three
Boise, ID - Game Two of the PBL Championship Series was a story that matched much of the Boise Hawks (1-1) season as they completed a late comeback to take down the Missoula PaddleHeads (1-1) by a final score of 5-4 on Wednesday night at Memorial Stadium. Falling behind early
PBL Championship Game Two and Three Ticket Links
Tickets for the PBL Championship Series can be purchased from the following links, or by calling the front office at (208)-322-5000 or in person at the Gutterdone Box Office at Memorial Stadium. GAME 2 🎟: https://bit.ly/2YLssxL GAME 3 🎟: https://bit.ly/38W3w8m
PBL Championship Game One: Hits hard to come by for Hawks in loss
Missoula, MT - A lack of offense led to a Boise Hawks (0-1) defeat at the hands of the Missoula PaddleHeads (1-0) in Game One of the Pioneer Baseball League Championship Series by a final score of 8-2 on Monday night at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field. Missoula crossed the
PBL Championship Series Preview
Missoula, MT - In their very first season in the Pioneer League, the Boise Hawks have earned the right to play for the PBL Championship in a best of three series against the Missoula PaddleHeads. Both teams took vastly different routes to reach the championship series, with Missoula winning both
Southern Division Championship: Boise takes down Ogden in 12 innings, advances to PBL Championship Series
Ogden, UT - In the only extra innings game played in the Pioneer Baseball League this season, the Boise Hawks walked away as the PBL Southern Division Champions, winning 8-7 over the Ogden Raptors in 12 innings at Lindquist Field on Saturday night. Things started very poorly for the Hawks,
Boise Hawks, ITD Partner for Hawks Postseason
BOISE, ID: The Boise Hawks are excited to announce the Idaho Transportation Department will be the Presenting Partner of the 2021 Boise Hawks Post-Season. The Hawks return to the post-season for the first time in 7 years. “We’re really proud to partner with the Hawks and congratulate them on a
Game 95: Boise picks up division clinching victory on the strength of five home runs
Ogden, UT - Falling behind after six, a comeback in the final three innings would allow the Boise Hawks (28-19) to walk away from Lindquist Field as the PBL South Second Half Division Champions thanks to a 9-7 victory over the Ogden Raptors (25-22) on Thursday night. Ogden started the
Game 94: Boise struggles to score in series opener
Ogden, UT - A slow night for offense saw the Boise Hawks (27-19) come up short in a 6-2 ballgame against the Ogden Raptors (25-21) on Wednesday night at Lindquist Field. Runs wouldn’t end up on the scoreboard until the bottom of the fourth inning, in large part thanks to
Game 93: Boise breaks playoff drought with overpowering victory
Boise, ID - In their final regular season game at home in 2021 the Boise Hawks (27-18) not only defeated the Grand Junction Rockies (24-21) but also clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2014 thanks to a 7-3 victory on Monday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. Jason Dicochea
Game 92: Hawks can't hold early lead
Boise, ID - An early lead wouldn’t be enough for the Boise Hawks (26-18) who saw the Grand Junction Rockies (24-20) come back in the middle innings during an 8-6 defeat on Sunday night at Memorial Stadium. Like Friday night, it was Alejandro Rivero who gave Boise an early lead,
Game 91: Vancena puts Boise on verge of clinching second half crown
Boise, ID - After Matt Dallas shined on Friday, the Boise Hawks (26-17) got another marvelous pitching performance from their starter, guiding them to a 13-6 win over the Grand Junction Rockies (23-20) on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium. Offensively it was all Boise in the early and middle innings,
Game 90: Brilliant Dallas pitches Boise to 5-1 victory
Boise, ID - In a night dominated by pitching, it was the Boise Hawks (25-17) who found a way to put runs on the board, winning 5-1 over the Grand Junction Rockies (23-19) on Friday night at Memorial Stadium. Matt Dallas set the tone early, by striking out the side
Game 89: Boise can't hold back Grand Junction
Boise, ID - Thirteen unanswered runs would sink the Boise Hawks (24-17) in a 16-4 loss to the Grand Junction Rockies (23-18) on Thursday night at Memorial Stadium. It took until the third inning for either side to score, with the Rockies firing the opening salvo and plating three in
Game 88: Hawks steal series opener in a Knock Out
Boise, ID - A ninth inning comeback, and a Knock Out round victory padded the Boise Hawks (24-16) lead in the second half over the Grand Junction Rockies (22-18) thanks to a 5-4 victory on Wednesday night at Memorial Stadium. Most of the night was controlled by the men on
Game 87: Offensive onslaught sends Hawks home happy
Idaho Falls, ID - The Boise Hawks (23-16) unloaded an offensive barrage on the Idaho Falls Chukars (20-19) on their way to a 15-6 victory on Sunday night at Melaleuca Field. Hits came early and often for Boise, who got three knocks in the second inning, but ended up stranding
Game 86: Boise gives up early runs in defeat
Idaho Falls, ID - Trying to play catch-up all evening long would not be successful for the Boise Hawks (22-16) in a 14-5 loss to the Idaho Falls Chukars (20-18) on Saturday night at Melaleuca Field. Boise would fall behind 1-0 just two batters into the contest, and end up