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.
TONIGHT is a Party at Huntington Park!
Don't miss this week's series between Indianapolis and your Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park! June baseball is here in the Arena District. TICKETS Tuesday Game Highlight: Tansky Tuesday Dime-A-Dog Night A Columbus staple, join us for Tansky Tuesday Dime-A-Dog Night with ten cent hot dogs available throughout the game, while
Full House Cheers Clippers to Victory
COLUMBUS, OH – On Friday night in front of a packed Huntington Park, the Columbus Clippers defeated Indianapolis, 4-2. Indianapolis starting pitcher Thomas Harrington was perfect for the first 3 innings, but the Clippers got to him in the 4th when Brayan Rocchio tripled and came home to score on
Clippers Win One, Lose One Thursday
COLUMBUS, OH – After an early afternoon rain delay on Thursday, the Columbus Clippers resumed their suspended game against Indianapolis from the previous evening and ultimately won, 8-7. The regularly scheduled game did not go as planned, with the Clippers blowing a six-run lead to fall 8-6. In the resumption
Huge Crowd Cheers on Clippers Tuesday
COLUMBUS, OH – Over 10,000 fans packed Huntington Park for Tansky Tuesday Dime-A-Dog Night, and while most got plenty to eat, unfortunately they were not treated to a Clippers victory as Indianapolis won the series opener, 7-2. Indy struck first with a pair of runs in the 1st. A possible
Clippers Blow Open Pitchers' Duel in 10th
BUFFALO, NY – The pitchers stole the show for most of Sunday's game in Buffalo, but the Columbus Clippers eventually broke the scoreless tie in the 10th inning with a seven-run explosion. Buffalo's attempt at a comeback in the bottom of the 10th fell short, and the Clippers depart town
Clippers Win Clash of Blue Jerseys
BUFFALO, NY – The Columbus Clippers took care of business on "614 Day", defeating the Bisons at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, 6-1. Wearing their 1990's retro navy jerseys, the Clippers beat the royal blue-clad Bisons behind a dominant effort from starting hurler Vince Velasquez (3-2). He allowed just one run
Back-and-Forth Affair Friday in Buffalo
BUFFALO, NY – The Columbus Clippers dropped a well-fought, back-and-forth style game Friday night in Buffalo, 6-5. It was a tall order this evening against rehabbing legend Max Scherzer. Buffalo's Joey Loperfido singled home the game's first run in the 1st inning. Then in the top of the 2nd, C.J.
Clippers Crush the Bisons on Thursday
BUFFALO, NY – The Columbus Clippers rolled past the Bisons on Thursday in Buffalo, 7-1. Columbus homered four times in the game. Petey Halpin set the tone in the first at-bat of the night, blasting his sixth long ball of the season to right field.
Late rally carries Bisons past Clippers
BUFFALO, NY – The Columbus Clippers lost Wednesday to the Buffalo Bisons, 5-2. The Clippers dented the plate first on an exciting play in the top of the 4th inning. Brayan Rocchio tripled off the right field wall, and was then able to score when the right fielder's throw hit
Clippers Win Series Opener in Buffalo
BUFFALO, NY – The Columbus Clippers rallied late to defeat the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday, 4-3. It was the first matchup in a six-game series at Sahlen Field. Will Wilson homered twice for the Clip Show, giving a much-needed boost upon his return to the Columbus lineup.
ClipShow Drops Finale against Toledo
COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Clippers came up short Sunday in the series finale against the Toledo Mud Hens, losing by a score of 11-9. Overall though the Clippers took four games out of six versus their in-state rivals this week at Huntington Park. Columbus trailed from the get-go Sunday,
Clippers Bullpen Comes Through Saturday
COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Clippers beat the Toledo Mud Hens 2-1 on Saturday evening at Huntington Park. Starter Ryan Webb had a rough first inning, giving up a run-scoring double and later taking a line drive off his leg. He finished the inning but was removed prior to the
Capacity Crowd Packs Huntington Park Friday
COLUMBUS, OH – It was a beautiful Friday night in the Arena District as 10,100 faithful Clippers fans packed Huntington Park to enjoy $5 Friday and fireworks. Unfortunately, the Clippers were beaten for the first time this week by Toledo, 8-3. Starting pitcher Parker Messick (3-2) was defeated for just
Los Veleros take care of the Mud Hens
COLUMBUS, OH – Playing for the first time at home this season as "Los Veleros", Columbus defeated the visiting Toledo Mud Hens on Thursday, 3-2. Left-handed hurler Doug Nikhazy once again turned in a stellar outing for the crowd at Huntington Park. He went 6.0+ innings and improved his record
Back-to-back wins over the Mud Hens
COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Clippers won for the second straight night over the Toledo Mud Hens on Wednesday, cruising to a 5-2 victory in front of over 6,000 fans at Huntington Park. Starting pitcher Aaron Davenport was solid over 4.0 innings, surrendering just one run on two hits with
Full House Sees Clippers Prevail Tuesday
COLUMBUS, OH – On a picture-perfect Tansky Tuesday Dime-A-Dog Night at Huntington Park, 10,688 fans packed Huntington Park to watch the Columbus Clippers best visiting Toledo, 6-1. Starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (2-1) delivered a fantastic outing for the ClipShow, striking out eight Mud Hens over 5.2 scoreless innings while allowing
Clippers Lose Another Close Game Sunday
ROCHESTER, NY – The Columbus Clippers dropped their seventh game in a row Sunday afternoon at Rochester, falling to the Red Wings, 7-6. It was the fifth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Red Wings, and ninth overall in the last ten games for the ClipShow. Sunday's defeat was
Another Tough Loss for the Clippers Saturday
ROCHESTER, NY – The Columbus Clippers dropped their sixth game in a row Saturday evening at Rochester, falling to the Red Wings, 7-6. It was the fifth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Red Wings, and eighth overall in the last nine games for the ClipShow. The Clippers jumped
Clippers See Come-From-Behind Effort Fall Short
ROCHESTER, NY – The Columbus Clippers dropped their fifth game in a row Friday evening at Rochester, falling to the Red Wings, 10-9. It was the fourth consecutive defeat at the hands of the Red Wings, and seventh overall in the last eight games for the ClipShow. The Clippers scored
Extra Innings Unkind to Clippers Thursday
ROCHESTER, NY – The Columbus Clippers dropped their fourth game in a row on Thursday evening at Rochester, falling to the Red Wings in ten innings, 8-7. It was the third consecutive defeat at the hands of the Red Wings, and sixth overall in the last seven games for the
Clippers Blanked by Red Wings Wednesday
ROCHESTER, NY – The Columbus Clippers dropped their third game in a row on Wednesday afternoon at Rochester, falling to the Red Wings, 5-0. It was the second consecutive defeat at the hands of the Red Wings, and fifth overall in the last six games for the ClipShow. Starting pitcher
DeLauter Goes Deep on Memorial Day
ROCHESTER, NY – Chase DeLauter went deep for the first time this season on Monday afternoon in Rochester, but the Columbus Clippers fell to the Red Wings, 4-1. In just his third game since being activated from the Injured List, DeLauter led off the top of the 2nd inning with
Clippers Can't Keep Up with Cubs in Finale
COLUMBUS – Nearly 9,500 fans packed Huntington Park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the Arena District, but sadly the Columbus Clippers were defeated by Iowa, 9-3. The loss means the Clippers and Cubs finished the six-game series tied at three wins apiece. Johnathan Rodriguez provided the first run for
Capacity Crowd Cheers Clippers Over Cubs Saturday
COLUMBUS – A full house of 10,100 fans turned out on a beautiful Saturday night in the Arena District as the Columbus Clippers knocked off the Iowa Cubs, 5-1. The Clippers exploded for four runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, highlighted by RBI doubles off the bats of
Wild Friday Evening Ends in Defeat
COLUMBUS – The Columbus Clippers led 5-3 after a wild 1st inning on Friday night, but after things settled down the Iowa Cubs came back to secure a 7-5 victory over the ClipShow. The newest Clippers, Aaron Davenport, surrendered three runs in the top of the 1st including a leadoff