Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Spring Breakout returns for 2025!

See all of the matchups for next year's prospect showcase
@SamDykstraMiLB
August 15, 2024

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.

Doktorczyk named FSL Pitcher of The Week

June 9, 2025

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 9, 2025) - Fort Myers Mighty Mussel Jason Doktorczyk was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the week by Minor League Baseball for his performance during the week of June 2-8. The 6’6” righty struck out five hitters across five shutout innings in his start

Mighty Mussels Top Flying Tigers 5-4 In Extras

May 24, 2025

Mighty Mussels Top Flying Tigers 5-4 In Extras BOX SCORE LAKELAND, Fla. (May 24, 2025) - The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels defeated the Lakeland Flying Tigers 5-4 in 10 innings on Saturday night at Publix Field. In the top of the tenth, Dameury Pena shot an opposite field single on

Poncho Ruiz Delivers Walk-Off as Mussels down Hammerheads 6-5 to Even Series

April 30, 2025

BOX SCORE FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 30, 2025) - Mighty Mussels catcher Poncho Ruiz hammered a walk-off, two-run double to lift Fort Myers over the Jupiter Hammerheads 6-5 at Hammond Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. With Fort Myers (13-10) trailing 5-4 with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning,

Salas’ Six RBI Day Powers Mussels Past Threshers 10-1

April 27, 2025

BOX SCORE CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 27, 2025) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels exploded for 10 runs across the first three innings on Sunday afternoon, as they defeated the Clearwater Threshers 10-1 at BayCare Ballpark. The Mussels (12-9) have now won back-to-back series and sit in a tie with the

Houghton’s Go-Ahead Homer Powers Mussels Past Threshers 5-3 in 10 Innings

April 24, 2025

Houghton’s Go-Ahead Homer Powers Mussels Past Threshers 5-3 in 10 Innings BOX SCORE CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 24, 2025) – Maddux Houghton might not have started Thursday’s game against the Clearwater Threshers, but he delivered the game winning hit with a 3-run home run down the left field line in the

Mussels Match Franchise Record with 19 Strikeout Performance in 1-0 Win

April 17, 2025

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 16, 2025) - The Fort Myers pitching staff tied a Mighty Mussels era record with 19 strikeouts on their way to a 1-0 shutout victory over the Bradenton Marauders on Wednesday night at Hammond Stadium. The shutout was the first of the season for the Mussels

Hill Dominates In Debut As Mussels Earn First Win Of Feldman Era

April 5, 2025

JUPITER, Fla. (April 5, 2025) – Dasan Hill dominated in the first start of his professional career as the Mighty Mussels defeated the Palm Beach Cardinals 6-4 to earn their first win of the season on Saturday night. Hill was nearly perfect in his highly anticipated debut. The Twins No.

Mighty Mussels Baseball Network to Broadcast 105 games, Team Announces Changes to Broadcast Booth

April 3, 2025

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 3, 2025) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have unveiled their 2025 broadcast schedule, with coverage for 105 of the teams 132 regular season games. The Mighty Mussels Baseball Network will provide video streams for all 66 home games, while simulcasting with the traditional free audio

Mighty Mussels Announce 2025 Opening Day Roster, Featuring Three Top 30 Prospects

March 31, 2025

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 31, 2025) – In conjunction with the Minnesota Twins, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have announced their 2025 Opening Night roster. The roster is highlighted by three players on the Twins Top 30 Prospect list on MLB Pipeline. Left-handed pitcher Dasan Hill (No. 13) is the

Mighty Mussels Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule 

March 26, 2025

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2025) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have announced their 2025 promotional schedule – highlighted by Grand Slam Saturdays, fireworks, post-game concerts, theme nights, and specialty jerseys. The 2025 season opens on the road on April 4 in Palm Beach, with the teams’ home opener

Mighty Mussels’ 2025 Schedule and Game Times Finalized

October 28, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 6, 2025) – The Mighty Mussels’ 2025 schedule has been revised and finalized, the league office has announced. In the wake of the stadium accommodations made by the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Tarpons, Major League Baseball has adjusted the Florida State League matchups while maintaining

Seth Feldman to Lead Mighty Mussels’ Coaching Staff in 2025

January 21, 2025

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 21, 2025) – The Minnesota Twins have announced their minor league coaching assignments Tuesday, including the full staff for the 2025 Mighty Mussels. Seth Feldman has been named the club’s manager for 2025, just the second manager of the Mussels’ era. Brian Meyer has been assigned

Maddux Houghton Receives Harmon Killebrew Award

September 17, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 17, 2024) - Mighty Mussels' outfielder Maddux Houghton has been named the club's 2024 recipient of the Harmon Killebrew Award. An annual award that was created in 2011 to honor the passing of Twins' legend Harmon Killebrew, the Killebrew Award goes to one minor league player

WATCH: Brandon Winokur's 3-Homer Game

February 11, 2025

WATCH: Kaelen Culpepper Home Run

February 11, 2025

WATCH: Billy Amick Home Run

February 11, 2025

Mussels Mash Three Home Runs To Win Regular Season Finale 9-4

September 10, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 8, 2024) – The Mighty Mussels matched a season high with three home runs as Fort Myers defeated Lakeland 9-4 in the regular season finale at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Mussels (66-59, 35-25) hit three homers in a game for the third time this season and for

Mussels Rebound with 5-4 Win Over Flying Tigers

September 10, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 7, 2024) – The Mighty Mussels snapped their season-high seven game losing streak with a 5-4 victory at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium Saturday. Fort Myers starter Adrian Bohorquez tossed three scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing just one hit and one walk. He averaged

Mussels Eliminated From Playoff Contention After Doubleheader Defeat

September 6, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 6, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels were eliminated from playoff contention after being swept in Friday’s doubleheader by the Lakeland Flying Tigers, who clinched the second half championship in the FSL West. The Mussels (64-59, 33-25) had a six-game lead in the standings over Lakeland

Mussels Shut Out by Lakeland 4-0, Fall Out of First Place

September 10, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 4, 2024) – The Lakeland Flying Tigers tossed a four-hit shutout Wednesday, taking over first place in the FSL West with a 4-0 win over the Mighty Mussels at Joker Marchant Stadium. Zack Lee (3 IP), Duque Hebbert (4 IP) and Garrett Apker (2 IP) combined to

Flying Tigers Claim Rain-Shortened Game 5-2

September 3, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 3, 2024) – The Lakeland Flying Tigers claimed the first game of a critical six-game series Tuesday, winning 5-2 over the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in six innings at Joker Marchant Stadium. The Flying Tigers (77-48, 35-25) are now 0.5 games behind the Mighty Mussels (64-56, 33-22)

Mussels Swept by Threshers in Saturday Doubleheader

September 1, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 31, 2024) – The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels fell in both ends of their doubleheader against the Clearwater Threshers by final scores of 5-2 and 7-3 on Saturday at Hammond Stadium. The Mussels’ (64-54, 33-19) magic number to clinch a playoff spot remains at seven games

Friday's Mussels-Threshers Game Suspended Due to Field Conditions

August 30, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 30, 2024) - Friday's game between the Mighty Mussels and Clearwater Threshers has been suspended due to unplayable field conditions at Hammond Stadium. The game will be completed at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday. The second game of Friday's doubleheader will be made up as part of

Threshers Top Mussels 8-1 To Even Series

September 1, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 28, 2024) – The Clearwater Threshers defeated the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 8-1 Wednesday night at Hammond Stadium to even the series at one game apiece. The Mussels (64-53, 33-19) saw their second half lead in the FSL West drop to 3.0 games with 10 games

Sunday's Mussels-Threshers Game Cancelled

September 1, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 1, 2024) - Sunday's game between the Mighty Mussels and Clearwater Threshers has been cancelled due to unplayable field conditions at Hammond Stadium, as deemed by umpires Chad Lagana and Kaden Tichenor. The game will not be made up. All tickets to Sunday's game can be