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.
Greensboro Pitching Staff Tosses Second Perfect Game in Nine Days
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers made history once again at First National Bank Field on Sunday, July 13 as they tossed their second combined nine-inning perfect game in nine days, defeating the Bowling Green Hot Rods 4–0. The Grasshoppers pitching staff combined for a flawless 27-up, 27-down performance, marking
Hilson and Dumitru Power Grasshoppers Past Hot Rods, 10–4
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 10–4, on Saturday, July 12, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 14–6 in the second half of the season, while the Hot Rods dropped to 11–9. Both teams recorded nine hits, while
Five Home Runs Power Grasshoppers to 10-7 Victory Over Hot Rods
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers used a five-home run performance to defeat the Bowling Green Hot Rods 10-7 on Friday, July 11, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 13-6 in the second half of the season while the Hot Rods dropped to 11-8.
Grasshoppers Walk Off Game One, Settle for Doubleheader Split with Hot Rods
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers split their doubleheader with the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Thursday, July 10 at First National Bank Field. Greensboro secured a 5-4 walk-off victory in game one, highlighted by a clutch hit from Geovanny Planchart, before falling 6-4 in game two. With the split,
Grasshoppers Drop Series Opener to Hot Rods, 4–2, on Tuesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 4–2, on Tuesday, July 8, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Hot Rods improved to 10–6 in the second half of the season, while the Grasshoppers dropped to 11–5. Bowling Green edged Greensboro in
Grasshoppers Offense Leads the Way in a 9-5 Win Over the IronBirds
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Aberdeen IronBirds, 9-5, on Thursday afternoon at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 9-3 in the second half of the South Atlantic League season, while the IronBirds fell to 5-7. Greensboro outhit Aberdeen 8-6, as the IronBirds
Grasshoppers Defeat IronBirds 7-3 on Wednesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers secured a 7-3 victory over the Aberdeen IronBirds on Wednesday, July 2, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 8-3 in the second half of the season, while the IronBirds dropped to 5-6. Despite being outhit 9-7, Greensboro capitalized
Grasshoppers Fall 5-2 to IronBirds in a Rain-Shortened Complete Game on Tuesday Evening
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Aberdeen IronBirds, 5-2, in a rain-shortened complete game on Tuesday, July 1, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the IronBirds improved to 5-5 in the second half of the season while the Grasshoppers dropped to 7-3. Aberdeen outhit Greensboro
Grasshoppers Blank the Dash 7-0 to Secure Series Victory
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers shut out the Winston‑Salem Dash, 7–0, on Sunday afternoon, June 28, at First National Bank Field to clinch the six‑game set. Greensboro improved to 7–2 in the second half, while Winston‑Salem dropped to 3–6. The Hoppers outhit the Dash, 7–1, and each side committed
Grasshoppers Take Down Dash 3-1 on Saturday Night
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Winston-Salem Dash, 3-1, on Saturday, June 28, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 6-2 in the second half of the season, while the Dash dropped to 3-5. Despite being outhit 5-4, Greensboro capitalized on key moments,
Grasshoppers and Dash Split Friday Doubleheader at First National Bank Field
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers and Winston-Salem Dash split their seven-inning doubleheader on Friday, June 27, at First National Bank Field. The Dash claimed a 3-2 victory in game one, while the Grasshoppers responded with a 4-0 shutout win in game two. GAME ONE The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped the
Castillo Lifts Grasshoppers to a 3-2 Walk-Off Victory Over the Dash
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers secured a 3-2 walk-off win over the Winston-Salem Dash on Wednesday, June 25, thanks to a ninth-inning single by infielder Jesus Castillo. With the win, Greensboro improved to 4-1 in the second half of the season while Winston-Salem dropped to 2-3. The Hoppers outhit
Grasshoppers Open Homestand With 6-2 Win Over the Dash
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Winston-Salem Dash, 6-2, in the opening game of their home series on Tuesday, June 24. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 3-1 in the second half of the season, while the Dash dropped to 2-2. Both teams recorded six hits on
Grasshoppers Earn 9-4 Win Over Spartanburgers to Split Series
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Hub City Spartanburgers, 9-4, on Sunday afternoon to secure a series split at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 37-19 on the season, while the Spartanburgers fell to 30-27. Both teams recorded 10 hits, while Hub City
Grasshoppers Fell to Spartanburgers, 7-4, Following Lengthy Rain Delay on Saturday Night
GREENSBORO, N.C. – After a two-hour rain delay, the Greensboro Grasshoppers were defeated by the Hub City Spartanburgers, 7-4, on Saturday, June 7. With the win, the Spartanburgers improved to 30-26 on the season while the Grasshoppers dropped to 36-19. Hub City outhit Greensboro 7-5 and committed one error in
Grasshoppers Edge the Spartanburgers, 2-1, in a Weather-Shortened Seven-Inning Game
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Hub City Spartanburgers, 2-1, in a weather-shortened, seven-inning complete game on Friday, June 6, at First National Bank Field. With the win, the Grasshoppers improved to 36-18, while the Spartanburgers dropped to 29-26. Both teams recorded five hits, with Greensboro committing one
Grasshoppers Fall to the Spartanburgers, 7-4, on Thursday Night
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Hub City Spartanburgers, 7-4, on Thursday evening at First National Bank Field. With the loss, the Grasshoppers dropped to 35-18 on the season, while the Spartanburgers improved to 29-25. Hub City edged Greensboro in hits, 9-8, with both teams committing one
Grasshoppers Drop 4-1 Contest to Spartanburgers on Wednesday Afternoon
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Hub City Spartanburgers, 4-1, on Wednesday afternoon at First National Bank Field. With the loss, the Grasshoppers moved to 35-17 on the season while the Spartanburgers improved to 28-25. Hub City held a slight edge in hits, 6-4, as both teams
Grasshoppers Open Homestand With 4-1 Win Over the Spartanburgers
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers earned a 4-1 victory over the Hub City Spartanburgers on Tuesday night, kicking off their home series at First National Bank Field. With the win, Greensboro improved to 35-16 on the season, while Hub City dropped to 27-25. The Grasshoppers outhit the Spartanburgers and
Grasshoppers Defeat the Hot Rods 2-1 in Final Game of its Home Series
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods 2-1, in the final game of its home series on Sunday, June 1. The Grasshoppers improved to 34-16 on the season while the Hot Rods fell to 27-23 as both teams had four hits. Infielder Javier Rivas led
Grasshoppers Drop Saturday Night Game to the Hot Rods, 9-6
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Bowling Green Hot Rods, 9-6 on Saturday May 31. The Hot Rods improved to 27-22 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 33-16. Greensboro outhit Bowling Green 10-9 as both teams had one mishap. Catcher Geovanny Planchart led the Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers Split its Two Games With the Hot Rods Friday Evening
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers split its two games with the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Friday, May 30. The Hot Rods took game one 2-1 as the Grasshoppers took game two 4-1. Greensboro moved to 33-15 on the season while Bowling Green moved to 26-22. GAME ONE RESUMPTION
Grasshoppers Drop First Game of its Home Series Against the Hot Rods 7-6, on Wednesday Afternoon
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers fell to the Bowling Green Hot Rods 7-6, in the first game of its home series on Wednesday, May 28. The Hot Rods improved to 25-21 on the season while the Grasshoppers fell to 32-14. Greensboro outhit Bowling Green 10-7 as the Hot Rods
Grasshoppers Fall to the Emperors, 10-6 in the Final Game of its Home Series
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers dropped 10-6 to the Rome Emperors on Sunday, May 18 for the final game of the series. The Emperors improved to 21-18 while the Grasshoppers fell to 27-12. Rome outhit Greensboro 11-8 as the Grasshoppers had five mishaps to the Emperors one. Infielder Maikol
Grasshoppers Secure the Series Win With a 4-2 Victory Over the Emperors
GREEENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers secured the series win with a 4-2 victory over the Rome Emperors on Saturday, May 17. The Grasshoppers improved to 27-11 while the Emperors fell to 20-18. Rome outhit Greensboro 6-5 as the Emperors had two mishaps to the Grasshoppers one. Outfielder Enmanuel Terrero