Everything to know about Spring Breakout
One of the great joys of the annual All-Star Futures Game is the chance to put some of the game’s top prospects on one field in the middle of the summer and let them show off the tools that make them the future of baseball. But what if instead of
One of the great joys of the annual All-Star Futures Game is the chance to put some of the game’s top prospects on one field in the middle of the summer and let them show off the tools that make them the future of baseball.
But what if instead of one team for the American League and another for the National League, we allowed all 30 farm systems to form rosters full of their own prospects? And what if instead of one exhibition, we had 16? And what if instead of waiting for July, we pushed the series up four months?
Well, then we’d have Spring Breakout, a new Spring Training event arriving for 2024.
To better prepare fans for the inaugural edition, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is Spring Breakout?
Spring Breakout is a new Major League Baseball initiative aimed at showcasing the game’s young talent during the Spring Training period. Sixteen contests will be held across Arizona and Florida -- the Reds and Cardinals will play a pair each because of the uneven number of clubs in each state -- as part of the series. Twelve of the 16 games will be played as part of a traditional doubleheader with the Major League Spring Training game that day.
When are the games, and how can I watch?
All Breakout games will be held between March 14-17 across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, and the majority will be televised through MLB.com, MLB Network or regional sports networks. The full schedule is below, with broadcast channels included in parentheses. Broadcast details and game times are subject to change.
Thursday, March 14
• Reds @ Rangers, 6:05 p.m. ET/3:05 p.m. PT* (TBD)
• Orioles @ Pirates, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT* (MLBD/MLBN/SportsNet Pittsburgh)
Friday, March 15
• Marlins @ Cardinals, 2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT* (MLBD/MLBN)
• Nationals @ Mets, 3:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. PT* (MLBD/SNY/Nats.com audio)
• Padres @ Mariners, 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT (MLBD/MLBN/Root Sports/Padres.TV/Mariners radio)
• White Sox @ Cubs, 5:05 p.m. ET/2:05 p.m. PT (MLBD/Marquee)
• Giants @ Athletics, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT*
Saturday, March 16
• Braves @ Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT (MLBD/MLBN/NESN)
• Phillies @ Tigers, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT (MLBD/Tigers.TV/Phillies radio)
• Blue Jays @ Yankees, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT* (MLBD/MLBN/YES/Jays Radio)
• Rays @ Twins, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT* (TBD)
• Dodgers @ Angels, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT*
• Guardians @ Reds, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT^ (MLBD/CLEGuardians.com audio)
• D-backs @ Rockies, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT (MLBD/MLBN/Rockies.TV)
Sunday, March 17
• Astros @ Cardinals, 10:05 a.m. ET/7:05 a.m. PT^ (MLBD/Astros radio)
• Brewers @ Royals, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT (TBD)
* -- paired with Major League game as traditional doubleheader
^ – broadcast is audio-only
Carriers key:
MLBD = MLB Digital platforms (MLB app, MLB.com, MLB.TV)
MLBN = MLB Network
Who is playing?
Each roster will be constructed using MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Prospects list as its foundation. That means that players with rookie eligibility entering the 2024 season -- most of whom will come directly from those Top 30s -- can crack their club’s Spring Breakout roster. Major League rookie eligibility is defined as any player who has not yet exceeded 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 total regular-season days on an active roster at the game’s top level. So even players with Major League experience could participate in Spring Breakout if added to their respective rosters, which will include 23-27 players per club.
The rosters consist of 71 of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects and nearly two-thirds of the 900 players on Pipeline's organization Top 30 Prospects lists. Twenty-one of the 30 teams plan on sending their top prospect, as rated by MLB Pipeline. The Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Mariners and Rockies will have each of their 10 best prospects participate. The Astros, Nationals, Pirates, Red Sox, Royals and Twins will feature nine of their top 10 prospects.
Are there any special Spring Breakout rules?
Indeed! Let’s break them down by categories:
Length: Each Spring Breakout game will last seven innings, unless both teams agree to extend the contest to nine frames. The Padres and Mariners (Friday), Phillies and Tigers (Saturday) and Angels and Dodgers (Saturday) are all playing nine innings. There are no extra innings, so games can end in a tie.
ABS challenges: The Automated Ball-Strike Challenge system will be in effect for games played in five Florida State League venues (Bradenton, Fort Myers [Twins], Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Tampa) and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Each team will be able to challenge at least three ball-strike calls. A successful overturn gets the challenge returned to the club, and that continues until the club has three unsuccessful challenges.
The size of the strike zone will be determined by 53.5 percent of the batter’s height at the top, 27 percent of the batter’s height at the bottom and 17 inches wide as measured at the middle of the plate.
Three-batter minimum: There will be no three-batter minimum for pitchers upon entry into the game. This will allow clubs to feature as many arms as possible in this showcase format.
Player re-entry: Think of this as the Ohtani rule. If a pitcher is taken out of a Spring Breakout game, he may come back in later. (This only counts for pitchers, not position players unless an injury requires a substitution.) So a two-way player could pitch one inning on the mound, then return as a position player a few frames afterward.
Other notables: The games will use a pitch timer. PitchCom communication is allowed between pitcher and catcher. All clubs will be limited to seven mound visits per game.
Looking ahead to the future.
— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2024
SIX #SpringBreakout games will be broadcast live on @MLBNetwork. pic.twitter.com/NSmFgCnIKT
Where are the games?
Games will be played at the Major League field of the home club’s Spring Training facility.
How can I get tickets?
Links to all available Spring Breakout tickets can be found on the event’s homepage here. They can also be purchased directly on each club’s Spring Training tickets website. Of note, select attendees will get a free pack of cards featuring Spring Breakout players.
Do I need a separate ticket for doubleheader games?
No. Clubs hosting twin bills with the regular Major League Spring Training game allow fans to attend both contests with a single ticket.
What are the best matchups?
That Pirates-Orioles opener in the Sunshine State is what this event’s all about. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are two of only five farm systems that boast five or more prospects ranked among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. As if that wasn’t enough, this game could pit 2022 No. 1 overall pick Jackson Holliday against 2023 No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes in what would be one of the spring’s most highly anticipated at-bats.
Elsewhere, the Rays-Twins game will feature seven Top 100 prospects. Those looking for fun bragging rights should keep an eye on Cubs-White Sox (battle of Chicago), Giants-A’s (battle of the Bay Area), Padres-Mariners (battle of Peoria) and Marlins-Cardinals (battle of Jupiter).
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Clarke & Dombroski Drive Dramatic Win
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Wes Clarke was a double shy of the cycle and Trey Dombroski pitched 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball Saturday night as the Hooks upended the Naturals, 4-2, before 4,685 fans at Whataburger Field. Corpus Christi has won two of its last three games. Nic
Hooks Home After Two-Week Trek
CORPUS CHRISTI – Hooks Baseball is back at Whataburger Field Tuesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 29 as the Double-A Astros host Northwest Arkansas, Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Star Wars Night and Three Dollar Thursday collide June 26 for an (inter)stellar evening complete with discounts on
Hooks Mishandled Strong Showings by Fleury & Mancini
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Justin Johnson's three home run in the sixth inning was the difference in Northwest Arkansas' 3-1 win over the Hooks before the third-largest crowd of the season, 6,067 fans, at Whataburger Field. Jose Fleury, in his third start since coming off the IL, blanked the
Hooks Show Force with 12-Hit Attack
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Wes Clarke's two-out RBI base hit in the sixth inning Thursday night was the decisive swing in a 4-3 Star Wars Night win for the Hooks before 4,102 fans at Whataburger Field. Julio Rodriguez and Wilmy Sanchez teamed to allow just four Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Naturals Keep Hooks At Bay
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Southpaws Hunter Owen, Hunter Patteson, and Chazz Martinez led Northwest Arkansas to a 6-0 victory over the Hooks Wednesday evening at Whataburger Field. The Naturals have started the second half by taking the first two games of the series. Corpus Christi has dropped 11 of
Big Innings Power Naturals in Opener
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - Northwest Arkansas employed a pair of big innings Tuesday night, downing the Hooks, 8-2, before 3,141 fans in the second-half opener at Whataburger Field. Both of Corpus Christi's runs came courtesy of the big fly. Trevor Austin sent a 1-2 curveball from Shane Panzini
Dombroski Deals in Relief, Hooks Fall in First Half Finale
Box Score SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Hooks were confined to a Wes Clarke first-inning home run Sunday evening as the Cardinals engineered a 3-1 win at Hammons Field to close the first half of Texas League play. Clarke's first clout as a Hook traveled an estimated 435 feet, clearing the
Mancini Goes Five Strong, Late HR Lifts Springfield
Box Score SPRINGFIELD, MO - Darlin Moquete lifted a three-run home run to left field in the seventh inning Saturday night, leading the Cardinals to a 5-3 comeback win over Corpus Christi before 4,172 fans at Hammons Field. Trailing 1-0, the Hooks rallied for a three-spot in the third. Bryce
Cards No-Hit Hooks
Box Score SPRINGFIELD, MO - Tink Hence, Zane Mills, Austin Love, and Sean Harney teamed for nine no-hit innings as the Cardinals clipped the Hooks, 1-0, Friday night before 4,763 fans at Hammons Field. Hence, St. Louis' No. 2 pitching prospect, retired the first nine in order before issuing a
Springfield Secures First Half Title
Box Score SPRINGFIELD, MO - Joshua Baez hit two home runs and drove in five Thursday night as the Cardinals upended Corpus Christi, 7-1, before 3,335 fans at Hammons Field. Springfield, the first Texas League club to win 40 games, went 14-2 down the stretch to clinch a postseason berth
Cards Comeback in Sixth, Spoil Fine Effort by Urias
Box Score SPRINGFIELD, MO - Two-out home runs by Joshua Baez and Trey Paige fueled a three-run sixth for the Cardinals, who rallied to beat the Hooks, 7-2, Wednesday afternoon at Hammons Field. Corpus Christi's two runs came in the third. John Garcia looped a base hit into right before
Hooks Down Cards with Early Onslaught
Box Score SPRINGFIELD, MO - Pascanel Ferreras, Jeron Williams, and Garret Guillemette hit home runs in the second and third innings Tuesday, helping the Hooks to an 8-4 series opening win over the Cardinals before 3,707 fans at Hammons Field. In snapping a four-game slide, Corpus Christi also ended a
Three-Run Homer Nets Surge Comeback Win
Box Score WICHITA - Ben Ross connected for a two-out, three-run home run in the sixth inning Sunday afternoon, vaulting the Wind Surge to a 5-4 victory before 3,363 fans at Equity Bank Park. Joey Mancini fell one out shy of a quality start, surrendering the Ross round-tripper on his
Late Push Lifts Wichita
Box Score WICHITA, KS - The Wind Surge clinched a series win by edging Corpus Christi, 3-1, Saturday night before 5,885 fans at Equity Bank Park. Jose Fleury made his return from the injured list, throwing 17 pitches in a scoreless first inning. Fleury, appearing for the first time since
Surge Score in Bunches for 3-1 Lead
Box Score WICHITA - The Wind Surge hung a four-spot in the third and scored three runs in the seventh to power a 9-3 win over Corpus Christi before 6,917 fans Friday night at Equity Bank Ballpark. The Hooks need wins Saturday and Sunday to force a split of the
Surge Slow Hooks
Box Score WICHITA - Following an 11-0 Hooks win to even the six-game series, the Wind Surge countered by holding Corpus Christi to four hits Thursday night, posting a 5-1 victory in Game 3 at Equity Bank Park. Wichita overcame a 1-0 Hooks lead by scoring four times in the
Hooks Back Dombroski's Gem with Four Homers in Landslide Win
Box Score WICHITA - The Hooks blasted four two-run home runs while Trey Dombroski pitched his longest game since 2023, taming the Wind Surge over six sharp innings in an 11-0 triumph Wednesday afternoon at Equity Bank Park. Corpus Christi, turning in its largest win of the season, has evened
Surge Ride Long Ball in Tuesday Triumph
Box Score WICHITA - The Wind Surge connected for four home runs as part of a 14-hit showing Tuesday night, topping the Hooks, 8-2, before 2,985 fans at Equity Bank Park. Surrendering more than two round-trippers in a game for just the second time this season, Corpus Christi's run production
CC Drops Sunday Finale, Settles for Split
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - The Hooks fell short of a series win Sunday afternoon as the Travelers topped them, 6-1, before 4,223 fans at Whataburger Field. With the stalemate vs. Arkansas, Corpus Christi is 2-1 with one split over its last four series. Alex Santos II struck out five
Hooks Break Through in Eighth for Series Lead
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - The Hooks pounced for four runs on three Arkansas errors and a clutch swing by Luis Baez in the eighth inning Friday night, forging an 8-4 win over Arkansas before 5,027 fans at Whataburger Field. Ethan Pecko made his second start for the Hooks, striking
File Solves Hooks, Travs Pull Even
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Dylan File worked eight innings of one-run ball Friday night, helming the Travelers' 8-2 win over the Hooks before 5,194 fans at Whataburger Field. After winning two of the first three in the series, Corpus Christi was held to five hits and two walks while
Sanchez Saves Slim Win
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Wilmy Sanchez blanked Arkansas in the eighth and ninth Thursday night, securing a 5-4 win for Corpus Christi before 3,916 fans at Whataburger Field. The Hooks have won six of their last nine at home. Corpus Christi staked itself to a 5-0 lead after sending
Mancini Goes Seven, Travs Even Series
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Arkansas overcame seven strong innings by Joey Mancini Wednesday night, knocking off Corpus Christi, 4-1, at Whataburger Field. The six-game series is tied, 1-1. Mancini turned in the longest outing by a Hook in two seasons, allowing four runs while recording 21 outs in a
Bats Break Out in Series Opening Triumph
Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Seven Hooks drove in runs Tuesday night as Corpus Christi cruised to a 10-5 win over Arkansas before 3,248 fans at Whataburger Field. The Hooks, scoring double digit runs for the second time this season, have won five of their last seven home games. Corpus
Beach Towels, Hoodies, Arm Sleeves, H-E-B Gift Card Sweepstakes & Fireworks Highlight Homestand
CORPUS CHRISTI – Your Hooks return to Corpus Christi for six games against the Double-A Seattle Mariners Tuesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 8. Celebrate the start of summer at Whataburger Field with Bark in the Park presented by Animal Medical Corpus Christi on June 5. Also enjoy Three Dollar