Spring Breakout: The Future of The Game on Display

Spring training is well underway and baseball is finally here. While spring training is a chance to see new roster additions, possible starting lineups, and our favorite familiar stars, Major League Baseball (MLB) is bringing back year two of its new Sping Breakout! In 2024, the MLB launched a new prospect player showcase called “Spring Breakout” to highlight some of the best up and coming talent in Minor League Baseball and it is here to stay as they are bringing it back in just a few days.

What is Spring Breakout?

MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event to showcase future MLB players who are currently the stars of the minor leagues. Each MLB team has a showcase team with all of their highly ranked prospects who are looking to turn heads at the next level. 16 exhibition games will take place from March 13-16 in Cactus and Grapefruit League Stadiums (Arizona and Florida).

Who is Playing?

Any player entering the 2025 MLB season with rookie eligibility is also eligible to play in Spring Breakout. 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 making even some guys like Coby Mayo eligible for the showcase.

Here is a look at former Delmarva Shorebirds who are representing the Orioles along with their rank in the Orioles Top-30 Prospects list according to MLB Pipeline:

Pitchers:

Michael Forret, RHP, No. 8

Keeler Morfe, RHP, No. 9

Nestor German, RHP, No. 11

Luis De Leon, LHP, No. 14

Cameron Weston, RHP, No. 17

Catchers:

Samuel Basallo, C/1B, No. 1 (MLB No. 13)

Creed Williams C/1B, No. 12

Ethan Andersom, C/1B, No. 18

Miguel Rodriguez, C, NR

Infielders:

Griff O’Ferrall, SS, No. 7

Aron Estrada, INF, No. 16

Leandro Arias, 2B/SS, No. 20

Max Wagner, 3B, NR

Fernando Peguero, SS, NR

Outfielders:

Enrique Bradfield Jr, OF, No. 3

Vance Honeycutt, OF, No. 5

Dylan Beavers, OF, No. 6

Thomas Sosa, OF, No. 22

Jud Fabian, OF, No. 23

Austin Overn, OF, No. 29

What Makes Spring Breakout Unique?

In most of the regular spring training games for the first 5-6 innings of the game it is the players on the 40-man roster who are in the game and players who have already solidified themselves as MLB players. The spring breakout games allow the young talents to exhibit their talents for a full nine inning game instead of just the last 3-4 innings. Teams also benefit by seeing their top prospects go up against other high caliber prospects and the fans love it too as it brings us exciting moments where for example last March when Jackson Holliday and Paul Skenes went head to head.

When Does it Take Place?

Spring Breakout is more than just an exhibition, it is a new facet to MLB’s system that seems beneficial for all parties. O’s and Yankees prospects will face off on Saturday, March 15 at 6:05 p.m. ET at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. As these prospects continue to develop, fans can take pride in knowing they got an early look at future stars who may soon make an impact at Camden Yards and beyond.