2024 Draft class gets early chance to take center stage at Spring Breakout
When players are taken in the early rounds of the MLB Draft, it’s easy to dream about seeing them under the bright lights of the big leagues, but a common refrain has been that fans don't get to see those players for years after they're selected. Thanks to Spring Breakout,
When players are taken in the early rounds of the MLB Draft, it’s easy to dream about seeing them under the bright lights of the big leagues, but a common refrain has been that fans don't get to see those players for years after they're selected.
Thanks to Spring Breakout, we don’t have to wait to see the most recent top Draft picks under a big spotlight.
This week, all 30 teams will put the best their farm systems have to offer on display and provide an early introduction to just what their scouting departments brought in last July. Of the top 36 picks from last year’s Draft, 34 are on Spring Breakout rosters and should get the chance to show what they can do on a bigger professional stage. Of the 65 players taken through the end of the second round last year, 59 of those will be on hand, 26 of whom have yet to make their professional debut.
It is one of the more exciting aspects of Spring Breakout, which is now in its second year. In last year’s inaugural edition, 54 of the top 66 players taken prior to the third round in 2023 -- and 32 of the top 36 -- were on rosters. The first pick of 26 teams played last year and it’s looking like there should be a repeat in 2025, with 28 of 30 teams sending their first selection from the 2024 Draft to their Spring Breakout games.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
At last year’s Spring Breakout, No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes’ start was the talk of the event, facing off against former top pick Jackson Holliday. This year, Travis Bazzana has the 1-1 banner in Spring Breakout and he’ll get to face a very good Mariners squad and perhaps their 2024 first-rounder, switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje.
In addition to Cijntje being the first switch-pitcher to go to a Spring Breakout game, he’s also one of the many 2024 draftees who have yet to officially play a professional game. He’s one of nine first-round picks who haven’t made their pro debuts yet:
2. Chase Burns, RHP, Reds (No. 1/MLB No. 26)
9. Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Pirates (No. 2/MLB No. 43)
11. Bryce Rainer, SS, Tigers (No. 4/MLB No. 52)
12. Braden Montgomery, OF, White Sox (No. 5/MLB No. 54)
15. Jurrangelo Cijntje, RHP/LHP, Mariners (No. 9)
23. Kellon Lindsey, SS, Dodgers (No. 8)
25. Kash Mayfield, LHP, Padres (No. 3)
26. Ben Hess, RHP, Yankees (No. 4)
29. Slade Caldwell, OF, D-backs (No. 3)
Skenes may have been a bit of an outlier as someone who “debuted” in Spring Breakout and then was in the big leagues by May, but there are a number of the top picks above who could be on a fast track and make it to the Major Leagues at some point in 2025. And then there are the college bats like Bazzana (MLB No. 10), Nick Kurtz (No. 38), Jac Caglianone (No. 22), JJ Wetherholt (No. 23) and Christian Moore (No. 67), all of whom got their feet wet in the Minors last summer and could be facing Major League pitching before too long.
Last year, 15 of the first-round picks on Spring Breakout rosters were on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. That number has been replicated on this year’s list. Six of them are currently the No. 1 prospects for their organizations, including Cam Smith (MLB No. 58), who sits atop a different system’s list than the one who drafted him after heading to the Astros from the Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade. Braden Montgomery is the other 2024 first-rounder going to the showcase who has already changed teams after heading to the White Sox via the Garrett Crochet deal with Boston.
Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLBPipeline.com. Follow him on Facebook and @JonathanMayo, and listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Lawlar Named Pacific Coast League Player of the Month for April
RENO, Nev. – Following a scorching hot month at the plate, Reno Aces infielder Jordan Lawlar was named Pacific Coast Player of the Month for the month of April by Minor League Baseball on Monday. Lawlar, the top prospect in the Diamondbacks organization, hit .408/.487/.749 and led the PCL in
Reno Aces Announce Promotional Schedule for May
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces announced the club's May promotional schedule today for all 12 home games during the 2025 season's second full month. Individual Game tickets are currently on sale via RenoAces.com, or by texting "TIXX" to 21003. Special Events Dog Day presented by Sit Means Sit, NBC
Reno Returns to Greater Nevada Field for Silver State Showdown vs. Las Vegas
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (18–15) return to Greater Nevada Field this week to host a crucial six-game series against their Silver State rivals, the Las Vegas Aviators (23–10), the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Riding the momentum of eight wins in their last 10 games, the Aces
Aces Power Past River Cats, Take Four of Six in Sacramento
Sacramento, Calif. – The Reno Aces (18–15) defeated the Sacramento River Cats (16–17), the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in a six-game series this past week at Sutter Health Park. The BLC-Nine took home four wins from Sacramento and have moved into third place in the Pacific Coast
Aces Drop Series Finale in Walk-Off Fashion to River Cats
Reno Aces (18-15) 2, Sacramento River Cats (16-17) 3 W: M. Diaz (1-1) L: K. Backhus (1-1) First pitch: 1:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,621 | Time: 2:11 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs Las Vegas, 5/6/25 at 11:05 a.m. PST
Reno's Bullpen Holds Down the River Cats Offense in 5-1 Victory
Reno Aces (18-14) 5, Sacramento River Cats (15-17) 1 W: C. Gomez (1-0) L: C. Seymour (1-3) First pitch: 6:38 p.m. PST | Attendance: 11,611 | Time: 2:24 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 5/4/25 at 1:05 p.m. PST (RNO)
Aces Fall 3-2 to River Cats, Drop Seven-Game Winning Streak
Reno Aces (17-14) 2, Sacramento River Cats (15-16) 3 W: T. McDonald (2-1) L: Y. Diaz (0-2) S: K. Teng (1) First pitch: 6:49 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,454 | Time: 2:17 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 5/3/25 at
Amendt Shuts the Door on Sacramento in Extras, Reno Extends Winning Streak to Seven Games
Reno Aces (17-13) 3, Sacramento River Cats (14-16) 2 W: C. Montes De Oca (1-0) L: A. Jimenez (1-2) S: K. Amendt (1) First pitch: 6:47 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,799 | Time: 2:23 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento,
Aces Extend Winning Streak to Six Games, Pummel River Cats 16-6
Reno Aces (16-13) 16, Sacramento River Cats (14-15) 6 W: J. Brigham (4-1) L: J. Garza (1-2) First pitch: 6:48 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,783 | Time: 3:05 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 5/1/25 at 6:45 p.m. PST (RNO)
Mancini’s Grand Slam, Mena’s Dominance Fuel 7-3 Victory in Series Opener vs. Sacramento
Reno Aces (15-13) 7, Sacramento River Cats (14-14) 3 W: C. Mena (2-3) L: M. Black (0-2) First pitch: 12:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,568 | Time: 2:45 Sacramento, California – Sutter Health Park Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 4/30/25 at 6:45 p.m. PST (RNO)
Aces Take Four-Game Winning Streak into Road Trip at Sacramento
RENO, Nev. – Following a two-week homestand, the Reno Aces (14-13) will hit the road and travel to Sacramento to take on the River Cats (14-13), the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The six-game series kicks off on Tuesday, April 29, with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m.
Aces Win Four Straight to Seal Series Victory Over Albuquerque
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (14-13) took down the Albuquerque Isotopes (11-16), the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, winning four of six games this past week at Greater Nevada Field. The Isotopes opened the series with back-to-back wins, but the Aces stormed back with four straight victories to
Henry Shines, Aces Put Away Isotopes 8-2 in Series Finale
Reno Aces (14-13) 8, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-16) 2 W: T. Rashi (2-1) L: R. Rolison (2-1) First pitch: 1:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,196 | Time: 2:38 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: @ Sacramento, 4/9/25 at 12:05 p.m. PST (RNO) TBD
Alexander Goes Yard Twice, Aces Cruise Past Isotopes 11-1
Reno Aces (13-13) 11, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-14) 1 W: J. Mantiply (1-0) L: J. O’Loughlin (1-2) First pitch: 4:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,040 | Time: 2:29 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/27/25 at 1:05 p.m. PST (ABQ) LHP
Vukovich’s Two-Homer, Six-RBI Night Powers Reno to 17-11 Win vs. Albuquerque
Reno Aces (12-13) 17, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-14) 11 W: B. Corcoran (2-3) L: A. Quezada (0-1) First pitch: 6:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 5,146 | Time: 3:03 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/26/25 at 4:05 p.m. PST (ABQ) RHP
Mancini’s Late-Inning Knock Lifts Silver Sox Over Isotopes in 8-7 Win
Reno Silver Sox (11-13) 8, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-13) 7 W: S. McGough (1-0) L: J. Yan (1-3) First pitch: 11:06 a.m. PST | Attendance: 4,414 | Time: 3:13 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/25/25 at 6:05 p.m. PST (ABQ)
Reno Outclassed by Albuquerque in 18-3 Loss
Reno Aces (10-13) 3, Albuquerque Isotopes (11-12) 18 W: T. Gordon (1-1) L: C. Mena (1-3) First pitch: 6:08 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,467 | Time: 2:54 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/24/25 at 11:05 a.m. PST (ABQ) LHP
Reno Drops Series Opener in 6-4 Loss to Albuquerque
Reno Aces (10-12) 4, Albuquerque Isotopes (10-12) 6 W: D. Darnell (2-0) L: T. Henry (0-4) S: D. Castillo (1) First pitch: 6:05 p.m. PST | Attendance: 2,302 | Time: 2:51 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/23/25 at 6:05
Aces Welcome Isotopes for Six-Game Set at Greater Nevada Field
RNO, Nev. – After dropping four of six to the Round Rock Express, the Reno Aces (10–11) will now host the Albuquerque Isotopes—the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies—for the second half of a 12-game homestand at Greater Nevada Field. The six-game series is set to begin on Tuesday, April
Aces Drop Six-Game Homestand to Round Rock Despite Monster Week from Lawlar
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (10-11) dropped their six-game homestand to the Round Rock Express (11-10), the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, this week at Greater Nevada Field. The Express took four out of six matchups from the Aces. Reno opened the series with a bang in Tuesday’s
Reno Drops Series Finale vs. Round Rock in Extra-Inning Battle
Reno Aces (10-11) 8, Round Rock Express (11-10) 9 W: M. Plassmeyer (1-0) L: T. Rashi (1-1) First pitch: 1:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4,004 | Time: 3:35 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Albuquerque, 4/22/25 at 6:05 p.m. PST (ABQ)
Third-Inning Eruption Propels Aces Past Express in 11-3 Win
Reno Aces (10-9) 11, Round Rock Express (9-10) 3 W: J. Brigham (3-1) L: G. Garabito (0-2) First pitch: 6:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 4.314 | Time: 3:01 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Round Rock, 4/19/25 at 4:05 p.m. (PST)
Greater Nevada Field Set to Host Three Vitalant Blood Drives This Season
RENO, Nev. – Throughout the 2025 season, the Reno Aces and Vitalant will host three blood drives at Greater Nevada Field beginning on Tuesday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be two additional days of blood drives at the ballpark on August 19-20 before the Aces’
Reno Aces Announce Jersey Set for 2025 Season
RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces have announced their jersey lineup for the 2025 season featuring a new off-white (sail) uniform set to serve as the team’s primary home jersey. The new navy and red jerseys are available for purchase in the team store now while the sail jerseys are
Lawlar Stays Hot, Aces Fail to Hold Off Express in 8-4 Loss
Reno Aces (10-10) 4, Round Rock Express (10-10) 8 W: M. Festa (2-0) L: B. Corcoran (1-3) First pitch: 4:06 p.m. PST | Attendance: 3,875 | Time: 2:56 Reno, Nevada – Greater Nevada Field Click Here for Video Highlights Next time out: vs. Round Rock, 4/20/25 at 1:05 p.m. (PST)