Everything you need to know about prospects and Spring Training
This story was excerpted from MLB Pipeline's newsletter. Subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
This story was excerpted from MLB Pipeline's newsletter. Subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
So you’d like to follow Spring Training. Maybe you’re sick of winter -- the cold, the ice, the snow -- and are ready to dive headlong into warmer times and warmer climes. Maybe your favorite club made big offseason moves and you can’t wait to see the freshly arrived players in their new uniforms. Maybe you’re just a, you know, baseball fan.
Whatever has generated the Spring Training twinge of excitement this February, you’re not alone. We at MLB Pipeline have spent the last few weeks churning out prospect reports ahead of the Top 30s reveal in March, and that only heightens our own anticipation.
So for your sake -- and ours in a way -- let’s answer some questions you may have about Spring Training. Many of the basics are covered in this FAQ, so we’ll cover more through a strictly prospect lens:
Is one state better for prospects than the other?
For the completionists among you, it’s easier to hit up all 15 camps in Arizona given the centralization of the Cactus League. But there are pods with multiple organizations over in Florida as well. Fort Myers hosts both the Twins and the Red Sox. The Tampa-Clearwater region has the Blue Jays, Phillies and Yankees (and Tigers if you’re willing to expand that east to Lakeland). The Atlantic side is navigable with five clubs in the Astros, Cardinals, Marlins, Mets and Nationals all within driving distance. Depending on your willingness to drive, either state can allow multiple looks at top prospects.
Is one specific site better for prospects than all the others?
This year, it’s Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. -- Spring Training home of the Dodgers and White Sox.
Los Angeles has plenty of intrigue, not only as the defending World Series champion but also as the organization that signed No. 1 overall prospect Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers have five more Top 100 prospects beyond the Japanese right-hander in Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula, Jackson Ferris, Alex Freeland and Zyhir Hope, and the org may have more on the way.
The White Sox are at the other extreme of the MLB contention spectrum, but that means they have an added emphasis on the next generation of South Side stars. Top 100 prospects Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery are fresh faces acquired in the Garrett Crochet blockbuster, and 2024 first-rounder Hagen Smith is looking to show off why he could be a quick mover and give future Chicago rotations another talented lefty alongside top prospect Noah Schultz.
Can we see Minor Leaguers work out?
Yes, but in most cases, you’ll have to head to the backfields. Most clubs have space in a walkable distance beyond the main stadium to spread out their dozens of prospects. (Some clubs like the Pirates and Blue Jays have distinct Minor League complexes elsewhere in town.) Contact the club’s ticket office to learn more about the best ways to enter and exit the backfields.
You can also see prospects work out with Major Leaguers, if they are members of the 40-man roster or non-roster invites.
What is a non-roster invite?
Sorry, I should have clarified that. A non-roster invite is a player who is not on the 40-man roster but is included in a club’s Major League Spring Training program. You’ll often hear that players sign Minor League deals with an invite to Spring Training, and this is how they’re covered. Clubs can handle NRIs differently.
Some prioritize players with an actual shot at making the MLB Opening Day roster. Others are willing to include top prospects who they want to get exposure to MLB players and coaches. For example, the Padres invited 18-year-olds Leodalis De Vries and Ethan Salas because they see them as big parts of their future, even if there’s virtually no chance they’ll crack the MLB club come March.
Can other Minor Leaguers still play in Major League spring games?
Yes. A player doesn’t need an NRI to play in Cactus or Grapefruit League games. They can be called up at any time. For example, Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter homered four times in 13 spring games last year but was never officially in Cleveland’s Major League camp.
What’s our best opportunity to see top prospects this spring?
That’s Spring Breakout, which returns for its second year from March 13-16. (Full schedule here.) The exhibition series puts a spotlight on prospect talent in Major League parks across both Arizona and Florida. You might remember Paul Skenes facing off against Jackson Holliday in Bradenton last year. Prepare for more loaded matchups in just under a month.
Looking ahead, are any Top 100 prospects stone-cold locks for MLB Opening Day?
As it stands now, there are three that should have a strong upper hand because they already have MLB experience and they aren’t blocked by the current roster: Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews, Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez and Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson. Tigers right-hander Jackson Jobe, Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder, Rangers right-hander Kumar Rocker, Braves catcher Drake Baldwin and Angels right-hander Caden Dana might be in that next group but don’t have the same clear lanes.
Wait, there are a lot of players on the Top 100 list with “MLB” listed as their level. What’s up with that?
Any player on a 40-man roster gets an MLB designation on the rankings pages. This will change as prospects are officially assigned to Minor League clubs later in the spring.
What are some of the key position battles?
Alex Bregman’s decision to sign with the Red Sox last week had many domino effects.
Bregman could move to second base, blocking a lane for No. 7 overall prospect and 2024 Hitting Prospect of the Year Kristian Campbell. Elsewhere, the Cubs’ inability to land Bregman means top prospect Matt Shaw still has the inside track on the third-base gig, and he’d be a fun power-speed consolation. Over in Detroit, the Tigers might have to turn to Jace Jung, who missed out on the Top 100 but could be fully healthy and ready to go after offseason wrist surgery.
The Prospect Promotion Incentive also can’t be ignored and could push eligible prospects to the Majors for Opening Day if clubs want a shot at an extra Draft pick down the line. Someone like Jobe could be the beneficiary of such a rule, if Detroit thinks it’s close between him and another candidate for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
Do you, Sam Dykstra, have any hot Spring Training takes?
Sure, why not. Red Sox officials are so high on Campbell -- and have been for a long time -- that, I think, he starts at second base on Opening Day on March 27.
Another: Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson gets a long look in Tampa Bay camp. His bat-to-ball skills are elite. His speed is the best in the sport. The Rays lack stellar options in center field. If Simpson hits .350 and leads the spring in steals, he’ll make it a tough call for Kevin Cash and other Rays brass, even if he still hasn’t played in Triple-A.
And one more: always travel through Yeehaw Junction on the road from Tampa to West Palm Beach.
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
Trash Pandas and Shuckers postponed on Tuesday night
MADISON, Ala. – Tonight's scheduled 6:35 pm game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Biloxi Shuckers has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions. The game will be made up as part of a Thursday, May 29, doubleheader at Toyota Field featuring two seven-inning games. Game one starts at
Trash Pandas Unveil Two New Alternate Identities: The Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce
MADISON, Ala. – Barbecue in Alabama isn't just food—it's part of our identity. The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce two new alternate identities for 2025, the Bama Butts and Alabama White Sauce! The identities will be unleashed and the team will wear these specialty uniforms during a
Homestand Highlights: May 27 - June 1 vs. Biloxi Shuckers
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their fourth homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate Biloxi Shuckers, May 28 – June 1. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Wednesday, May 28 | First Pitch: 6:35
Toyota Field welcomes summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages
MADISON, Ala. – Toyota Field is thrilled to welcome summer with a variety of events for fans of all ages. Kicking off today at 4:00 pm, the Trash Pandas will host The Big Ol' Ballpark Fair and Yoga in the Outfield. Other upcoming events include the rescheduled Rocket City Spring
Pandas use six-run sixth to earn late-night win on Saturday in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (14-28) endured a 69-minute rain delay on Saturday night in Chattanooga and then utilized a six-run sixth inning to secure an 8-5 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-22). The Trash Pandas recorded 11 hits and worked nine walks in a game that
Lookouts' gaffe, Guzman's blast lifts Rocket City to 7-5 win
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-27) secured a 7-5 victory against the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-21) on Thursday night at AT&T Field, snapping their four-game losing streak. The win featured home runs from Josh Crouch and Denzer Guzman, along with five unearned runs scored in the sixth inning.
Big Ol' Ballpark Fair returns to Toyota Field, May 15-25
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas have partnered with Kissel Entertainment for the sixth annual Big Ol’ Ballpark Fair in the Toyota Field parking lot from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 25. The Fair will be closed on Monday, May 19. Similar to previous years, the Big
Rada runs wild on Friday, but Lookouts beat Pandas 4-2
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Nelson Rada became the first player in Double-A this season to steal 20 bases on Friday night, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (13-28) lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts (21-21) by a score of 4-2 at AT&T Field. Rada finished the game 1-for-3 with an RBI, a
Lookouts blank Trash Pandas 3-0 on Wednesday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On Wednesday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-27) were shut out for the second time this season, losing 3-0 to the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-20) at AT&T Field. This defeat marks the Trash Pandas' fourth consecutive loss, with the Lookouts winning the series' first two games. Wednesday's game
Pandas fall in rain-shortened series opener in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-26) lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts (19-20) in a rain-shortened game, with a final score of 7-1 in Tuesday's series opener at AT&T Field. The game was halted after seven innings at 8:04 pm CT and officially called at 9:35 pm due
Moore, Rada extend streaks, but Pandas drop series finale in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-25) concluded the first leg of their 12-game road trip, suffering a 5-1 loss to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (23-16) on Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium. In the loss, Nelson Rada walked, extending his on-base streak to 10 games, and recorded
Farris deals a quality start, but Trash Pandas fall 3-1 to Wahoos
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (22-16) defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-24) 3-1 on Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium, limiting the Trash Pandas to just four hits. Rocket City starter Mitch Farris (L, 0-1) suffered his first loss of the season, despite allowing only one earned
Guzman doubles Trash Pandas to 4-2 Friday night win in Pensacola
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Denzer Guzman's three-run double in the fifth inning led the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-23) to a 4-2 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-16) on Friday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. This win evened the series at 2-2, heading into the weekend. The Rocket City bullpen
Blue Wahoos use five-run sixth inning to beat Trash Pandas 9-6
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (21-15) overcame three deficits and scored five runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Rocket City Trash Pandas (11-23) 9-6 on Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Denzer Guzman led the Rocket City offense, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Hurtado dominates in Rocket City's 9-0 shutout of Wahoos on Wednesday
PENSACOLA, Fla. –The Rocket Trash Pandas (11-22) received a dominant pitching performance from Joel Hurtado (W, 3-2), shutting out the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-15) on Wednesday morning by a score of 9-0 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. José Quijada and Camden Minacci combined with Hurtado for the four-hit shutout, the first
Errors prove costly in 3-2 extra-inning loss in Pensacola on Tuesday
PENSACOLA, Fla. –The Rocket City Trash Pandas (10-22) lost 3-2 in 11 innings to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (20-14) in the opener of a six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Three costly errors contributed to the defeat, as all three runs scored by Pensacola were unearned. Rocket City dropped to
Rada, Trash Pandas win series finale over Biscuits on Mother's Day
MADISON, Ala. – The Trash Pandas were four outs away from being swept at home by the Montgomery Biscuits before a two-out, two-run single from centerfielder Nelson Rada in the sixth inning propelled the home team to a 7-5 win in game two of a doubleheader. Rocket City dropped game
Trash Pandas and Biscuits postponed on Saturday, doubleheader scheduled for Sunday
MADISON, Ala. – Tonight's scheduled game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Montgomery Biscuits has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a Sunday, May 11, doubleheader at Toyota Field featuring two seven-inning games. Game one starts at 12:05 p.m., and game
José Quijada joins Trash Pandas pitching staff, Travis Blankenhorn placed on IL
MADISON, Ala. – On Saturday, the Los Angeles Angels announced two roster moves that impacted the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Veteran left-handed reliever José Quijada was reinstated from the Triple-A Salt Lake Development List and transferred to Rocket City. Additionally, outfielder Travis Blankenhorn has been placed on the 7-day Injured
HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS: May 6-11 vs. Montgomery Biscuits
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their third homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Tampa Bay Rays affiliate Montgomery Biscuits, May 6-11. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Tuesday, May 6 | First Pitch: 6:05 pm |
Trash Pandas salute Armed Forces, fall 4-1 to Biscuits on Friday
MADISON, Ala. – For the fourth straight night, the Montgomery Biscuits (17-13) defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-20), this time by a final of 4-1. The Trash Pandas used Friday to salute our military with SAIC Armed Forces Night, welcoming 5,475 fans into Toyota Field. The Biscuits started their
Veteran pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway join Trash Pandas roster
MADISON, Ala. – On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels announced three roster moves that affected the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Veteran right-handed pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway have joined the Trash Pandas roster from the ACL Angels, and in a corresponding move, RHP Ryan Costeiu has been transferred to
Ketchup homers, but Biscuits stop Pandas' win streak on Tuesday
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-17) returned to Toyota Field on Tuesday night, but their three-game winning streak came to an end with a 3-2 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits (14-13). In the loss, Sam Brown had another big night offensively, reaching base safely three times and
Trash Pandas take series from Smokies with doubleheader sweep on Sunday
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After back-to-back rainouts on Friday and Saturday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (9-16) swept a doubleheader against the Knoxville Smokies (12-13) on Sunday afternoon, winning 6-3 and 8-2 at Covenant Health Park. Sam Brown led the offense, going 5-for-8 with two triples, two doubles, and four RBIs,