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.
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 |
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
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,
Saturday night's game between Trash Pandas and Smokies canceled due to rain
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Saturday’s game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Knoxville Smokies at Covenant Health Park has been canceled due to rain. Since a doubleheader is scheduled for Sunday, this game will not be made up, as the teams do not meet again in the first half
Trash Pandas postponed by rain in Knoxville on Friday night
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Knoxville Smokies at Covenant Health Park on Friday night has been postponed due to rain. The Smokies announced late Friday night that a doubleheader has been scheduled for Sunday, starting at 11:30 am CT. The doubleheader will
Aldegheri tosses 7.0 shutout innings as Pandas beat Smokies 5-3
KNOXVILLE, Tenn – Sam Aldegheri (W, 1-1) tossed 7.0 shutout innings, allowing only five hits, as the Rocket City Trash Pandas (7-16) kicked off May with a 5-3 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (12-11) at Covenant Health Park on Thursday night. The game featured two starting pitchers named Sam, both
Spring Tune-Up Car Show rescheduled for May 31
MADISON, Ala – The Rocket City Spring Tune-Up Car Show will be held Saturday, May 31, from 9 am to 2 pm in the Toyota Field Parking Lot. The family-friendly event will showcase classic and modern modified vehicles, with concessions available from the Trash Pandas. Due to forecasted rain, the
Urena shines in 5-4 loss to Smokies on Wednesday night
KNOXVILLE, TN – In another tightly contested game on Wednesday night at Covenant Health Park, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (6-16) fought back in the ninth inning, trailing by three runs. They managed to score two runs but ultimately fell short, falling 5-4 to the Knoxville Smokies (12-10). Out of
Moore homers in return to Knoxville, but Pandas drop slugfest
KNOXVILLE, TN – Christian Moore hit his first home run of the 2025 season and recorded three hits for the second consecutive game in his return to Knoxville, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (6-15) lost a back-and-forth slugfest 9-6 to the Knoxville Smokies (11-10) on Tuesday night at Covenant
Trash Pandas drop Sunday's series finale to Barons, 3-2
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (6-14) lost Sunday's series finale against the Birmingham Barons (11-9) in front of 4,429 fans at Toyota Field. Birmingham won the series, taking four out of six games. Christian Moore continued to swing a hot bat in the loss, finishing 3-for-5 with
Trash Pandas stop skid, take down Barons 4-2 on Saturday
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (6-13) received a career-best performance from starter Joel Hurtado (W, 1-1), and knocked off the Birmingham Barons (10-9) 4-2 on Saturday in front of 5,103 fans at Toyota Field. Coming off a strong outing in Montgomery, Hurtado threw 11 of his first
José Fermin promoted from Rocket City to Los Angeles on Saturday
MADISON, Ala. – On Saturday, the Los Angeles Angels announced the call-up of right-handed reliever José Fermin from the Rocket City Trash Pandas to the Major League roster. Fermin’s addition marks the 39th player from Rocket City to be promoted to the Majors, the third this year, and the 13th
Despite Denzer Guzman's career night, Pandas fall to Barons on Friday night
MADISON, Ala. – The Birmingham Barons (10-8) came from behind to defeat the Rocket City Trash Pandas (5-13), scoring four runs in the final two innings in front of 5,388 fans at Toyota Field on Friday night. Denzer Guzman extended his team-leading on-base streak to 13 games by recording his
Trash Pandas, Barons suspended on Thursday, game to resume Friday at 5:05 pm with regularly scheduled game to follow
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas and Birmingham Barons were interrupted twice by rain delays on Thursday night at Toyota Field, ultimately leading to its suspension with one out in the top of the eighth inning, with the Barons ahead 4-2. The two delays totaled 80 minutes, and
Homestand Highlights: April 22-27 vs. Birmingham Barons
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field for their second homestand of the 2025 season, welcoming the Chicago White Sox affiliate Birmingham Barons, April 22-27. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Tuesday, April 22 | First Pitch: 6:05 pm |
Pandas stop losing skid with matinee win on Wednesday
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas used 12 Birmingham walks to cruise to a 5-1 win in front of 5,027 fans Wednesday afternoon at Toyota Field in a game that was delayed 1:17 due to rain. The game started as a pitchers’ duel between starting pitchers Mitch Farris
Klassen strikes out nine in Rocket City's 7-1 loss on Tuesday
MADISON, Ala. – Despite another impressive performance from starter George Klassen, who recorded nine strikeouts over 5.1 innings, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-11) lost their series opener to the Birmingham Barons (8-7) on Tuesday night, 7-1, at Toyota Field. This defeat marks the Trash Pandas' fourth consecutive loss and
Biscuits rally to beat Pandas in extras again on Sunday
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-10) suffered their third one-run loss and fifth defeat of the week against the Montgomery Biscuits (9-5) on Sunday afternoon, falling 5-4 in 10 innings. This extra-inning game marked the third in the week and fourth in 14 games for the Pandas.
Trash Pandas comeback falls short in 7-5 loss to Biscuits
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-9) scored four runs in the top of the eighth inning and had the tying run on base in the ninth inning but ultimately fell short in a 7-4 loss to the Montgomery Biscuits (8-5) on Saturday night at Riverwalk Stadium. The
Trash Pandas drop bizarre 13-12 decision to Biscuits in 11 innings
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-8) and Montgomery Biscuits (7-5) played their second-straight extra-inning game on Friday night that included a six-run inning, an 11-run inning, four position players pitching, and ultimately resulted in a Biscuits' 13-12 victory in 11 innings. Rocket City jumped out to a
Trash Pandas earn exciting 7-5 win in extras on Thursday
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-7) quickly took a commanding 5-0 lead in the first inning and ultimately broke their four-game losing streak with a 7-5 victory over the Montgomery Biscuits (6-5) on Thursday night at Riverwalk Stadium. The Trash Pandas wasted no time against Montgomery starter
Klassen strikes out eight in Wednesday's loss in Montgomery
MADISON, Ala. – George Klassen made his team-leading third start of the year on Wednesday morning in Montgomery and delivered his best performance to date. Unfortunately, it ended in a no-decision, as the Montgomery Biscuits defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas 2-1, marking the Pandas' fourth consecutive loss. The 23-year-old