LIVE: Blue Jays-Yankees Spring Breakout
On Saturday, March 16, the Yankees will host the Blue Jays in Spring Breakout, a first-of-its-kind exhibition featuring the top prospects in each farm system.
These AL East rivals aren¡¯t just getting a look at one another¡¯s far-away futures, either. This game is stacked with players who could impact the postseason race in 2024 and '25, including Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones, the Yankees¡¯ No. 2 prospect who¡¯s been lauded as ¡°the left-handed Aaron Judge.¡±
¡°It¡¯s a cool comparison, but ultimately I want to become my own player and do the things that I know I do well,¡± Jones said. ¡°Obviously, Aaron is one of the best in the game, and it¡¯s humbling to be compared in that regard, but I¡¯m just going to try to learn from him as much as possible and then do what I do best, which is play.¡±
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The Blue Jays will counter with their deep group of infielders, all of whom are arriving in one wave this spring. If Toronto is going to find the offensive upside needed to take a run at New York and the rest of the East, it might need one of these Spring Breakout players to kick the door down in 2024.
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Here¡¯s everything to know about that game and this exciting new event.
What is Spring Breakout?
MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball¡¯s future: the current stars of Minor League Baseball. The inaugural edition will be held from March 14-17 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training. A series of 16 exhibition games will be played between teams comprised of each MLB organization¡¯s top prospects, creating a new touchpoint on the baseball calendar that celebrates our sport¡¯s budding talent.
What time is the Yankees-Blue Jays game?
The Spring Breakout game will be Game 2 of a doubleheader at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, with Game 1 being a standard Spring Training game that starts at 1:05 pm ET. The estimated start time for the Spring Breakout game is 4:05 pm ET.
How can I tune in?
MLB Digital (MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB App), MLBN, YES Network, Sportsnet+, Sportnet 590 THE FAN Radio, ESPN+, Gameday.
Which position player prospects are expected to play?
Blue Jays
You¡¯ll get a look at the impressive group of infield prospects the Blue Jays have built, including Leo Jimenez (No. 5), Addison Barger (No. 6), Josh Kasevich (No. 11), Damiano Palmegiani (No. 14) and Spencer Horwitz (No. 16). This could also be one of your first looks at the Blue Jays¡¯ 2023 first-rounder, Arjun Nimmala (No. 3). Outfielder Alan Roden (No. 7) will also play, and the on-base machine has been working to add some power to give him a shot at helping the Blue Jays this season. Full roster here.
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Yankees
New York will roll out three Top 100 prospects, led by Jones (No. 84 overall), who¡¯s already been one of the club¡¯s biggest stories in camp. The towering outfielder with ¡°jaw-dropping¡± power will be joined by MLB¡¯s No. 86 prospect, Roderick Arias (No. 3 in the Yankees¡¯ system), Everson Pereira (No. 6) and George Lombard Jr. (No. 7). Full roster here.
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Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
Blue Jays
Roll out the lefties. Brandon Barriera (No. 4), Adam Macko (No. 9) and Kendry Rojas (No. 10) lead the pitching prospects for the Blue Jays. Keep an eye on Connor Cooke (No. 20) in the late innings, too, as the hard-throwing reliever with a heavy fastball and fantastic slider could push for a spot in the big league bullpen this season. Full roster here.
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Yankees
Right-hander Chase Hampton (No. 4) headlines the Yankees¡¯ pitching prospects, ranked No. 92 on MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top-100 list after an excellent 2023 season. Hampton will be joined by an impressive group of young arms that includes Will Warren (No. 8), Henry Lalane (No. 9), Brock Selvidge (No. 11) and Kyle Carr (No. 12). Full roster here.
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Why are certain top prospects not listed on the rosters?
If you don¡¯t see a top prospect on your favorite team¡¯s roster, it is likely because they fall into one of two categories. They are either still in big league camp and battling for a roster spot, or the player is injured or has an injury concern.