Here's the Pirates' Spring Breakout roster
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Before he took the league by storm last year, Paul Skenes¡¯ largest platform was at the inaugural Spring Breakout game. He had been billed as a top prospect before that game, but after he mowed down the Orioles¡¯ top prospects, he firmly established that he was special.
The Pirates will take part in their second Spring Breakout game soon, again giving their prospects a chance to shine. Here¡¯s what you need to know:
What is Spring Breakout?
MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball¡¯s future: the current stars of Minor League Baseball. The second edition will be held from March 13-16 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training. Sixteen 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 the sport¡¯s budding talent.
When is the Pirates¡¯ game?
The Pirates¡¯ prospects will take on the Phillies¡¯ prospects on March 14 at 1:05 p.m. at BayCare Ballpark.
How can I tune in?
MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB App, NBCSP+, MLB Network, Gameday
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What position player prospects are expected to play?
Konnor Griffin and Termarr Johnson -- the Pirates¡¯ 2024 and 2022 first-round picks, respectively, and members of MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 100 list (No. 43 and No. 82) -- are both on the roster. Both players got a cameo with Major League Spring Training this year, meaning this game gives them a chance to add an exclamation point to their introduction to the Major League team.
They are not the only intriguing middle infielders on the roster. Wyatt Sanford (No. 8) and Mitch Jebb (No. 13) were the Pirates¡¯ second-round picks the last two years, and Jhonny Severino (No. 12) is the organization¡¯s highest-ranked prospect who joined as an international free agent.
Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
Bubba Chandler, the team¡¯s top prospect and No. 15 overall per MLB Pipeline, is the headliner here. This will be his second turn at Spring Breakout after getting the final outs last year against the Orioles.
Also on the roster are No. 7 prospect Hunter Barco and No. 14 prospect Anthony Solometo, two young lefties who should be in the upper levels of the farm system this year.
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Why are certain top prospects not on the roster?
A lot rides on making sure pitchers stay in their routine and schedule, especially during Spring Training. Players who still have their rookie/prospect status but are on the 40-man roster (like No. 5 Nick Yorke, No. 6 Braxton Ashcraft, No. 15 Mike Burrows and No. 18 Billy Cook) are mostly not on the Spring Breakout roster.
What is the full roster?
PITCHERS
Bubba Chandler, RHP, No. 1 (MLB No. 15)
Hunter Barco, LHP, No. 7
Zander Mueth, RHP, No. 10
Anthony Solometo, LHP, No. 14
David Matoma, RHP, No. 30
Brandan Bidois, RHP, NR
Nick Dombkowski, LHP, NR
Wilber Dotel, RHP, NR
Wilkin Ramos, RHP, NR
Jaden Woods, LHP, NR
CATCHERS
Omar Alfonzo, C, No. 19
Axiel Plaz, C/1B, No. 28
Richard Ramirez, C, NR
INFIELDERS
Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, No. 2 (MLB No. 43)
Termarr Johnson, 2B/SS, No. 4 (MLB No. 82)
Wyatt Sanford, SS, No. 8
Jack Brannigan, SS/3B, No. 11
Jhonny Severino, 3B/SS, No. 12
Mitch Jebb, 2B/SS/OF, No. 13
Yordany De Los Santos, SS/3B/2B, No. 16
Tsung-Che Cheng, SS, No. 17
Tony Blanco Jr., 1B/OF, No. 21
OUTFIELDERS
Edward Florentino, OF/1B, No. 23
Sammy Siani, OF, NR
Esmerlyn Valdez, OF, NR
Lonnie White Jr., OF, NR