Here's the Cubs' Spring Breakout roster
Jordan Bastian
@MLBastianMESA, Ariz. -- An unfortunately-timed storm washed away the Cubs¡¯ Spring Breakout showcase a year ago, leading to a group of prospects heading to the Sloan Park concourse to sign autographs for fans. This spring, the North Siders will have a pair of Breakout games to show off one of baseball¡¯s top farm systems.
The Cubs will be sending a trio of Pipeline Top 100 prospects -- righty Cade Horton (No. 51), catcher Moises Ballesteros (No. 68) and infielder James Triantos (No. 72) -- among the players tentatively in the plans for the event. Here is everything you need to know about Chicago¡¯s Spring Breakout contests.
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 are the Cubs¡¯ games?
The Cubs will send a group of prospects to face prospects from the Dodgers¡¯ system at 8:05 p.m. CT on March 13 at Camelback Ranch. Chicago will then host prospects from the Angels¡¯ system at 8:05 p.m. CT on March 15 at Sloan Park. The games are being held while the Cubs¡¯ Major League team is in Japan all week for the season-opening Tokyo Series (March 18-19) against the Dodgers.
How can I tune in?
Which position players are expected to play?
Ballesteros and Triantos highlight the initial 23-player roster set by the Cubs for the first Spring Breakout game against the Dodgers. Chicago will be permitted to submit an updated Spring Breakout roster prior to the second tilt against the Angels.
Other position players ranked among the first 20 from the Cubs¡¯ preseason Top 30 list include: infielder Cristian Hernandez (No. 11), first baseman Jonathon Long (No. 13), shortstop Ronny Cruz (No. 14), corner infielder Cole Mathis (No. 15), infielder Angel Cepeda (No. 17) and infielder Pedro Ramirez (No. 18).
Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
Horton tops this list, but other prospects from the Cubs¡¯ Top 30 list include: righty Jaxon Wiggins (No. 10) and lefty Drew Gray (No. 26). Left-hander Riley Martin and right-hander Will Sanders are also on the initial roster for the first Spring Breakout game against the Dodgers.
Why are certain top prospects not listed on the roster?
Third baseman Matt Shaw, who is Pipeline¡¯s top Cubs prospect and ranked No. 19 on the Top 100 list, is currently in Major League camp and competing for the Opening Day job at the hot corner. Outfielder Owen Caissie (No. 53 on the Top 100) is no longer in MLB camp, as he is being ramped up following a bout with a left groin strain this spring. Another notable omission, outfielder Kevin Alc¨¢ntara (No. 89 on the Top 100), is also in big league camp.
What is the full roster?
PITCHERS
Cade Horton, RHP, No, 2 (MLB No. 51)
Jaxon Wiggins, RHP, No. 10
Drew Gray, LHP, NR
Riley Martin, LHP, NR
Will Sanders, RHP, NR