Here's the Angels' Spring Breakout roster
Rhett Bollinger
@RhettBollingerTEMPE, Ariz. -- At this time last year, Christian Moore was in the early stages of his breakout junior year at the University of Tennessee that ultimately saw him win the Men¡¯s College World Series and get selected as the No. 8 overall pick in the MLB Draft.
But now Moore is the club¡¯s top prospect, ranked No. 67 overall by MLB Pipeline, and is the headliner for the Angels¡¯ Spring Breakout roster that was announced on Thursday. Moore, 22, is in Major League camp for the first time and competing for the starting job at second base.
He¡¯s one of 27 Angels prospects on the roster eligible to play against Cubs prospects in Spring Breakout at Sloan Park on March 15. It¡¯s the second year it¡¯s been held, as Angels prospects also squared up against Dodgers prospects last spring.
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 Angels¡¯ game?
The Angels¡¯ prospects will play the Cubs¡¯ prospects on March 15 at 6:05 p.m. PT at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. It comes after the Angels play a Cactus League game against the Brewers at 1:10 p.m. PT at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
How can I tune in?
Which position players are expected to play?
Moore is the marquee player, but he¡¯ll be joined by shortstops Joswa Lugo (Angels No. 4 prospect) and Denzer Guzman (No. 9), center fielder Nelson Rada (No. 6) and catchers Juan Flores (No. 11) and Dario Laverde (No. 12). Third baseman Cole Fontenelle (No. 23) is also an intriguing prospect coming off a gruesome lower leg injury last season.
Lugo, 18, signed for $2.3 million as part of the 2024 international class and will be making his stateside debut after playing in the Dominican Summer League last year. Guzman and Rada reached Double-A Rocket City last year and are in big league camp, while Flores got to High-A Tri-City last season.
Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
Hard-throwing right-hander George Klassen (No. 3), who was acquired along with fellow prospect Sam Aldegheri (No. 5) in the trade that sent Carlos Est¨¦vez to the Phillies at last year¡¯s Trade Deadline, is the club¡¯s top pitching prospect participating in the event. Klassen, 23, is likely to start for the Angels and is in big league camp for the first time this spring. He could make his MLB debut as soon as this season.
Why are certain top prospects not listed on the roster?
A few of the club¡¯s top pitching prospects, such as right-hander Caden Dana (No. 2 in the system, MLB No. 77 prospect) and Aldegheri, are not on the roster because they are currently in Major League camp and competing for a roster spot. Neither pitcher is likely to make the Opening Day roster but both got their first taste of the Majors last season and are expected to join the rotation at some point this year. Dana started for the Angels in last year¡¯s Spring Breakout.
Outfielder Matthew Lugo (No. 13) and first baseman Niko Kavadas (No. 30) are also in big league camp and competing for roster spots. Kavadas is trying to claim a backup first baseman and corner outfield role, while Lugo is a long shot as an outfielder, but the Angels want to get a long look at him because he¡¯s close to being Major League-ready.
PITCHERS
George Klassen, RHP, No. 3
Ryan Johnson, RHP, No. 7
Chris Cortez, RHP, No. 8
Trey Gregory-Alford, RHP, No. 15
Samy Natera Jr., LHP, No. 16
Walbert Urena, RHP, No. 17
Joel Hurtado, RHP, No. 19
Camden Minacci, RHP, No. 20
Brady Choban, RHP, NR
Jack Dashwood, LHP, NR
Carlos Espinosa, RHP, NR
Jose Fermin, RHP, NR
Keythel Key, RHP, NR