Here's everything you need to know for Year 2 of Spring Breakout
Brendan Samson
@brendan_samsonThe wait is finally over. Spring Training games are well underway and Spring Breakout is almost here.
While the spring offers first glimpses at offseason additions on MLB rosters and what potential lineups will look like once the regular season arrives, it also gives fans the chance to watch the top prospects from their organizations battle it out on a big-league diamond.
For the past few weeks, the latter innings of Spring Training games have served as prime real estate for prospects to show their talent, subbing in for their Major League counterparts and getting an at-bat or two. Soon, however, the second edition of Spring Breakout will grant fans a chance to see MLB¡¯s brightest future stars for a full contest.
More on Spring Breakout 2025
Last year, we had moments like Paul Skenes and Jackson Holliday going head-to-head (Skenes came out on top), Rays first baseman Xavier Isaac (MLB No. 50) and Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones slugging two homers apiece in their respective contests and numerous hitless outings from top pitching prospects.
So, what does Year 2 of the Spring Breakout have in store? Hopefully more of the same.
Here is a guide to the second edition of the 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 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 games, and how can I tune in?
Nine of the 16 games will be held as doubleheaders, occurring after a Major League Spring Training game that day. All 16 will be broadcast on MLB.TV, MLB.com and the MLB App, while select games will be available on MLB Network or regional sports networks. The full schedule is below, with broadcast channels included in parentheses. Broadcast details and game times are subject to change.
Thursday, March 13
Friday, March 14
- Cardinals @ Marlins, 12:10 p.m. ET/9:10 a.m. PT** (FDSNMW, Marlins.com, Gameday)
- Pirates @ Phillies, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT (NBCSP+, MLB Network, Gameday)
- Nationals @ Astros, 2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT** (KBME 790AM, Gameday)
- Athletics @ Padres, 5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT** (SDPA, KWFN 97.3 FM, Gameday)
- Mariners @ Guardians, 8:05 p.m. ET/5:05 p.m. PT* (CLEG, CleGuardians.com, RSNW, KIRO, MLB Network, Gameday)
- Royals @ D-backs, 8:10 p.m. ET/5:10 p.m. PT* (Gameday)
Saturday, March 15
Sunday, March 16
* -- paired with Major League Spring Training game as traditional doubleheader
** -- games prior to a Major League Spring Training game
More from MLB Pipeline:
? Spring Breakout | Top 100 prospects | Stats | Video | Podcast | Complete coverage
Who is playing?
Each roster was constructed using MLB Pipeline¡¯s Top 30 Prospects lists as its foundation. That means that players with rookie eligibility entering the 2025 season -- most of whom came directly from those Top 30s -- are eligible for their club¡¯s Spring Breakout roster. Major League rookie eligibility is defined as any player who has not yet exceeded 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 total regular-season days on an active roster at the game¡¯s top level. So even some players with Major League experience -- like Orelvis Martinez and Tyler Locklear -- are participating in Spring Breakout. Rosters include 23-27 players per club.
This year's rosters are stacked with talent, 72 of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects will participate in Spring Breakout, including five of the top 10 -- Roman Anthony (MLB No. 2), Max Clark (No. 6), Kristian Campbell (No. 7), Carson Williams (No. 9) and Travis Bazzana (No. 10). Additionally, nearly two-thirds of the 900 prospects on the newly released Top 30 Prospects lists will take the field, led by 18 players ranked No. 1 and 21 players ranked No. 2 in their respective organizations. The Reds, Mariners, Cardinals and Rays will send nine of their top 10 prospects to compete in the showcase, while the White Sox, Royals and Marlins will feature all 10 of their top 10 prospects on the diamond.
Are there any special Spring Breakout rules?
You bet! Here¡¯s an overview:
Length: Last year, Spring Breakout games were seven innings. This spring, they will be a full nine innings just like a normal Spring Training game.
ABS challenges: Just like in Major League Spring Training this season, the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge system will be in use for games played in the five Florida State League venues (Bradenton, Fort Myers [Twins], Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Tampa) and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Each team will be able to challenge at least two ball-strike calls. A successful overturn gets the challenge returned to the club, and that continues until the club has two unsuccessful challenges.
We saw the ABS system lead to a landmark moment last spring when Jordan Lawlar (MLB No. 11) challenged a called third strike in the fourth inning of Arizona¡¯s Spring Breakout game. The call was overturned and Lawlar laced a double in the at-bat.
Three-batter minimum: There will be no three-batter minimum for pitchers upon entry into the game. This will allow clubs to feature as many arms as possible in this showcase format.
Player re-entry: If a pitcher is taken out of a Spring Breakout game, he may come back in later. (This only counts for pitchers, not position players unless an injury requires a substitution.) So a two-way player could pitch one inning on the mound, then return as a position player a few frames afterward.
Other notables: The games will use a pitch timer. PitchCom communication is allowed between pitcher and catcher. All clubs will be limited to seven mound visits per game.
Where are the games?
Games will be played at the Major League field of the home club¡¯s Spring Training facility. All games will feature a meet-and-greet autograph session ahead of the first pitch.
How can I get tickets?
Links to all available Spring Breakout tickets can be found on the event¡¯s homepage here. They can also be purchased directly on each club¡¯s Spring Training tickets website.
Do I need a separate ticket for doubleheader games?
No. Clubs hosting twin bills with the regular Major League Spring Training game allow fans to attend both contests with a single ticket.