For professional baseball players, Spring Training is a time to renew old acquaintances, meet new teammates, “get the kinks out”, and to get ready for the coming season.
Next spring, it will mean something else; especially for the new young players just coming into the game as a professional. Major League Baseball has announced the formation of the Spring Breakout for March 14-17 where each of the 30 MLB teams will compile a list of their best 20 to 25 prospects who will spend the next four days playing in a seven inning exhibition game to show off their talents. Twelve of the exhibition games will be part of a doubleheader where the fans can see the upcoming talent while watching their favourite professionals get ready for the new season.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke on the new spring games via a statement saying the, “Spring Breakout will provide a new opportunity to showcase the future stars of the game as they continue on their journey to the Major Leagues. Our fans will get unique opportunities to meet our best prospects, get autographs and see the next generation of Major Leaguers up close. We are thrilled that Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and all of our Clubs are working closer than ever to grow the game and to shine a brighter light on our future All-Stars.”
The rosters will be released closer to the Spring Breakout with the Texas Rangers and the Cincinnati Reds will get the event started on March 14 in Arizona while the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates get things started in Florida.
Spring Breakout schedule:
Thursday, March 14
Reds @ Rangers*, 6:05 p.m. ET/3:05 p.m. PT
Orioles @ Pirates*, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
Friday, March 15
Marlins @ Cardinals*, 2:05 p.m. ET/11:05 a.m. PT
Mariners @ Padres, 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT
White Sox @ Cubs, 5:05 p.m. ET/2:05 p.m. PT
Nationals @ Mets*, 3:10 p.m. ET/12:10 p.m. PT
Giants @ Athletics*, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
Saturday, March 16
Braves @ Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT
Phillies @ Tigers, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT
Blue Jays @ Yankees*, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
Rays @ Twins*, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
Dodgers @ Angels*, 4:10 p.m. ET/1:10 p.m. PT
Guardians @ Reds*, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
D-backs @ Rockies*, 7:10 p.m. ET/4:10 p.m. PT
Sunday, March 17
Astros @ Cardinals*, 10:05 a.m. ET/7:05 a.m. PT
Brewers @ Royals*, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
* — paired with Major League game as traditional doubleheader