By Jim Marshall
PHOENIX, AZ – MLB Spring Breakout is coming in March. Major League Baseball announced a new Spring Training event called the “MLB Spring Breakout” taking place at both Cactus and Grapefruit league stadiums beginning on March 14 and goes to March 17. A series of sixteen exhibitions games will be played between teams comprised of each MLB organization’s top 20-25 prospects.
What is It
The MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event to display baseball’s future and current Minor League Baseball stars, some of whom may be future stars in the Major Leagues. As part of the new initiative, the teams will comprise an organization’s top prospects from all levels of Minor League Baseball. Twelve contests will take place as part of doubleheaders, each paired with a Major League Spring Training game. Each MLB team will field a team to play exhibition games against another team’s top prospects.
Although a few highly regarded minor-league prospects often participate in spring training games as part of teams’ spring rosters, the rest of a team’s prospects typically participate only on the backfields at spring complexes. Afterwards, they sent back to the Minors. These four days of games will allow of them to compete against others just like them and reveal their talents.
Both Leagues
Both Spring Training leagues, the Cactus League (Arizona) and the Grapefruit League (Florida) will be involved. Each of the twenty-eight “breakout” teams will play one Spring Breakout exhibition game. Because the two Spring Training leagues each comprise 15 MLB teams, two “breakout” teams, one Arizona-based and one Florida-based, will play two Spring Breakout exhibition games, thus ensuring the participation of all 30 MLB Clubs.
Games Begin
The MLB Spring Breakout is coming in March. And, the action begins Thursday, March 14, when the Texas Rangers host the Cincinnati Reds at Surprise Stadium in Arizona. An hour later in Florida, the Baltimore Orioles prospects travel to Bradenton to match up against the Pittsburgh Pirates top prospects. All games will be a seven-inning contest.
Rosters
Breakout team rosters will be officially announced as teams get closer to the March start date. However, each team will want their top prospects out there to show off their talents for other players, current MLB players, scouts, and, yes, even the fans. Players are eligible to participate regardless of previous Minor League level or experience. This allows players from the High-A and Single-A affiliations to play.
Fan Engagement
MLB is hoping this creates an in-park fan engagement opportunity centered around their up-and-coming players. It will also provide the fans a look into the future. They will not only get to see the next generation of Major Leaguers up close, but they will also get exclusive opportunities to meet the MLB’s best prospects. MLB will allow fans get autographs, take photos, etc. It also gives the fans a look at their favorite team’s present and future on one unforgettable day.
Grow the Game
MLB Spring Breakout is coming in March, providing another opportunity for MLB to grow their game. Look for the league to televise Spring Breakout games on MLB Network, MLB.com, and via the MLB App. For more information, go to MLB Spring Breakout | Spring Training | MLB.com.
Discover more from En Breve News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
