This year, MLB is trying something new.
From March 14-17, MLB will host “Spring Breakout” in both Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums. It’s a four-day event that will spotlight some of the most exciting young talent in Minor League Baseball.
Jackson Holliday vs. Paul Skenes?
Colson Montgomery vs. Cade Horton?
Masyn Winn vs. Noble Meyer?Those are just some of the potential matchups we'll see during Spring Breakout.
Here are 10 to keep your eyes on ahead of the inaugural event March 14-17: https://t.co/HMW5P5kjSg pic.twitter.com/tR6VXROzIu
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 7, 2024
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Each team will select its best players for the roster
Those names will come primarily from MLB Pipeline, MLB’s ranking system, which was updated last week.
All 30 clubs have had their 2024 preseason Top 30 Prospects list unveiled.
Here's info on each organization: https://t.co/Vj3lT8QfJn pic.twitter.com/BBepEcxYXa
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 7, 2024
To be included in Spring Breakout, a player must be rookie eligible in 2024. That means they have fewer than
- 130 at-bats
- 50 innings pitched
- 45 regular season days on an MLB roster
Spring Breakout kicks off with two of MLB’s best farm systems, the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates, to start the festivities.
Jackson Holliday facing Paul Skenes? Here for it.
Ready to see future Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery try to homer off Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Cade Horton? It could happen. And that’s just one of many intriguing matchups.
Find a complete list of Spring Breakout rosters here.
2. The rules are a little different
Games will only last seven innings, unless teams agree in advance to play a complete game.
The following games will go the full nine:
- San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners
- Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers
- Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers
However, there are no extra innings, so games could end in a tie.
Scratch the three-batter minimum—this will allow teams to showcase more pitchers. In addition, pitchers may also re-enter the game (à la the “Ohtani Rule”).
3. The Automated Balls-Strikes (ABS) Challenge system will be used at some venues
Tired of watching umpires take center stage in a baseball game? Your prayers have been answered.
MLB intends to showcase their robo-umps system for games played in Bradenton, Fort Myers, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Tampa (Grapefruit), and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (Cactus). (Read more about how ABS works here.)
Each team is allowed three challenges. If a challenge is successful, the team retains their right to challenge; if not, they lose their challenge until they have used all their opportunities.
PitchCom and the pitch clock will also be in effect.
4. Be aware of how tickets are distributed
Tickets to games are available for purchase here. But if an organization’s Breakout game is part of a doubleheader, a ticket to the afternoon game also provides access to the nightcap.
So, for example, I’ve got a ticket to see the Colorado Rockies play the Oakland Athletics at 2:10 pm on Saturday, March 16. That ticket also gets me into the Breakout—same seat and everything. (I share this because it took me awhile to track this one down. But I really hope to see Jaden Hill face Jordan Lawlar.)
As an added bonus, attendees will receive a package of Spring Breakout baseball cards.
5. Spring Breakout will be broadcast widely
If you can’t make it out to the ballpark, you’re covered.
Finally, MLB seems to understand that they need to make games widely available.
All 16 games will be available on either MLB.com, the MLB Network, or a team’s affiliated RSN.
For a complete schedule, click here.
Good news, baseball fans. The future is now.