Texas Rangers Wyatt Langford, MLB's Top Prospects Starring In MLB's Inaugural Spring Breakout Series
Major League Baseball has been looking for ways to show off its young, up-and-coming future stars, and the latest attempt could be a home run.
MLB announced the inaugural Spring Breakout scheduled for March 14-17, when all 30 clubs will suit up teams with 20 to 25 of their top prospects and go head-to-head with other All-Star prospect rosters.
The Texas Rangers and top prospect Wyatt Langford kick off the four-day event against the Cincinnati Reds at Surprise Stadium at 5:05 p.m. March 14.
Langford, the Rangers first-round and No. 4 overall pick in the MLB Draft in July, is likely to face Reds' right-handed prospect Rhett Lowder, who was taken seventh overall in the same draft.
Each team will play at least one seven-inning exhibition game as part of the initiative. The Reds and Cardinals will each play two games to even out the schedule.
Of the 16 Spring Breakout games, 12 will be paired with Major League spring training games as part of in-stadium doubleheaders. For example, after the prospects square off at Surprise Stadium on March 14, the Rangers and Reds will follow with a normal spring training game at 7:05 p.m.
“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,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a release Wednesday. “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.”
Each team's Spring Breakout rosters will be announced in early March. Prospects are eligible to play regardless of previous Minor League level or experience, allowing for a mix of near-MLB-ready players and some of pro ball’s youngest talent, according to MLB's release.
Here's the full Spring Breakout schedule:
(All times central)
March 14
Reds at Rangers*, 5:05 p.m.
Orioles at Pirates*, 6:05 p.m.
March 15
Marlins at Cardinals*, 1:05 p.m.
Mariners at Padres, 3:10 p.m.
White Sox at Cubs, 4:05 p.m.
Nationals at Mets*, 2:10 p.m.
Giants at Athletics*, 6:05 p.m.
March 16
Braves at Red Sox, 12:05 p.m.
Phillies at Tigers, 12:05 p.m.
Blue Jays at Yankees*, 3:05 p.m.
Rays at Twins*, 3:05 p.m.
Dodgers at Angels*, 3:10 p.m.
Guardians at Reds*, 6:05 p.m.
D-backs at Rockies*, 6:10 p.m.
March 17
Astros at Cardinals*, 9:05 a.m.
Brewers at Royals*, 3:05 p.m.
* — paired with Major League game as a traditional doubleheader
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