From Spring Breakout to MLB? Here are nine players who could soon be in The Show
The inaugural Spring Breakout in 2024 provided a platform for fans to meet many of baseball's top prospects before they began standing out in the Majors shortly thereafter. Paul Skenes striking out Jackson Holliday. Jackson Chourio reaching twice and scoring a run. Jace Jung hitting a pair of homers.
The inaugural Spring Breakout in 2024 provided a platform for fans to meet many of baseball's top prospects before they began standing out in the Majors shortly thereafter.
Paul Skenes striking out Jackson Holliday. Jackson Chourio reaching twice and scoring a run. Jace Jung hitting a pair of homers.
The second annual prospect showcase will bring another set of young stars to center stage, many of whom will make the Majors early in 2025.
There are 22 players on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list who have a 2025 ETA and are set to play in Spring Breakout, and none of them have reached the Majors yet. As for when they might make their big league debut? Let's take a closer look at nine players who merit close watching at Spring Breakout:
Roman Anthony, OF, Red Sox (MLB No. 2)
ETA: June
Anthony is the top hitting prospect in baseball and reached Triple-A last August as the youngest player on the circuit. The Red Sox don't have to hurry him to the Majors, though, with three excellent outfield defenders in Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, plus Masataka Yoshida. Anthony is talented enough to force his way into the lineup this summer, though. His 45.1 percent hard-hit rate in 30 games with Worcester last year was among the best at the level, and he walked as much as he struck out.
Kristian Campbell, 2B/SS/OF, Red Sox (MLB No. 7)
ETA: May
Campbell was an early favorite to make Boston's Opening Day roster, but between the Red Sox signing All-Star infielder Alex Bregman and Campbell's struggles in Spring Training, that's looking less likely. The 2023 fourth-rounder still should be up soon, though. He provides positional versatility, and Boston could use another quality right-handed bat in its lineup. Campbell should be able to quickly knock off the spring rust at Triple-A and make his way to Fenway Park.
Carson Williams, SS, Rays (MLB No. 9)
ETA: July
Williams doesn't have any Triple-A experience -- save a brief cameo in 2023 because of injuries in the organization -- so beginning the year in Durham will be a big leap for him. The 2021 first-rounder may be the best defensive shortstop in the Minors, but the bigger question for him relates to his bat. He struck out at a 28.5 percent clip in 2024 (including 31.5 percent over the final two months of the season) but has the power to make up for it if he can keep the whiffs in check. No one in the Majors should be a significant roadblock if and when he solves that.
Travis Bazzana, 2B, Guardians (MLB No. 10)
ETA: August
Bazzana is unlikely to make the big leagues as quickly as the No. 1 Draft pick before him (Skenes was up in May), but the Guardians' offseason trade of Andrés Giménez makes it clear that they think he'll be ready sooner rather than later. Bazzana has the elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline to hit atop a lineup and could provide a significant boost to Cleveland's playoff chances over the summer. The Australia native didn't get to much of the raw power that he showed off at Oregon State last year, but if he unlocks that part of his offense, he could be up quickly.
Marcelo Mayer, SS, Red Sox (MLB No. 12)
ETA: August
Some expected Mayer to make his MLB debut in 2024, but a lumbar strain ended his season in August before he could play at Triple-A. Now healthy, the 2021 first-rounder has a chance to pick up where he left off after a tremendous .307/.370/.480 showing with Double-A Portland. Mayer could slide over to third base if needed, but Rafael Devers and Bregman have that position locked down, so his path to the Majors ironically may depend on the health of the incumbent starting shortstop, Trevor Story.
Samuel Basallo, C/1B, Orioles (MLB No. 13)
ETA: June
There's little question about Basallo's bat. While his numbers in 21 Triple-A games last season (.284 wOBA) weren't great, it's worth keeping in mind that he was just 19, the youngest player at the level. He'll have plenty of time to hone his approach and flex his tremendous raw power. More pressing is his work behind the plate, as the hulking Basallo still needs to improve his receiving and blocking. Because of the presence of Adley Rutschman at catcher in the Majors, Basallo is sure to play a mix of first base and DH no matter what to get in the lineup, so it's likely that his bat will be his ticket to Camden Yards.
Bubba Chandler, RHP, Pirates (MLB No. 15)
ETA: May
Chandler seemingly had a decent chance to make the Opening Day rotation until the Pirates signed veteran southpaw Andrew Heaney. Since health is no given for any pitcher and because of the way Chandler handled Triple-A to end 2024, he'll likely force Pittsburgh's hand sooner rather than later. His ERA (1.83), strikeout rate (34.0 percent), ground-ball rate (42.5 percent) and average-against (.183) all improved from Double-A to Triple-A. Chandler's fastball was already up to 99.6 mph in Spring Training, and his multisport athleticism is helping him develop into one of the best pitching prospects in the game.
Noah Schultz, LHP, White Sox (MLB No. 16)
ETA: August
Given how early the South Siders are in their rebuild, there shouldn't be a rush to get Schultz, the best left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, to the Majors. However, he's just so good that he may not leave them another choice. Schultz thoroughly dominated Double-A last year with a 1.48 ERA and 4.8 K/BB rate, but playing for Triple-A Charlotte, which has one of the most hitter-friendly stadiums in the Minors, will provide a big test. Perhaps the biggest impediment to him reaching the Majors will be an innings limit -- his 88 1/3 innings in 2024 were a career high and he could hit that mark by the All-Star break.
Chase Dollander, RHP, Rockies (MLB No. 25)
ETA: April
With four above average-or-better pitches led by a 65-grade fastball, Dollander has the high-octane stuff that could make him a frontline starter. As he's shown so far in Spring Training, though, he'll need more pinpoint command and consistency from his secondary pitches to succeed against Major League hitting. Still, there's a reason Rockies manager Bud Black has kept him in the mix for an Opening Day rotation spot despite an up-and-down spring. Expect to see the ninth overall pick from 2023 up soon, especially if there are any injuries to Colorado's veteran pitching staff.
Others to watch
Chase Burns, RHP, Reds (MLB No. 26) ETA: July
Kyle Teel, C, White Sox (MLB No. 32) ETA: May
Colson Montgomery, SS, White Sox (MLB No. 39) ETA: Opening Day
Quinn Mathews, LHP, Cardinals (MLB No. 45) ETA: May
Cole Young, SS/2B, Mariners (MLB No. 49) ETA: June
Cade Horton, RHP, Cubs (MLB No. 51) ETA: August
Ben Weinrib is a contributor for MiLB.com.
Zach Goodman Named Play-By-Play Broadcaster For 2025 Season
AMARILLO, TX. (February 27, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, today announced that Zach Goodman will return for a second year in the radio booth. Following his first season as a broadcaster for a professional baseball organization, he now steps into the primary play-by-play
Sod Poodles Announce Partners for Community Spotlight Programs
AMARILLO, TX. (February 19, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are proud to announce that Carpet Tech will serve as the official sponsor for the “Small Business Spotlight” program for another year to showcase local Amarillo small businesses throughout the 2025 season at HODGETOWN. Additionally, Tobacco Free Amarillo has been
AMARILLO INTRODUCES “YELLOW CITY PIGWEEDS” AS NEW ALTERNATE IDENTITY
AMARILLO, TX. (February 5, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles are excited to unveil the Yellow City Pigweeds as the Club’s new alternate identity for the 2025 season. With baseball season in the panhandle quickly approaching, the introduction of a new alternate brand enriches an already jam-packed HODGETOWN summer that
Single-Game Tickets for 2025 Season On Sale Now
AMARILLO, TX. (February 4, 2025) – Single-game tickets for the 2025 Amarillo Sod Poodles season are officially on sale now. With baseball season in the Texas panhandle right around the corner, fans can now explore individual seating options to plan their summer at the ballpark. The first chance for Amarillo
Sod Poodles Release 2025 Promo Schedule
AMARILLO, TX. (January 30, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, are excited to announce the promotional schedule for the 2025 season. Following a three-game road series to open the regular season, the Sod Poodles are officially back at HODGETOWN on Tuesday, April 8th as
Sod Poodles to Host National Anthem Auditions
Performances Will be Heard on Saturday, March 8th AMARILLO, Texas (January 23, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles will be hosting public auditions for national anthem performances for the 2025 season on Saturday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at HODGETOWN. Soloists, duets, and trios are invited to
Arizona Diamondbacks Announce Amarillo’s Full 2025 Field Staff
AMARILLO, Texas (January 14, 2025) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles, in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, are thrilled to announce their on-field staff for the 2025 season. Javier Colina will return to Amarillo as the fourth manager in Sod Poodles franchise history. Alongside Colina is pitching coach Gaby Hernandez, hitting
Christmas in the Sky Returns with a Spectacular Twist!
AMARILLO, Texas – The OccuNet Company and Fairly Group are thrilled to invite everyone in the Amarillo community to the region's most festive Christmas extravaganza, the "Christmas In The Sky” celebration at HODGETOWN, home of the Amarillo Sod Poodles. This spectacular event is set to take place on Friday, December
Tim Tawa Named Texas League All-Star
Amarillo, Texas (September 24, 2024) – Today, Minor League Baseball announced League Awards and All-Star Teams for each of the three leagues in Double-A. Sod Poodles INF/OF Tim Tawa was named a Texas League All-Star as a utility player. He was the only Amarillo player to be voted an All-Star
Amarillo Erases Four Run Deficit to Beat Frisco
Amarillo, Texas (September 12, 2024) – The Sod Poodles took a 2-1 series lead over the Frisco RoughRiders with a 10-7 victory Thursday Night. Amarillo trailed 6-2 before scoring in their last four offensive frames to secure the comeback win. The bullpen gave up just one run in 5.1 innings
Lin Goes Eight Quality Innings in Loss to Frisco
Amarillo, Texas (September 11, 2024) – The Sod Poodles saw their final series of the year evened up at a game a piece with the Frisco RoughRiders taking a 3-1 win on Wednesday night. The Sod Poodles only run of the game came in the first inning and was unable
Giesting Spins Quality Start In Win Over Riders
Amarillo, Texas (September 10, 2024) – Amarillo earned a 5-1 win over the Frisco RoughRiders to begin the final series of the season. Los Pointy Boots de Amarillo were propelled by a Spencer Giesting quality start and a pair of home runs in the sixth inning gave the southpaw all
Eight Run Inning Lifts Sod Poodles Over Travs
Amarillo, Texas (August 28, 2024) – Trailing 5-1 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, Amarillo used an eight-run inning to complete their comeback bid on Wednesday night. They used another two runs in the eighth to fend off the Arkansas Travelers and earn an 11-6 win to even the
Vukovich Named Texas League POTW
Amarillo, Texas (August 26, 2024) – Today, Minor League Baseball announced Players and Pitchers of the Week for August 20-25 for all 11 leagues in Minor League Baseball still playing. Amarillo Outfielder A.J. Vukovich earned his second career Texas League Player of the Week award and first of the 2024
Offense Stays Hot in Route of Hooks
Amarillo, Texas (August 21, 2024) – Amarillo racked up 21 hits to match their single-game high in 2024 and muscled out four more home runs in a 13-1 win over Corpus Christi on Wednesday night. Spencer Giesting spun his third quality start with Amarillo en route to earning his third
Amarillo Slugs Their Way to Victory
Amarillo, Texas (August 20, 2024) – The Sod Poodles hit a season-high six home runs on Tuesday night to earn an 11-6 win over the Corpus Christi Hooks. Six different players got in on the action with the 2 through 7 hole hitters in the lineup all doing damage. Dylan
Yu-Min Lin Dominant in Sod Poodles Win
Amarillo, Texas (August 10, 2024) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles took a 3-2 series lead on Saturday night on the back of a stellar performance from Yu-Min Lin. The left-hander worked seven scoreless innings and the offense did just enough to earn a 2-1 win in front of a sell-out
Amarillo Lets Late Lead Slip Away
Amarillo, Texas (August 9, 2024) – Spencer Giesting's quality start and a five-run third inning were not enough for the Sod Poodles to hold off a late charge by the Naturals. Amarillo dropped the extra-inning game on Friday night 7-6, leaving the tying run on third in the bottom of
Ray's No-Hit Bid Leads the Way
Amarillo, Texas (August 8, 2024) – Dylan Ray took a no-hitter into the sixth inning as the Sod Poodles held on late for an 8-7 win Thursday night over Northwest Arkansas. Dylan Ray earned his first quality start of the season, giving up three runs across six innings. He retired
Soddies Blanked as Naturals Even Series
Amarillo, Texas (August 7, 2024) – The Sod Poodles and Naturals were locked in a pitcher's dual through the first six innings on Wednesday night. The two starting pitchers combined to allow just one run on six hits. The Naturals used a three-run top of the seventh to pull away
Roberts Plays Hero, Walks Off Naturals in Extras
Amarillo, Texas (August 6, 2024) – The Sod Poodles won a thriller on Tuesday night to take down the Naturals in the first game of the series. After trailing by two entering the bottom of the eighth, the Sod Poodles scored two over the final two innings to send the
Wind Surge Steal Christmas In July Win
Amarillo, Texas (July 26, 2024) – Amarillo and Wichita each finished with six hits for the game, but the Wind Surge made the most of theirs. Half of Wichita's hits went for extra bases, including a pair of homers to steal a 4-1 win over Amarillo on Friday night. Luke
Amarillo Holds Off Wichita for Fourth Straight Win
Amarillo, Texas (July 25, 2024) – The Amarillo Sod Poodles carried a shutout bid into the ninth inning and held off a late Wind Surge rally to win their fourth straight game. Three early runs were enough in a 3-2 win as the Sod Poodles have now taken the first
Sod Poodles Stave off Wichita Rally, Win Third Straight
Amarillo, Texas (July 24, 2024) – Seeing the game knotted up in the top of the eighth, Amarillo responded with four runs of their own to hold off a late Wichita Rally. Amarillo picked up their third straight win, taking down the Wichita Wind Surge 7-3 on Wednesday night. D-backs'
Sod Poodles Run Away From Wind Surge
Amarillo, Texas (July 23, 2024) – Amarillo put together one of their best all-around performances of the season in a 12-3 victory over the Wichita Wind Surge. Six different Sod Poodles had multi-hit games in the offensive explosion. A.J. Vukovich and Tim Tawa both finished one leg short of the