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.
Join Us for a Life-Saving Blood Drive at District 356!
Join Us for a Life-Saving Blood Drive at District 356! Make a difference and help save lives by donating blood at District 356 on Saturday, March 15th, from 11 AM to 4 PM! As a thank-you for your generosity, donors will receive $40 in rewards, courtesy of The Blood Connection
SoCon Baseball Tournament to Continue in Greenville
The Southern Conference announced on Tuesday that it has extended its agreement with the Greenville Drive, establishing Fluor Field as the home of The Southern Conference Baseball Championship presented by Holston Gases for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 championships. "Extending our partnership with the Greenville Drive to make Fluor Field
#TeachGCS - A Night to Champion Teachers
TeachGCS Night at Fluor Field hosted by Public Education Partners, Greenville County Schools and the Greenville Drive will be Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. Each teacher can claim two complimentary game tickets, and will receive a $5 ballpark voucher which can be used for food and drinks when they
Tickets Now On Sale for Top Amateur Games at Fluor Field
While Greenville Drive baseball is still a couple months away, the organization and Fluor Field are set to kick-off the amateur baseball schedule in Downtown Greenville beginning on Friday, February 28. More than 25 collegiate and high school teams will take center stage at Fluor Field, with tickets now on
Greenville Drive, West End Events Hiring for the 20th Anniversary Season
Today, the Greenville Drive and West End Events announced its annual seasonal hiring process for the 2025 baseball season, as various departments in the ballpark gear up for another successful year at Fluor Field. Individuals 16 years and older interested in 2025 seasonal positions are encouraged to apply for open
Boston Red Sox, Greenville Drive Announce 2025 Field Staff
Greenville, S.C. – The Greenville Drive, High-A South Atlantic League Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will have a new face at the helm for the first time in six seasons as Liam Carroll, most recently the Single-A Salem Red Sox manager, was tabbed today by the Red Sox to
Greenville Baseball Hall of Fame Announces First Class Since 2014
The Greenville Baseball Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its official relaunch with the induction of seven distinguished members into its Class of 2024. The Greenville Baseball Hall of Fame was established in 1989 for the purpose of honoring individuals who have made lasting contributions to the game of
Drive staff take home league’s Groundskeeper and Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year Awards
Greenville, S.C. — The South Atlantic League, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, today announced the Greenville Drive’s VP of Operations and Grounds Greg Burgess, and Visiting Clubhouse Manager Brian Masztak as the South Atlantic League’s Head Groundskeeper of the Year and Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year, respectively. “We’re
Bryan Gonzalez named South Atlantic League Postseason All-Star
Bryan Gonzalez was named a South Atlantic League Postseason All-Star by Major/Minor League Baseball on Thursday, the lone Drive representative to earn postseason honors, capping off a record-breaking year for the outfielder-turned-first baseman, and regular designated hitter in the Drive lineup. Gonzalez earned the addition to the end-of-season all-star team
2025 Hot Stove: Boston Red Sox, Greenville Drive Set to Talk Upcoming Season
Greenville, S.C. – Less than three months remain before the first pitch on the 2025 Greenville Drive season at Fluor Field, the organization’s 20th Anniversary in the Upstate, and the Drive are once again hosting the Hot Stove, giving fans the chance to ask burning questions about the team and
Drive clip Dash 7-4 in penultimate game of the season
Nelly Taylor powered a two-run homer in third inning, and Yordanny Monegro spun seven strikeouts in five innings of work in his last start of the season as the Greenville Drive (36-29, 62-69) downed the Winston-Salem Dash (29-36, 60-71), 7-4 Saturday at Fluor Field. Monegro, who had not given up
Drive walk-off Dash 6-5 with two runs in the bottom of the ninth
Bryan Gonzalez with speed to burn, knocked a chopping grounder up the third base line and beat the throw to first in the bottom of the ninth inning with two away with Zach Ehrhard on third, capping off a two-run bottom of the ninth comeback for the Greenville Drive; snapping
Drive relinquish lead late to fall 4-3 to Dash
The Greenville Drive (34-29, 60-69) relinquished a 3-1 lead in the seventh and gave up the go-ahead run in the ninth with two away to fall 4-3 to the Winston-Salem Dash (29-34, 60-69); marking the third consecutive loss for the Drive and their eighth loss in the last 10 games.
Drive blanked again in 1-0 loss to Dash
The Greenville Drive (34-28, 60-68) were blanked for the second night in a row by the Winston-Salem Dash (28-34, 59-69), 1-0 on a run scored in the top of the first as the Drive picked up three hits total on the night. The loss marked the fourth time in 10
Drive fall 4-0 to Dash; officially eliminated from playoff contention
The Greenville Drive (34-27, 60-67) fell 4-0 to the Winston-Salem Dash (27-34, 58-69) Tuesday night at Fluor Field, officially ending their playoff and title-defense hopes, as the Dash chipped in three runs in the fifth and one in the eighth to carry the night. The loss marked the fourth time
Drive down Hot Rods 6-1; keep playoff hopes alive
The Drive offense finally showed up for its stellar pitching Sunday, after five nights of being stifled by the Hot Rods. Greenville’s (34-26, 60-66) Yordanny Monegro spun another dominating performance on the mound holding Bowling Green (38-19, 74-49) to one run on two hits with a pair of walks and
Drive held to one hit in 7-0 blanking by Hot Rods
The Greenville Drive’s (33-25, 59-65) Miguel Ugueto knocked a single in the second inning accounting for the Drive’s lone hit on the night as the Bowling Green Hot Rods (36-18, 73-48) blanked the Drive 7-0; the second time the Drive were shutout this week. The loss dropped Greenville to 5.5
Drive allow four in the eighth, fall 6-2 to Hot Rods
Nelly Taylor’s eighth inning homer knotted the game at 2-2 Saturday night, the second time this series the Drive have been able to erase a Hot Rods lead. But Taylor’s heroics were for naught as Bowling Green (38-18, 74-48) downed Greenville (33-26, 59-66) 6-2 with a four-run barrage in the
Drive relinquish three-run lead to fall 6-4
The Greenville Drive (33-24, 59-64) dropped their third-straight game, relinquishing a three-run lead in the sixth inning as the Bowling Green Hot Rods (36-18, 72-48) poured in five runs en route to a 6-4 victory Thursday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. The loss dropped the Drive to 4.5 games back
Drive blanked by Hot Rods, 2-0 in pitcher’s duel
As the game wore on, the more it seemed the Greenville Drive (33-23, 59-63) had a chance to swipe a game from the division-leading Bowling Green Hot Rods (35-18, 71-4 ), but the moment never materialized in an outright pitcher’s duel. The Drive were blanked by the Hot Rods Wednesday
Drive relinquish five in the sixth to fall 9-5 to Hot Rods
The Bowling Green Hot Rods’ (34-18, 70-48) five-run outburst in the sixth inning downed the Greenville Drive (33-22, 59-62) 9-4 in Tuesday’s series opener at Bowling Green Ballpark, dropping the Drive to 2.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the South Atlantic League South Division. Though Bowling Green
Drive take Sunday finale with 3-2 victory over Emperors
Hudson White, Juan Chacon, and Andy Lugo chipped in an RBI a piece in the fourth, and the Greenville Drive (33-21, 59-61) bullpen allowed one hit through the final four innings to down the Rome Emperors (21-31, 57-59) 3-2 on Sunday at Fluor Field marking the Drive’s fourth win in
Drive blank Emperors 2-0 to secure back-to-back victories
The Greenville Drive (31-21, 57-61) pitching trio of Tyler Uberstine, Hayden Mullins, and Max Carlson held the Rome Emperors (21-29, 57-57) to two hits on the night as Mikey Romero and Bryan Gonzalez chipped in RBIs to blank the Emperors 2-0 on Friday night at Fluor Field. Uberstine took the
Drive’s explosive inning carries 7-3 victory over Emperors
The Greenville Drive (32-21, 58-61) used a six-run first inning on the strength of a three-run double from Ronald Rosario and Dalton Rogers struck out a season-high nine in his start as the Drive downed the Rome Emperors (21-30, 57-58) 7-3 on Ranas de Rio night at Fluor Field. Greenville