The 10 best 2025 Spring Breakout rosters, ranked
Ding, ding, who’s ready for Round 2? Last year’s inaugural edition of Spring Breakout gave fans early looks at Paul Skenes, Jackson Chourio, Pete Crow-Armstrong, James Wood, Jackson Holliday, Ceddanne Rafaela and many other young stars who graduated off prospect lists in 2024. Not only does it serve as a
Ding, ding, who’s ready for Round 2?
Last year’s inaugural edition of Spring Breakout gave fans early looks at Paul Skenes, Jackson Chourio, Pete Crow-Armstrong, James Wood, Jackson Holliday, Ceddanne Rafaela and many other young stars who graduated off prospect lists in 2024. Not only does it serve as a great showcase for the next generation, but it also gives folks a concentrated look at the strength of every farm system.
That said, teams aren’t using their full farms for one exhibition. They had to craft rosters based on health, availability, 40-man status, and of course, talent. And as is the case with any type of roster construction, some clubs just put together more exciting groups of players than others.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Following Thursday’s release of all 30 Spring Breakout rosters, here are the 10 we believe are the most loaded (in descending order):
1. Boston Red Sox
Top 100 prospects (4): Roman Anthony, OF (No. 2); Kristian Campbell, 2B/SS/OF (No. 7); Marcelo Mayer, SS (No. 12); Franklin Arias, SS/2B (No. 75)
Total Top 30 prospects: 20
Matchup: @ Rays, March 13, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
Boston is the only farm system with three top 12 overall prospects. All three are participating in Spring Breakout this year, including the top Breakout prospect in Anthony. Need we say more? OK, sure. Anthony, Campbell and Mayer all have at least above-average hit and power tools, and should they start together as expected, the Red Sox will have the most fearsome heart of the order in this year’s Breakout showcase. This could also be an introduction to Arias, who has played only 36 games above the Complex levels but excites Boston officials for his early buy-in to their hitting philosophies. The hitting group brings the majority of the excitement here, but keep an eye out for David Sandlin (No. 9) and Connelly Early (No. 10) on the pitching side. The latter, in particular, has shown improved velocity this spring up to 97 mph and could use the event as a launching pad for a big 2025.
2. Chicago White Sox
Top 100 prospects (6): Noah Schultz, LHP (No. 16); Kyle Teel, C (No. 32); Hagen Smith, LHP (No. 34); Colson Montgomery, SS (No. 39); Braden Montgomery, OF (No. 54); Edgar Quero (No. 65)
Total Top 30 prospects: 23
Matchup: vs. Rockies, March 16, 5:05 p.m. ET/2:05 p.m. PT
The White Sox are in the midst of a rebuild, so there’s no way better for Chicago to exhibit the talent that’s coming than by getting as much of it on the same field as once. Accordingly, all six of the Sox Top 100 prospects are included on the Spring Breakout roster. The two best left-handed pitching prospects in Schultz and Smith could go back-to-back at the start of the game. Teel, Braden Montgomery and Chase Meidroth (No. 8) could feature in the same lineup, all having been key pieces in the Garrett Crochet return. Beyond the Top 100 contingent, Chicago’s top 14 prospects were included on the Breakout roster. How many will we see as regulars on the South Side? Check back in five years, but don’t be shocked if it’s a few.
3. Tampa Bay Rays
Top 100 prospects (5): Carson Williams, SS (No. 9); Xavier Isaac, 1B (No. 50); Brayden Taylor, INF (No. 66); Tre' Morgan, 1B/OF (No. 93); Theo Gillen, OF (No. 98)
Total Top 30 prospects: 17
Matchup: vs. Red Sox, March 13, 7:05 p.m. ET/4:05 p.m. PT
The No. 2 farm system in the game is bringing all five of its Top 100 prospects and nine of its top 10 -- Brody Hopkins (No. 8) is the only one missing -- to this year’s Breakout. This makes the Florida opener against Boston a prime opportunity to see Williams and Morgan flash the leather, Isaac display his plus-plus pop and Chandler Simpson show off arguably baseball’s best set of wheels. That’s a lot of tools and a diverse set of skills at that. The pitching will be led by promising young arms Santiago Suarez, Gary Gill Hill and Trevor Harrison, so the excitement isn’t exclusive to the position-player group either. Tampa Bay’s system is so deep that non-Top 30 prospects like Mac Horvath or Paul Gervase could play big roles against the Red Sox.
4. Seattle Mariners
Top 100 prospects (6): Colt Emerson, SS/3B (No. 20); Lazaro Montes, OF (No. 42); Cole Young, SS/2B (No. 49); Harry Ford, C (No. 64); Felnin Celesten, SS (No. 73); Michael Arroyo, 2B/SS (No. 97)
Total Top 30 prospects: 22
Matchup: @ Guardians, March 14, 8:05 p.m. ET/5:05 p.m. PT
Seattle named six of its seven Top 100 prospects to the Breakout roster, tying with the White Sox for the most on one club. After developing pitching exceptionally well (plus Julio Rodríguez), the M’s bring a Top 100 contingent of exclusively hitters to this year’s showcase, giving fans a glimpse of the bats who could help the big club in time, even though none have experience above Double-A yet. Arroyo, in particular, just helped Colombia clinch a spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a solid qualifiers performance in Tucson and will head to Friday’s game with plenty of competitive juices flowing. The hurler most will want to see: 2024 15th overall pick and switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje.
5. Detroit Tigers
Top 100 prospects (5): Max Clark, OF (No. 6); Kevin McGonigle, SS/2B (No. 28); Bryce Rainer, SS (No. 52); Thayron Liranzo, C/1B (No. 81); Josue Briceño, 1B/C (No. 94)
Total Top 30 prospects: 18
Matchup: @ Braves, March 16, 4:05 p.m. ET/1:05 p.m. PT
MLB Pipeline just named the Tigers the No. 1 farm system in baseball because of its depth and quality of top talent. Would Detroit sit in the No. 1 spot here if Jackson Jobe was pitching in Spring Breakout? It’s highly likely, but we won’t begrudge the right-hander for staying on the MLB side while he competes for an Opening Day roster spot. Instead, the bats should rule the day on Sunday against Atlanta. Clark provides lightning at the top of the order, McGonigle brings exceptional bat-to-ball skills and Liranzo and Briceño carry ample thunder. What’s more, this will be many Detroit fans’ first look at 2024 first-rounder Rainer, a shortstop with pop and plus-plus arm strength. With Hao-Yu Lee also in the mix, the Tigers will have a fun infield to sort through.
6. Cincinnati Reds
Top 100 prospects (3): Chase Burns, RHP (No. 26); Sal Stewart, 2B/3B (No. 83); Edwin Arroyo, SS (No. 91)
Total Top 30 prospects: 22
Matchup: @ Brewers, March 16, 7:40 p.m. ET/4:40 p.m. PT
Burns certainly commanded everyone’s attention Wednesday when he threw four pitches at 100+ mph and struck out three in his one and only Cactus League inning of the spring. His plus-plus slider should also be a weapon, and you can bet both the heater and breaking ball will be on full display if he gets the ball against Milwaukee on Sunday. The velo doesn’t stop there with Chase Petty (up to 98.9 mph this spring), Connor Phillips (98.6) and Luis Mey (100.5) also on the Breakout roster. Cincinnati could also bump up its infield group with Top 100 prospects with Stewart at second and Arroyo at short, and catcher Alfredo Duno could use this as a launching pad toward the Top 100 himself -- a broken rib cut his 2024 short in May.
7. Cleveland Guardians
Top 100 prospects (3): Travis Bazzana, 2B (No. 10); Jaison Chourio, OF (No. 59); Angel Genao, INF (No. 61)
Total Top 30 prospects: 16
Matchup: vs. Mariners, March 14, 8:05 p.m. ET/5:05 p.m. PT
Bazzana, last year’s No. 1 overall pick already proved he can put on a spring show by homering in his second Cactus League game on Feb. 25, and playing in this type of environment against fellow prospects, the former Oregon State star may be able to flex his hitting prowess even more. He won’t be alone. Chourio -- brother of Brewers star outfielder Jackson -- and Genao are both switch-hitters with plus hit tools, and after swiping 44 bags last season, Chourio can impact the game with his legs too. Outside the Top 100, Ralphy Velazquez and C.J. Kayfus rank No. 8 and 9 on MLB Pipeline’s list of Top 10 first-base prospects and could be left-handed-hitting forces for Cleveland on Thursday. Be prepared for lefty pitchers too. The top four ranked Guards hurlers are southpaws, as is 2024 standout Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates
Top 100 prospects (3): Bubba Chandler, RHP (No. 15); Konnor Griffin, SS/OF (No. 43); Termarr Johnson, 2B/SS (No. 82)
Total Top 30 prospects: 18
Matchup: @ Phillies, March 14, 1:05 p.m. ET/10:05 a.m. PT
Last year’s Spring Breakout highlight was Skenes striking out Holliday in a matchup between two No. 1 overall picks. The Bucs could go with a big pitching prospect as its Breakout starter for the second year in a row with Chandler on the roster. The 22-year-old right-hander may have been assigned to Minor League camp earlier than expected, but his high-octane arsenal has the potential to baffle Phillies on Friday. Griffin and Johnson would make for a fun double-play partnership, and the former in particular caught a ton of attention for the way he handled himself at just 18 years old in MLB camp. A strong Breakout would only add to his impressive first Spring Training. Wyatt Sanford (second round) will give Pittsburgh fans an additional look at a shortstop from the 2024 Draft.
9. Kansas City Royals
Top 100 prospects (3): Jac Caglianone, 1B (No. 22); Blake Mitchell, C (No. 48); Carter Jensen, C (No. 85)
Total Top 30 prospects: 26
Matchup: @ D-backs, March 14, 8:10 p.m. ET/5:10 p.m. PT
We end with two organizations that understood the Spring Breakout assignment. Kansas City added 26 members of its Top 30 to the Breakout roster, tying them with the club below for most in this year’s series. While Mitchell won’t play as he recovers from a broken hamate, Caglianone and Jensen give the lineup ample heft. The former, in particular, has been a star of spring as he’s taken his trademark power from Florida and put it to use in the Cactus League. His raw power might be the best in the entire showcase. Each of the Royals’ top 19 prospects are on the roster, including notable arms Ben Kudrna, Noah Cameron and Steven Zobac. The Royals may not be as loaded a system as others, but you can’t ask for much better from their Breakout roster.
10. Miami Marlins
Top 100 prospects (3): Thomas White, LHP (No. 41); Starlyn Caba, SS (No. 80); Noble Meyer, RHP (No. 84)
Total Top 30 prospects: 26
Matchup: vs. Cardinals, March 14, 12:10 p.m. ET/9:10 a.m. PT
Again, the Marlins did as well as could be expected for filling out a Breakout roster with 26 of the 27 spots used up by Top 30 prospects; they just lack someone with the star power of Caglianone. White and Meyer are no strangers to this event, having each gotten an inning against the Cardinals last year. The former struck out all three batters he faced, and all three were future Major Leaguers in Victor Scott II, Thomas Saggese and Pedro Pagés. Caba, a plus-plus defender at shortstop, will make his official organization debut after coming over from the Phillies in the Jesús Luzardo deal. And Agustin Ramirez (another pickup from the Yankees at the 2024 Trade Deadline) brings ample power to the middle of the lineup.
Sam Dykstra is a reporter for MiLB.com. Follow and interact with him on Twitter, @SamDykstraMiLB.
USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Returns to Fayetteville July 3rd
The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team returns to Segra Stadium on Thursday, July 3rd as part of USA Baseball’s annual Stars vs. Stripes series. First pitch for the Stars & Stripes game in downtown Fayetteville is slated for 6:35 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Postgame fireworks will conclude
Segra Stadium to Host 'One Ville' Exhibition April 2nd
Segra Stadium will play host to the ‘One Ville’ exhibition on Wednesday, April 2nd, which will feature the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Low-A, Houston Astros) matching up against the Asheville Tourists (High-A, Houston Astros) in a preseason tune-up before each team starts their respective seasons. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m.
Woodpeckers Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced their 2025 promotional schedule for their sixth season of play at Segra Stadium. Individual tickets will go on sale to the public in-person at our free Spring Fling event on Saturday, March 1st from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets will be available online later that
Fayetteville Woodpeckers Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
FAYETTEVILLE, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, in conjunction with the Houston Astros, today announced their 2025 coaching staff and have named Carlos Lugo as the newest manager of the club. Making up the rest of Lugo’s staff will be pitching coach James Wiseman, hitting coach Kyle Brennan, and development coach
ECU Baseball Returns to Segra Stadium March 4th & 18th
East Carolina University baseball returns to Segra Stadium for two games this March. The first game will be on Tuesday, March 4th when ECU takes on the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs of the Big South. The second game will take place Tuesday, March 18th when ECU faces off against UNC Wilmington
Meet Bluey at Segra Stadium with Woodpeckers Newest Experience Add-On
Everybody’s favorite Australian pup, Bluey, is coming to Segra Stadium for Bluey at the Ballpark on Sunday, June 29th. While Bluey will be available throughout the game to meet as many fans as possible, the Woodpeckers have announced an Experience Add-On that guarantees your chance to meet Bluey. This add-on
Woodpeckers Announce Additions to Front Office Staff
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced today several front office staff additions as the team prepares for the 2025 season at Segra Stadium. Will Champion and Shai Szkolnik join as Ticket Sales Account Executives while Dustin Jessee and Noah Bard will fill roles in the stadium operations department. Champion
2025 Woodpeckers Fireworks Shows Announced
Today, the Woodpeckers announced their fireworks dates for 2025 totaling eight shows, including Opening Night and July 4th & 5th. In addition to the three mentioned, a new show lineup called ‘Fireworks Extravaganza’ will make its debut and will feature bigger and better shows once a month for fans to
Fayetteville Holiday Lights Returns To Segra Stadium November 29th
The 4th annual Fayetteville Holiday Lights returns to Segra Stadium starting November 29th and will run daily until December 23rd. The 26-day event will feature more than 2 million lights, over a dozen large displays, the largest light-up Christmas tree in Fayetteville at 40 feet, light shows, Santa, holiday themed
Woodpeckers Announce Start Times for 2025 Regular Season
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers announced their start times for the 2025 campaign, which will have a familiar feel to them. The club will start Tuesday through Thursday games at 6:35 p.m., Friday & Saturday games at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday games at 5:05 p.m. There will be a few exceptions to
Woodpeckers to Watch for in the MLB Postseason
The Houston Astros are back in the postseason for an eighth consecutive season and begin their run towards a World Series title on Tuesday afternoon in a best-of-three American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers. Six former Fayetteville Woodpeckers are on the Astros postseason roster with details below:
Woodpeckers 2024 Season Recap
SEASON OVERVIEW: The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A, Houston Astros) finished their fifth season in franchise history with a 55-75 overall record, an identical win mark to the 2021 and 2022 season and tied for the fewest wins in a single year. Fayetteville broke out to its best start in franchise history,
Woodpeckers End 2024 Season with Fan Appreciation Night
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (55-75, 25-38 2nd Half) welcomed fans inside of Segra Stadium for the final ballgame of the 2024 season on Sunday night and dropped an 8-0 shutout to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (62-67, 33-30). Myrtle Beach took control of the game with a four-run top
Bush Homers Twice as Woodpeckers Take Series Lead from Pelicans
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – It was a signature night for catcher Will Bush in front of a big Saturday crowd at Segra Stadium. The 2023 Houston Astros 16th round pick belted a pair of two-run homers and drove in five runs to lead the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (55-74, 26-37) to an 11-5
Luis Rodriguez Spins Complete Game Shutout in Doubleheader Split
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (54-74, 25-37 2nd Half) and Myrtle Beach Pelicans (61-66, 32-29 2nd Half) squared off in a doubleheader Friday night in a makeup of Monday’s postponed contest. Fayetteville dropped the opener 8-6 and saw Luis Rodriguez spin a complete game shutout in the nightcap for
Woodpeckers End Skid on Walk Off Balk
Fayetteville, NC - A scoreless tie carried into the bottom of the tenth inning on Thursday night until the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (60-65, 31-28 2nd Half) balked home the winning run to grant the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (53-73, 24-36 2nd Half) a 1-0 victory at Segra Stadium. The victory ended an
Woodpeckers Swept by Charleston, Drop Tenth Consecutive Game
CHARLESTON, SC – A frustrating week on the road came to a close Sunday night at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium as the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-72, 23-35) were unable to emerge victorious in their series finale with the Charleston RiverDogs (64-59, 37-21). Charleston defeated the Woodpeckers by a 6-2 final
Ochoa Homers as Fayetteville Falls for Sixth Straight Game
CHARLESTON, SC – Nehomar Ochoa Jr. hammered his team-leading tenth home run of the season Wednesday night at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Ballpark to give the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-68, 23-31) an early advantage. However, the Charleston RiverDogs (60-59, 33-21) rallied to take home a 8-4 win and hand the Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers Can’t Solve RiverDogs’ Pitching, Drop Fifth Straight
CHARLESTON, SC – The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-67, 23-30) were stifled by the Charleston RiverDogs (59-59, 32-21) in Tuesday night’s series opener at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park as the Woodpeckers fell by a final score of 7-1. The win for Charleston snaps a five-game losing streak against Fayetteville while the
Series Slips Away in Sunday Loss to Kannapolis
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-66, 23-29 2nd Half) dropped their fourth straight game to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (64-56, 23-31 2nd Half) in Sunday series conclusion, surrendering five runs in the top of the fourth and trailing the rest of the way in a 9-2 final. Bryce Mayer
Fayetteville Falls in Third Straight to Kannapolis
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-65, 23-28) fell behind in the middle innings on Saturday night to the Kanapolis Cannonballers (63-56, 22-31 2nd Half) and never recovered in a 5-1 defeat at Segra Stadium. Starters Ricardo Brizuela (W, 3-0) and Luis Rodriguez (L, 1-1) kept the game without a
Woodpeckers Fall to Ballers in 11-Inning Fight
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-64, 23-26 2nd Half) played into the eleventh inning for just the second time all season, falling to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (62-56, 21-31 2nd Half) 9-6 on Friday night at Segra Stadium. A two-run rally in the bottom of the eighth when trailing
Oatmilkers Let Lead Slip in Loss to Cannon Ballers
Fayetteville, NC - The Malmo Oat Milkers (52-63, 23-26 2nd Half) lost their grip on a 5-1 lead Thursday night as the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (61-56, 20-31 2nd Half) scored seven unanswered runs at one point to steal the game 8-6 at Segra Stadium. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers changed their identity
Huge Six-Run Inning Vaults Fayetteville to Victory
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (52-62, 23-25 2nd Half) used a huge six-run bottom of the third inning Wednesday night to secure a convincing 7-3 victory over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (60-56, 19-31 2nd Half) at Segra Stadium. Fayetteville trailed 1-0 going into the bottom of the third prior
Woodpeckers Score Four Unanswered in Comeback Win Over Cannon Ballers
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (51-62. 22-25 2nd Half) stormed back against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (60-55, 19-30 2nd Half) on Tuesday night scoring four unanswered runs to secure the series opener 6-5 at Segra Stadium. The comeback started when trailing 5-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning.