Nats prospects eager for Spring Breakout spotlight: 'I think it's exciting'
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Not only are many of the Nationals' top prospects participating in Major League camp, several of them are likely to play in the debut of the MLB Spring Breakout, too.
The inaugural event is a series of 16 exhibition games designed to showcase the future generation of talent from every team. It runs league-wide from March 14-17.
The Nationals' prospects will face the Mets' prospects on March 15 in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at 3:10 p.m. ET., as Game 1 of a traditional doubleheader alongside a Major League Spring Training game. The Spring Breakout matchup will be broadcast on MLB digital platforms, Nats.com (audio) and SNY.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said outfielder James Wood, ranked as the No. 14 overall prospect and the Nats’ No. 2 by MLB Pipeline. “It gives the younger guys some spotlight and gives them a chance to compete against each other.”
The Spring Breakout is not only an opportunity for emerging players to showcase their talents. In the case of the Nationals, it is a chance for many of their top prospects, whom Washington anticipates having key roles in the team’s future, to build chemistry on the field and face potential future opponents.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said outfielder Robert Hassell III, the Nationals’ No. 8 prospect. “Depending on where you’re at, we run into each other throughout the year, but we never really get a chance [to play] before then. The most important part is the fans are able to see all of us in one place. I think it’s great to get our names out there because we’re all going to be there, that’s the path we’re on. I think it’s exciting.”
The rosters are slated to be announced live on March 7 at 11 a.m. ET during a special MLB Network show co-hosted by Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds.
Every player ranked in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects is eligible to play in the Spring Breakout. On the Nationals, that includes Wood, outfielder Dylan Crews (No. 7 overall, Nats’ No. 1 prospect) and third baseman Brady House (No. 48 overall, Nats’ No. 3).
Potential players who could be selected to compete in the Spring Breakout who were invited to Nats big league camp also include Hassell, infielder Trey Lipscomb (Nats’ No. 14) and infielder Darren Baker (Nats’ No. 25).
The team also could feature outfielder Elijah Green (No. 5), outfielder Daylen Lile (No. 6), third baseman Yohandy Morales (No. 7), outfielder Cristhian Vaquero (No. 9), right-hander Travis Sykora (No. 11), shortstop Kevin Made (No. 15), outfielder Jeremy De La Rosa (No. 17), outfielder Andrew Pinckney (No. 19), first baseman/outfielder Roismar Quintana (No. 20), right-hander Andry Lara (No. 24), shortstop Armando Cruz (No. 27) and first baseman/outfielder T.J. White (No. 28).
Prospects on the 40-man roster can opt out of participating.