After last year’s game was canceled due to heavy rainfall, the A’s are finally set to participate in their first Spring Breakout, a series of exhibition games featuring the top prospects in each Major League club’s farm system. Here’s everything to know about that game, which will feature the A’s taking on the Padres.
What is Spring Breakout?
MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future: the current stars of Minor League Baseball. The second edition will be held from March 13-16 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training. Sixteen exhibition games will be played between teams comprised of each MLB organization’s top prospects, creating a new touchpoint on the baseball calendar that celebrates the sport’s budding talent.
When is the Athletics’ game?
The A’s Spring Breakout game is scheduled for Friday, March 14 at Peoria Sports Complex against the top prospects from the Padres’ system. First pitch is set for 2:40 p.m. PT.
How can I tune in?
Which position players are expected to play?
The roster is headlined by Nick Kurtz, who ranks as the A’s No. 2 prospect and No. 38 overall prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline. The first baseman was the fourth overall selection of the 2024 MLB Draft and dominated opposing pitchers in his 12 games between Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland last season, hitting .368 with four home runs and 13 RBIs before a hamstring strain cut his season short. Recovering from the injury in October, Kurtz made up for lost time by playing in the Arizona Fall League and once again shined at the plate by hitting .353 with a 1.058 OPS in 13 games.
Outfielder Colby Thomas (ATH No. 3 prospect) will get to showcase his powerful bat. The 24-year-old split his 2024 campaign between Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas, combining to hit .277 with a .906 OPS, 31 homers, 44 doubles, five triples, 15 stolen bases and 92 RBIs in 132 games. Thomas will likely be manning the same outfield as Denzel Clarke (No. 6 prospect) and Henry Bolte (No. 9), both of whom are also candidates to reach the Majors at some point in 2025.
Two-way Japanese teenage star Shotaro Morii (No. 28), who received the largest signing bonus ($1.5 million) ever for a player outside Nippon Professional Baseball, is also available and could see some action either at the plate or on the mound.
Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
Luis Morales (No. 5) headlines the pitching group. The right-hander impressed manager Mark Kotsay in his first spring outing on Feb. 25 against the Giants, where he fired several fastballs that touched 97 mph and showed off a nasty slider that is developing into a quality second pitch.
Gunnar Hoglund (No. 16) could also see some action. The right-hander is enjoying an uptick in velocity this spring, with his fastball clocking up to 97 mph in spring games. Hoglund will likely join the rotation at Triple-A Las Vegas to begin the regular season and could be one of the first names called up by the A’s this season if a need for pitching arises.
Why are certain top prospects not listed on the roster?
If you don’t see a top prospect on the roster, it is likely because they fall into one of two categories: They are either still in big league camp and battling for a roster spot, or the player is injured or has an injury concern. For example, Jacob Wilson (ATH No. 1/MLB No. 31) is preparing in big league camp with the A's as their expected everyday shortstop for 2025.
What is the full roster?