How to watch the Cubs' Spring Breakout game
Jordan Bastian
@MLBastian
MESA, Ariz. -- An unfortunately-timed storm washed away the Cubs’ Spring Breakout showcase a year ago, leading to a group of prospects heading to the Sloan Park concourse to sign autographs for fans. This spring, the North Siders looked forward to showing off one of baseball’s top farm systems with a pair of Breakout tilts, but Mother Nature intervened again when Thursday's showdown against Dodgers prospects was rained out. There's one more chance for the Cubs' future stars to take the field when they square off with prospects from the Angels' organization on Saturday.
Here is everything you need to know about Chicago’s Spring Breakout contest.
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 Thursday through Sunday 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 Cubs’ game?
The Cubs had planned for a group of prospects to face prospects from the Dodgers’ system on Thursday night at Camelback Ranch, but that game was canceled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. But those prospects will still get a chance to shine when Chicago hosts prospects from the Angels’ system at 8:05 p.m. CT on Saturday at Sloan Park. The game is being held while the Cubs’ Major League team is in Japan all week for the season-opening Tokyo Series (Tuesday and Wednesday) against the Dodgers.
Which position players are expected to play?
Catcher Moises Ballesteros (No. 68) and infielder James Triantos (No. 72) highlighted the initial 23-player roster set by the Cubs for the first Spring Breakout game against the Dodgers. They will be permitted to submit an updated Spring Breakout roster prior to the second tilt against the Angels.
Other position players ranked among the first 20 from the Cubs’ preseason Top 30 list include: infielder Cristian Hernandez (No. 11), first baseman Jonathon Long (No. 13), shortstop Ronny Cruz (No. 14), corner infielder Cole Mathis (No. 15), infielder Angel Cepeda (No. 17) and infielder Pedro Ramirez (No. 18).
Which pitching prospects are expected to play?
Righty Cade Horton (No. 51) tops this list, but other prospects from the Cubs’ Top 30 list include: righty Jaxon Wiggins (No. 10) and lefty Drew Gray (No. 26). Left-hander Riley Martin and right-hander Will Sanders were also on the initial roster for the first Spring Breakout game against the Dodgers.
Why are certain top prospects not listed on the roster?
Third baseman Matt Shaw, who is Pipeline’s top Cubs prospect and ranked No. 19 on the Top 100 list, is currently in Major League camp and competing for the Opening Day job at the hot corner and made the trip to Tokyo with the big league club. Outfielder Owen Caissie (No. 53 on the Top 100) is no longer in MLB camp, as he is being ramped up following a bout with a left groin strain this spring. Another notable omission, outfielder Kevin Alcántara (No. 89 on the Top 100), is also in big league camp.
What is the full roster?
Senior Reporter Jordan Bastian covers the Cubs for MLB.com. He previously covered Cleveland from 2011-18 and Toronto from 2005-10. Subscribe to his Cubs Beat newsletter.