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Konnor Griffin (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Just a day after the confetti stopped falling at the parade celebrating the Dodgers’ second-straight World Series win, Major League Baseball has announced its schedules for the 2026 Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.
Additionally, and of special interest for prospect hounds, the league also posted slates for the third-annual Spring Breakout games, which pit the best young talent from every organization in one-game (or sometimes two-game) exhibitions toward the conclusion of the spring training schedule.
The first version, in 2024, featured the Pirates and Paul Skenes against then-No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday and the Orioles. Last year, Mets righthander Jonah Tong previewed his dominant season by striking out three over two shutout innings against the Nationals.
2026 MLB Spring Breakout Schedule
Next year’s Spring Breakout slate runs from March 19-22. Here’s the full schedule:
Thursday, March 19Reds at GiantsScottsdale, Arizona (Scottsdale Stadium)Guardians at AngelsTempe, Arizona (Tempe Diablo Stadium)Marlins at AstrosWest Palm Beach, Florida (CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches)Phillies at TwinsLee County, Florida (Lee Health Sports Complex)Rays at MetsPort St. Lucie, FL (Clover Park) Friday, March 20Rangers at RoyalsSurprise, Arizona (Surprise Stadium)Mariners at BrewersPhoenix, Arizona (American Family Fields of Phoenix)Red Sox at OriolesSarasota, Florida (Ed Smith Stadium)Tigers at PiratesBradenton, Florida (LECOM Park) Saturday, March 21Rockies at DiamondbacksScottsdale, Arizona (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick)White Sox at DodgersGlendale, Arizona (Camelback Ranch)Padres at CubsMesa, Arizona (Sloan Park)Braves at YankeesTampa, Florida (George M. Steinbrenner Field)Blue Jays at PhilliesClearwater, Florida (BayCare Ballpark)Nationals at CardinalsJupiter, Florida (Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium) Sunday, March 22Brewers at AthleticsMesa, Arizona (Hohokam Stadium)
Spring Breakout Matchups To Watch
The Brewers, led by dynamic middle infielders Jesús Made and Luis Peña, get the double-duty treatment this spring, facing off with the Mariners on March 20 and again with the Athletics on March 22.
If you’re looking for heat, this schedule’s got it in spades. On the first day, the Giants could show off their cache of young arms by rolling out lefty Jacob Bresnahan and righties Keyner Martinez and Luis De La Torre against a Reds group that could counter with slugging youngsters like Tyson Lewis and Alfredo Duno.
On the other coast, flamethrowing righty Kevin Defrank could make waves for Miami against the Astros, while Phillies 2025 first-rounder Gage Wood might have a chance to dazzle against a Twins group that could boast Walker Jenkins, one of the game’s elite prospects.
A day later, the Surprise showdown between the Rangers and Royals will give shortstop Sebastian Walcott an opportunity to shine against Kansas City’s cadre of catchers that could include Carter Jensen, Blake Mitchell and Ramon Ramirez.
The Mariners-Brewers tilt might give Made and Peña at-bats against Seattle’s next wave of arms, including righty Ryan Sloan, lefty Kade Anderson and switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje.
The gem of the series might be played in Bradenton, Fla., where the Tigers and Pirates are slated to battle. Both teams have excellent systems and are led by the game’s top two prospects: Pittsburgh shortstop Konnor Griffin and Detroit infielder Kevin McGonigle. Add burgeoning Pirates prospects Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino in with future Motor City kitties Max Clark, Josue Briceño and—if healthy—Bryce Rainer, and you have the potential for something special.
The confrontation at Camelback between the Dodgers and White Sox could bring us a rematch of Chicago lefty Noah Schultz against L.A. outfielder Josue De Paula. In the Futures Game in Atlanta, De Paula won that battle with a home run that ultimately earned him the game’s MVP award.
That’s just a taste of the matchups that could await in a little more than four months. Mark your calendars and get your popcorn ready, because a bicoastal weekend of prospect fun is getting closer by the day.
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