Spring Breakout preview: Pirates prospects on display
Teams made up of prospects from both the Pirates and Phillies will face off in their Spring Breakout game this afternoon at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla. A year ago, Paul Skenes burst onto the scene at LECOM Park when he took on the Orioles lineup before eventually winning the National League Rookie of the Year.
So, who will make a name for themselves this year?
While some players have already shown their stuff in big-league camp -- Bubba Chandler, Konnor Griffin, Termarr Johnson and others -- today's matchup is another opportunity for prospects in both organizations to display their talent. The Pirates will have 18 of their Top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, playing in the game. Here are the three top things I'm keeping an eye on.
1. Another showing of Griffin's athleticism Griffin, the Pirates' No. 2 prospect behind Chandler, started the spring with the big-league club and showcased some considerable talent when given the opportunity. His first hit was an RBI single, he later hit his first home run and also flashed his athleticism in centerfield with a diving catch. Of the times he did play, most of it came late in games, so I'm excited to see what he does live and see if he can continue his strong spring. He told me in camp he made tweaks to his swing after getting drafted and worked consistently at it leading into spring training. He has a boatload of potential and could be a must-watch talent for years to come.
2. Pirates' pitching prospects on full display With the quick ascension of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones to the major leagues, the Pirates have a ton of pitching prospects in development. That group is headlined by Chandler, a hard-throwing right hander, but southpaws Hunter Barco (No. 7) and Anthony Solometo (No. 14) will also be on display at BayCare Ballpark. However, I'm looking forward to seeing the likes of guys like Zander Meuth (No. 10), Khristian Curtis (No. 24) and David Matoma (No. 30).
3. More infield prospects We've gotten a chance to see what Johnson can do during big-league camp the past two seasons and he'll definitely be in the action. However, other prospects like Tony Blanco (No. 21), Yordany De Los Santos (No. 16), Mitch Jebb (No. 13), Wyatt Sanford (No. 8) and Jhonny Severino (No. 12) will have my attention. Sanford and Jebb were second-round picks the past two season and Severino was part of the return for Carlos Santana in 2023.
There will be plenty to watch out for when the Pirates take to the field and I'll have updates throughout the afternoon from BayCare Ballpark, so stay tuned.
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
3:09 am - 03.14.2025Clearwater, Fla.Spring Breakout preview: Pirates prospects on display
Teams made up of prospects from both the Pirates and Phillies will face off in their Spring Breakout game this afternoon at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla. A year ago, Paul Skenes burst onto the scene at LECOM Park when he took on the Orioles lineup before eventually winning the National League Rookie of the Year.
So, who will make a name for themselves this year?
While some players have already shown their stuff in big-league camp -- Bubba Chandler, Konnor Griffin, Termarr Johnson and others -- today's matchup is another opportunity for prospects in both organizations to display their talent. The Pirates will have 18 of their Top 30 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, playing in the game. Here are the three top things I'm keeping an eye on.
1. Another showing of Griffin's athleticism
Griffin, the Pirates' No. 2 prospect behind Chandler, started the spring with the big-league club and showcased some considerable talent when given the opportunity. His first hit was an RBI single, he later hit his first home run and also flashed his athleticism in centerfield with a diving catch. Of the times he did play, most of it came late in games, so I'm excited to see what he does live and see if he can continue his strong spring. He told me in camp he made tweaks to his swing after getting drafted and worked consistently at it leading into spring training. He has a boatload of potential and could be a must-watch talent for years to come.
2. Pirates' pitching prospects on full display
With the quick ascension of Paul Skenes and Jared Jones to the major leagues, the Pirates have a ton of pitching prospects in development. That group is headlined by Chandler, a hard-throwing right hander, but southpaws Hunter Barco (No. 7) and Anthony Solometo (No. 14) will also be on display at BayCare Ballpark. However, I'm looking forward to seeing the likes of guys like Zander Meuth (No. 10), Khristian Curtis (No. 24) and David Matoma (No. 30).
3. More infield prospects
We've gotten a chance to see what Johnson can do during big-league camp the past two seasons and he'll definitely be in the action. However, other prospects like Tony Blanco (No. 21), Yordany De Los Santos (No. 16), Mitch Jebb (No. 13), Wyatt Sanford (No. 8) and Jhonny Severino (No. 12) will have my attention. Sanford and Jebb were second-round picks the past two season and Severino was part of the return for Carlos Santana in 2023.
There will be plenty to watch out for when the Pirates take to the field and I'll have updates throughout the afternoon from BayCare Ballpark, so stay tuned.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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