Record number of USA National Teams alumni on MLB's Spring Breakout rosters

USA Baseball announced that 114 alumni will compete in the Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Breakout Series, a 16-day exhibition scheduled through March 22. It marks the first time more than 100 alumni participate.

The Collegiate National Team leads with 49 alums, followed by the U-18 National Team (40), the U-15 National Team (22) and the U-12 National Team (19).

The list includes shortstop Konnor Griffin (Pittsburgh Pirates), the number one prospect in baseball, who represented USA at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2023, shortstop Colt Emerson (Seattle Mariners), the number nine prospect, and outfield Max Clark (Detroit Tigers). Emerson and Clark helped USA win the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in 2022 on home soil.

The MLB Spring Breakout Series, which debuted in 2024, serves as a precursor to MLB Opening Day, showcasing baseball's future stars and emerging talent.

World Baseball Classic star Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2026 Opening Day starter, is among the players who have put their skills on display during previous editions of the event.

Last year, Nick Kurtz (cover photo), a U-12 Baseball World Cup 2015 alum, started the season earning a Spring Breakout roster spot on his way to an American League Rookie of the Year Award and a Silver Slugger Award in a 36-home run season, including a four-home run game in an Oakland A's 15-3 win against the Houston Astros. Kurtz became the only rookie to enjoy one of the 20 four-home-run games in MLB history.