The spring air in Florida and Arizona is buzzing with more than just the crack of the bat these days. Across the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, a new generation of baseball talent is on display as part of MLB’s Spring Breakout, an event showcasing the top prospects from each organization. This year, six former Mississippi State players are participating, representing a significant presence for the Bulldogs’ program on the national stage. The event, running from March 19-22, offers fans a first look at potential future stars, and for these six athletes, it’s a crucial opportunity to demonstrate their skills.
Among those turning heads is Pico Kohn, a Yankees prospect currently ranked 10th in the organization, according to MLB.com. Kohn, a fourth-round selection in last year’s draft out of Mississippi State, has already shown flashes of his potential during Grapefruit League play, collecting three extra-base hits, six walks, and six RBIs in 33 plate appearances this spring. He’ll be a key player in the Yankees’ Spring Breakout game against a team of top Braves prospects on March 21st at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees’ game will be played under the lights, adding to the excitement surrounding this showcase of young talent, as reported by MLB.com.
Diamond Dawgs Shine in Spring Breakout
Kohn isn’t the only Mississippi State alum making an impact. Pitchers Eric Cerantola (Kansas City Royals), Landon Sims (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Will Bednar (San Francisco Giants), along with outfielders Colton Ledbetter (St. Louis Cardinals) and Dakota Jordan (San Francisco Giants), are also representing the Diamond Dawgs in the 16-game event. Jordan, notably, is currently rated as the No. 6 prospect in the Giants’ farm system, highlighting the program’s success in developing high-level talent.
The Spring Breakout format, as detailed on MLB.com, is designed to give these prospects valuable experience in a competitive environment. This year’s edition is a four-day event, but in 2027, it will expand into a single-elimination tournament format, with champions crowned in both the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues. The games are being played on MLB’s digital platforms, and MLB Network is televising seven games live, with nine others on tape delay, offering broad accessibility for fans.
Beyond the Six: A Dozen Former Bulldogs Participating
The Mississippi State connection doesn’t stop at those six players. A further six former signees are also participating in Spring Breakout, expanding the Bulldogs’ footprint in the event. JoJo Parker (Toronto Blue Jays), Landon Harmon (Washington Nationals), Dante Nori (Washington Nationals), Jett Williams (Milwaukee Brewers), Blaze Jordan (St. Louis Cardinals), and Maddux Bruns (Los Angeles Dodgers) are all vying to showcase their abilities and climb the ranks within their respective organizations.
This strong showing from Mississippi State reflects the consistent success of the baseball program in developing players who can compete at the highest levels. The program’s ability to attract and nurture talent is evident in the number of players now gaining exposure on a national stage like Spring Breakout.
What is Spring Breakout?
Spring Breakout, now in its third year, is MLB’s initiative to highlight the future stars of the game. The event provides a platform for prospects to demonstrate their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and fans, offering a glimpse into the next generation of baseball talent. It’s a unique opportunity for these young players to gain experience and exposure as they work towards their ultimate goal of reaching the major leagues.
The focus of Spring Breakout is on competition and development. Players are encouraged to refine their approaches and compete at a high level, as emphasized by George Lombard Jr., a Yankees prospect who is participating in the event. Lombard recently stated, “I’m refining my approach with every at-bat…The most important part is just competing, having competitive at-bats and not giving any free ones away.”
Fans interested in following the progress of these players and learning more about the Mississippi State baseball program can visit www.HailState.com. The program also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, under the handle ‘HailStateBB’.
As Spring Breakout continues through March 22nd, these six former Mississippi State players, along with their Bulldog brethren, will have the opportunity to craft a lasting impression and further their journey towards a career in Major League Baseball. The next step for many will be assignment to minor league affiliates as the regular season approaches, providing continued opportunities for development and evaluation.
What are your thoughts on the rising stars from Mississippi State? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow baseball fans!
