MLB Spring Breakout to Become Tournament in 2027

New format could impact exhibition schedule if lockout occurs

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Major League Baseball announced that its annual Spring Breakout event featuring top prospects will be expanded into a single-elimination tournament starting in 2027. The move comes as the league's collective bargaining agreement is set to expire, raising the possibility of a lockout that could disrupt the regular spring training exhibition schedule.

Why it matters

The Spring Breakout Tournament could provide an alternative showcase for minor league players if the major league exhibition schedule is impacted by a labor dispute. It also reflects MLB's efforts to promote its top prospects and generate fan interest during the spring training period.

The details

The Spring Breakout Tournament will determine champions from both the Grapefruit League and Cactus League. Rosters for the 2027 and 2028 tournaments will likely feature players on minor league contracts, as the current major league labor deal expires on December 1, 2027. In 2022, spring training games were delayed by a 99-day lockout.

  • The Spring Breakout Tournament will launch in late March 2027 and 2028.
  • The current MLB collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, 2026.

The players

Konnor Griffin

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder expected to participate in the 2027 Spring Breakout Tournament.

Max Clark

Detroit Tigers outfielder expected to participate in the 2027 Spring Breakout Tournament.

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What’s next

Rosters for the 2027 Spring Breakout Tournament will be announced in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Spring Breakout Tournament represents MLB's effort to showcase top prospects and generate fan interest during spring training, while also providing a potential alternative if labor disputes disrupt the regular exhibition schedule.