Here’s the Cubs’ Spring Breakout roster (Sat., 8 p.m. CT)

MESA, Ariz. -- The Cubs have balanced building a playoff-contending roster with creating developmental runway for prospects in the Major Leagues in recent seasons. Names like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Cade Horton and Matt Shaw have jumped from Pipeline’s rankings to postseason races.

Spring Breakout offers a chance to get a glimpse of which prospects might follow a similar path as Chicago continues to prioritize development alongside winning. Here is a breakdown of this year’s prospect showcase and which players stand out from the Breakout roster for the Cubs’ farm system.

What is Spring Breakout?

In 2026, MLB Spring Breakout will again be a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future -- the current stars of Minor League Baseball -- in 16 exhibition games played between teams composed of each MLB organization’s top prospects. The third edition will be held from March 19-22 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training.

In 2027, Spring Breakout will be expanded into a single-elimination tournament format, with champions being crowned in both the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues.

When is the Cubs’ game?

The Cubs’ prospects are scheduled to take on prospects from the Padres’ system at 8:05 p.m. CT on Saturday at Sloan Park.

How can I tune in?

MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB App, Marquee, SDPA, Gameday

Notable position players

Shortstop Jefferson Rojas, who has cracked the Top 100 list in the past, is the highest-ranked prospect on the Cubs’ roster for this year’s Breakout. The 20-year-old infielder -- ranked No. 5 in Pipeline’s rankings for the organization -- impressed in big league camp this spring.

First baseman Jonathon Long (No. 7) has a real shot at helping the Cubs this season, and is in the mix for an Opening Day bench job this spring. Infielder Pedro Ramirez (No. 9) has also been among Chicago’s spring standouts, making a big impression on both manager Craig Counsell and the big leaguers on the team.

Outfielders Kane Kepley (second round), Kade Snell (fifth) and Josiah Hartshorn (sixth) were picked in the ‘25 Draft.

Notable pitchers

Chicago’s system is heavier on position player prospects at the moment, but there are some intriguing arms on this spring’s Breakout roster.

Notably, righty Kaleb Wing (No. 13 on the Cubs’ Top 30 list) was included after being picked in the fourth round of last summer’s Draft. Jackson Kirkpatrick (unranked) has averaged 97.2 mph on his fastball, per Statcast, in Cactus League play. Luis Martinez-Gomez had a 1.46 ERA in 37 games between Single-A Myrtle Beach and High-A South Bend last year.

Roster details

Spring Breakout rosters were constructed in two phases in 2026. Clubs initially submitted preliminary 40-man player pools on March 5, which were then pared down to the official rosters on Wednesday. The rosters were assembled using MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Prospects lists, plus additional prospects submitted by the club.

Gameday Roster:

Pitchers (9)
Brooks Caple, RHP, NR
Jackson Kirkpatrick, RHP, NR
Luis Martinez-Gomez, RHP, No. 24
Nazier Mulé, RHP, NR
Erian Rodriguez, RHP, No. 23
Yenrri Rojas, RHP, NR
Will Sanders, RHP, NR
JP Wheat, RHP, NR
Kaleb Wing, RHP, No. 13

Catchers (3)
Ariel Armas, C, No. 20
Owen Ayers, C, No. 11
Justin Stransky, C, NR

Infielders (10)
Juan Cabada, 2B/OF, No. 12
Angel Cepeda, INF, No. 25
Fernando Cruz, SS/2B, No. 30
Jonathon Long, 1B, No. 7
Cole Mathis, 1B/3B, No. 15
Pedro Ramirez, 3B/2B, No. 9
Jefferson Rojas, SS/2B, No. 5
Ty Southisene, 2B, No. 26
Juan Tomas, SS, No. 14
James Triantos, 2B/OF, No. 10

Outfielders (5)
Brett Bateman, OF, No. 21
Josiah Hartshorn, OF, No. 8
Kane Kepley, OF, No. 6
Christian Olivo, OF, NR
Kade Snell, OF, No. 27