Rising prospect Gil displays newfound power; now to work on his memory ...

TAMPA, Fla. -- Spencer Schwellenbach joined Atlanta’s rotation two months after pitching in the 2024 Spring Breakout, and Didier Fuentes has positioned himself for an Opening Day roster spot 12 months after shining for the Braves in the 2025 version of this same event.

It’s too early to know whether this trend might continue. But it’s safe to say Hall of Famer Fred McGriff saw some big league potential while serving as the Braves’ manager in Atlanta's 8-3 win over the Yankees in Saturday night's Spring Breakout game at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

“It will be cool to watch them the next few years and see how they develop,” McGriff said.

Here are three takeaways from this year’s game, which featured top prospects from the Braves and Yankees organizations.

1. Who’s that?
There were likely some fans asking this question when John Gil (the Braves’ No. 10 prospect) began the game wearing Braves Minor League field coordinator Chris Swauger’s No. 8 jersey. Why? Because Gil forgot to pack his jersey.

Thanks to a couple of clubbies meeting halfway between North Port and Tampa, Gil was wearing his No. 93 jersey when he drilled a Jack Cebert slider over the left-field wall to begin the fifth inning. The solo shot displayed the enhanced potential of the 19-year-old prospect who has added 20 pounds of muscle since participating in this event last year.

“It was very special,” Gil said through an interpreter. “When I first came to the United States and saw guys playing in this game, one of my goals was to play in it. Hitting a home run made it more special.”

Gil homered twice in 19 Grapefruit League at-bats before being sent to Minor League camp earlier this month. Though he could still play shortstop at the Double-A level this year, he has played a lot of third base this spring.

2. A difference a year can make
Owen Murphy (Braves No. 6) never found a groove as he issued four walks and surrendered three hits while facing just 14 batters over 2 2/3 innings. The 2022 first-round selection (20th overall) was regularly behind in the count as he tallied just 38 strikes during his 71-pitch effort.

Murphy struggled to command both of his breaking balls. The Yankees whiffed with six of 11 swings against the slider. This pitch also accounted for two called strikes.

As for the curveball, the young hurler consistently missed high, primarily to the arm side. But the mixture of the slow curve and slider should lead to a decent chase rate when Murphy proves he can consistently throw both pitches for strikes.

Murphy made just seven starts in 2024 and seven more after returning from Tommy John surgery last year. So he’s still green. Plus, it’s not wise to judge somebody based on a Spring Breakout appearance.

Garrett Baumann (Braves No. 12) proved this as he recorded five strikeouts over three perfect innings on Saturday. He walked five of the 10 hitters he faced in this same event last year.

“Garrett, that dude, he’s a big leaguer,” McGriff said. “He was lights out.”

3. Good first impression
Tate Southisene (Braves No. 4) has been on the radar of Braves fans since being taken in the first round of last summer’s MLB Draft. Time will tell whether he ends up being a shortstop, second baseman or outfielder. But his future rests with his bat, which produced a pair of 100-plus mph exit velocities on Saturday night.

Southisene began the game with a 105.4 mph grounder that resulted in an infield single after it was fielded behind the second-base bag. The 19-year-old then showed off his speed when he easily stole second base. His second at-bat concluded with a 107.4 mph groundout.