Condensed Game: Ethan Salas, Pedro Ramirez and more take the field as the top prospects from the Padres and the Cubs face off at Spring Breakout
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Third annual Spring Breakout about to start at Sloan Park.
Third annual Spring Breakout about to start at Sloan Park.
Spring Breakout 2026 Cubs taking on the Padres.
Spring Breakout 2026 Cubs taking on the Padres.
It is Will Sanders, a right-hander, 23 years old.
It is Will Sanders, a right-hander, 23 years old.
He actually turns 24 on March 30th, so an early happy birthday to him.
He actually turns 24 on March 30th, so an early happy birthday to him.
last year pitched in Triple-A Iowa, had a 5.04 ERA.
last year pitched in Triple-A Iowa, had a 5.04 ERA.
He’s a fourth-round draft pick, 2023, out of South Carolina.
He’s a fourth-round draft pick, 2023, out of South Carolina.
Got Ethan Salas now up at the plate, one of baseball’s top prospects.
Got Ethan Salas now up at the plate, one of baseball’s top prospects.
And so, yeah, you gotta bring it if you’re Sanders.
And so, yeah, you gotta bring it if you’re Sanders.
First pitch to Salas.
First pitch to Salas.
Floated.
Floated.
Shallow left center.
Shallow left center.
It’s right over Rojas.
It’s right over Rojas.
And Ethan Salas, a one-out single here in the first.
And Ethan Salas, a one-out single here in the first.
But yet- He was 16 years old and he made $5.6 million with a signing bonus.
But yet- He was 16 years old and he made $5.6 million with a signing bonus.
Yes.
Yes.
Could you imagine?
Could you imagine?
And yet he’s still accelerated as a catcher, if you will.
And yet he’s still accelerated as a catcher, if you will.
So slowly making his way through the system as he makes his way to second base.
So slowly making his way through the system as he makes his way to second base.
I mean, a young player, but a lot of expectations on him, and that was Jim, you know, then describing what it’s taking for him to get through.
I mean, a young player, but a lot of expectations on him, and that was Jim, you know, then describing what it’s taking for him to get through.
Hit to short.
Hit to short.
Rojas to outs.
Rojas to outs.
So Moises is buying dinner.
So Moises is buying dinner.
Yes.
Yes.
Throw to first by Triantos.
Throw to first by Triantos.
It’s a scoreless first inning for Will Sanders.
It’s a scoreless first inning for Will Sanders.
The Padres scoreless in the first, and Luis Gutierrez will try to do that for the Padres against the Cubs in the bottom of the first.
The Padres scoreless in the first, and Luis Gutierrez will try to do that for the Padres against the Cubs in the bottom of the first.
He is just 22 years old, and he actually signed on his birthday when he was 16 years old.
He is just 22 years old, and he actually signed on his birthday when he was 16 years old.
And just gave up a single to Kane Kepley.
And just gave up a single to Kane Kepley.
That’ll work for Kane Kepley, just knock it through left side, just looking to put the ball in play.
That’ll work for Kane Kepley, just knock it through left side, just looking to put the ball in play.
And now here’s an opportunity for James Triantos that, you know, I think in spring we saw some more power from him, maybe, you know, generating more of it as he put on some weight in the off season, but also trying to get back to that.
And now here’s an opportunity for James Triantos that, you know, I think in spring we saw some more power from him, maybe, you know, generating more of it as he put on some weight in the off season, but also trying to get back to that.
Hit up the middle.
Hit up the middle.
The runner was off, tags second for one over to first.
The runner was off, tags second for one over to first.
It’s a double play.
It’s a double play.
Kepley laughing, just tough luck.
Kepley laughing, just tough luck.
Doubled him off, and now two away here at the bottom of the first.
Doubled him off, and now two away here at the bottom of the first.
Well, he’s going, and still with that speed, they get him at second base.
Well, he’s going, and still with that speed, they get him at second base.
I mean, he’s off and unfortunately for Triantos, this is the exact wrong spot.
I mean, he’s off and unfortunately for Triantos, this is the exact wrong spot.
Probably the only place where if you hit it to Kepley will not be safe.
Probably the only place where if you hit it to Kepley will not be safe.
And then the play at first, so you get the double play.
And then the play at first, so you get the double play.
Eight of the top 30 prospects in the Cubs organization in the lineup.
Eight of the top 30 prospects in the Cubs organization in the lineup.
Pedro Ramirez, line drive center field.
Pedro Ramirez, line drive center field.
Hit well and a leaping catch, Ryan Wideman.
Hit well and a leaping catch, Ryan Wideman.
Second spring breakout game for the Cubs.
Second spring breakout game for the Cubs.
Their game in 2024 was canceled.
Their game in 2024 was canceled.
2025 beat the Angels.
2025 beat the Angels.
2026 playing the Padres.
2026 playing the Padres.
Swing and a miss.
Swing and a miss.
That’s pitch- Strike three fastball at 95.
That’s pitch- Strike three fastball at 95.
I wonder if he goes with his best pitch, the splitter, to pair off that fastball up in the zone here.
I wonder if he goes with his best pitch, the splitter, to pair off that fastball up in the zone here.
Ooh.
Ooh.
He gets another strikeout and six quick outs.
He gets another strikeout and six quick outs.
Moises Ballesteros, we know that he made the opening day roster.
Moises Ballesteros, we know that he made the opening day roster.
You’ve worked with him a lot.
You’ve worked with him a lot.
What do you think about the news and, you know, what he’s earned so early in his career?
What do you think about the news and, you know, what he’s earned so early in his career?
Well, certainly it’s, it’s offensive oriented to start with, but there’s athleticism in that, that body.
Well, certainly it’s, it’s offensive oriented to start with, but there’s athleticism in that, that body.
We call him the Bambino.
We call him the Bambino.
That is smoked.
That is smoked.
Dead center field towards the track.
Dead center field towards the track.
The wall.
The wall.
It’s gone.
It’s gone.
He loves it in Arizona.
He loves it in Arizona.
He was your Arizona Fall League Breakout Player of the Year last year.
He was your Arizona Fall League Breakout Player of the Year last year.
Yeah.
Yeah.
How about that?
How about that?
And saw him do that a few times.
And saw him do that a few times.
Yeah.
Yeah.
How, how about that for a switch-hitting catcher from the left side?
How, how about that for a switch-hitting catcher from the left side?
See you later.
See you later.
Owen Ayers, 1-0 the Cubs.
Owen Ayers, 1-0 the Cubs.
Owen Ayers, a solo home run.
Owen Ayers, a solo home run.
For the Cubs, the only scoring.
For the Cubs, the only scoring.
Will Sanders, third inning of work.
Will Sanders, third inning of work.
Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
And that ball is smoked.
And that ball is smoked.
Left field, way back to the wall.
Left field, way back to the wall.
To the berm, it’s gone.
To the berm, it’s gone.
That’s Kell Fountain.
That’s Kell Fountain.
He got $1.7 million as a fifth-round pick two years ago ’cause he can hit the ball like that.
He got $1.7 million as a fifth-round pick two years ago ’cause he can hit the ball like that.
All-time Nebraska high school home run leader, and just crushed a fastball there.
All-time Nebraska high school home run leader, and just crushed a fastball there.
Light Tower power solo shot.
Light Tower power solo shot.
We’re all tied up at one here in the third.
We’re all tied up at one here in the third.
Wow.
Wow.
And a new pitcher here for the Padres in Elise Menaker just so happens to be the San Diego Padres top prospect.
And a new pitcher here for the Padres in Elise Menaker just so happens to be the San Diego Padres top prospect.
Chris Schoolcraft.
Chris Schoolcraft.
So I could say he’s a crafty lefty, and that’s not even doing him justice.
So I could say he’s a crafty lefty, and that’s not even doing him justice.
He is the Padres top prospect, 88 in the top 100 in baseball.
He is the Padres top prospect, 88 in the top 100 in baseball.
This is a fastball that’s upper 90s.
This is a fastball that’s upper 90s.
he’s also got a slider that’s in the low 80s, a changeup that is probably his best pitch.
he’s also got a slider that’s in the low 80s, a changeup that is probably his best pitch.
And so of all the pitchers that we’re going to see tonight, he is by far the best.
And so of all the pitchers that we’re going to see tonight, he is by far the best.
He looks like a left-handed pitcher you’d create in a lab.
He looks like a left-handed pitcher you’d create in a lab.
Hit by Triantos, and the pick there by Jackson.
Hit by Triantos, and the pick there by Jackson.
Over to first.
Over to first.
One away.
One away.
Kepley remains on second.
Kepley remains on second.
Pop up to the moon here by Jefferson Rojas, and catch makes- When you talk about pure hitters, like who’s gonna become the, the best pure hitter, you can see his swing there and why he’s in that conversation.
Pop up to the moon here by Jefferson Rojas, and catch makes- When you talk about pure hitters, like who’s gonna become the, the best pure hitter, you can see his swing there and why he’s in that conversation.
Moises Ballesteros, who’s put in a lot of work, and, you know, reports came out yesterday that he made the opening day roster.
Moises Ballesteros, who’s put in a lot of work, and, you know, reports came out yesterday that he made the opening day roster.
Now, even in your role now, how excited are you to see a guy like Moises, with all the hard work that he’s put in and the hit tool, make the big league roster a- and do his thing in Chicago?
Now, even in your role now, how excited are you to see a guy like Moises, with all the hard work that he’s put in and the hit tool, make the big league roster a- and do his thing in Chicago?
Well, I’m, I’m more excited for us.
Well, I’m, I’m more excited for us.
We need him.
We need him.
he’s really gonna help us this year.
he’s really gonna help us this year.
great left-handed bat.
great left-handed bat.
And honestly, he’s hit from day one, starting in the DR, then Arizona, all through the minor leagues.
And honestly, he’s hit from day one, starting in the DR, then Arizona, all through the minor leagues.
So it’s, it’s really no surprise.
So it’s, it’s really no surprise.
We’re excited for him.
We’re excited for him.
He’s excited.
He’s excited.
he’s gonna play a big role on this club.
he’s gonna play a big role on this club.
I just think the offensive upside from Jefferson Rojas, it’s been fun to watch during spring training.
I just think the offensive upside from Jefferson Rojas, it’s been fun to watch during spring training.
As Armas grounds out to Carter Trice.
As Armas grounds out to Carter Trice.
Get up the middle.
Get up the middle.
Uh-oh.
Uh-oh.
And spin throw to first.
And spin throw to first.
It’s wide.
It’s wide.
Run scores.
Run scores.
Good pitching.
Good pitching.
Back the ball skills there from Carter Trice, and it’s 2-1 Cubs.
Back the ball skills there from Carter Trice, and it’s 2-1 Cubs.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That’s all you need.
That’s all you need.
Exactly.
Exactly.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Put it in play.
Put it in play.
Make things happen.
Make things happen.
Yeah, that was fun.
Yeah, that was fun.
It was, it was a good outing other than, one pitch to start the third inning, a sinker, that, didn’t get all the way inside.
It was, it was a good outing other than, one pitch to start the third inning, a sinker, that, didn’t get all the way inside.
But, yeah, it was fun.
But, yeah, it was fun.
Honestly, I didn’t feel as hot.
Honestly, I didn’t feel as hot.
That’s what it, It’s been so hot here, so I’m glad that it wasn’t too bad.
That’s what it, It’s been so hot here, so I’m glad that it wasn’t too bad.
It really is the best thing ever to be a part of such a great organization that cares about you, that has a game plan for you and helps you kind of figure out what the best thing is for you to do to get to where you wanna go.
It really is the best thing ever to be a part of such a great organization that cares about you, that has a game plan for you and helps you kind of figure out what the best thing is for you to do to get to where you wanna go.
So, it’s, it’s so great being a Chicago Cub.
So, it’s, it’s so great being a Chicago Cub.
And, yeah, Iowa, Des Moines is great.
And, yeah, Iowa, Des Moines is great.
Hopefully, it’s not 20 degrees and snowing next week.
Hopefully, it’s not 20 degrees and snowing next week.
We’re out of here in a couple days.
We’re out of here in a couple days.
And that is blasted right field to the lawn.
And that is blasted right field to the lawn.
It’s gone.
It’s gone.
Well, that is the number two ranked prospect in the Padres system.
Well, that is the number two ranked prospect in the Padres system.
Ticket into San Diego soon.
Ticket into San Diego soon.
Ethan Salas, two run blast.
Ethan Salas, two run blast.
105 miles an hour, 393 feet.
105 miles an hour, 393 feet.
James Triantos joins us.
James Triantos joins us.
James, how we doing today?
James, how we doing today?
Hey guys.
Hey guys.
How’s it going?
How’s it going?
I’m doing great.
I’m doing great.
Honestly, no, there’s a lot Wow, that’s really far.
Honestly, no, there’s a lot Wow, that’s really far.
To the track- Wow the lawn- Wow the berm.
To the track- Wow the lawn- Wow the berm.
That is smoked.
That is smoked.
Way gone.
Way gone.
Great swing.
Great swing.
Case Snell ended it.
Case Snell ended it.
What a swing.
What a swing.
Dead center.
Dead center.
449 feet, Alex.
449 feet, Alex.
449 feet, 108 miles an hour.
449 feet, 108 miles an hour.
That’s a real wall scraper.
That’s a real wall scraper.
Or as James says, “That’s really far.”
Or as James says, “That’s really far.”
That got out in a hurry.
That got out in a hurry.
It’s halfway up the berm.
It’s halfway up the berm.
So were you able to catch up- Alex Bregman with- with Bregman?
So were you able to catch up- Alex Bregman with- with Bregman?
‘Cause I know with the time at the WBC- I haven’t yeah, when we had talked last, you hadn’t been able to talk much, but- Oh my gosh.
‘Cause I know with the time at the WBC- I haven’t yeah, when we had talked last, you hadn’t been able to talk much, but- Oh my gosh.
Give me more.
Give me more.
Ariel Armas ties it up.
Ariel Armas ties it up.
That’s two years in a row with a homer in this game for Ari.
That’s two years in a row with a homer in this game for Ari.
He can’t do play-by-play.
He can’t do play-by-play.
He’s a good color guy, though.
He’s a good color guy, though.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I, I need a little James- Yeah.
I, I need a little James- Yeah.
I mean, I literally see him steal my job, James.
I mean, I literally see him steal my job, James.
I need more James Triantos on the broadcast.
I need more James Triantos on the broadcast.
I’m sorry, guys.
I’m sorry, guys.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
James, it’s great.
James, it’s great.
This is amazing.
This is amazing.
We have your reaction.
We have your reaction.
Jeff Rojas is my favorite player in the Cubs organization.
Jeff Rojas is my favorite player in the Cubs organization.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I love his swing.
I love his swing.
I love his game.
I love his game.
He’s mature.
He’s mature.
He’s funny.
He’s funny.
He works his butt off.
He works his butt off.
A really good player.
A really good player.
Really, really good player.
Really, really good player.
Not a home run, but it falls in for a base hit.
Not a home run, but it falls in for a base hit.
Cubs try to take the lead here.
Cubs try to take the lead here.
Trice rounds third, scores easily, and the Cubs come back here in the sixth.
Trice rounds third, scores easily, and the Cubs come back here in the sixth.
Kane Kepley RBI double.
Kane Kepley RBI double.
It’s five to four Cubs.
It’s five to four Cubs.
James, you talk about just loving the game.
James, you talk about just loving the game.
Oh, what a cut.
Oh, what a cut.
Loves the game and he loves runs.
Loves the game and he loves runs.
6-4 Cubs.
6-4 Cubs.
I mean, this is all you James.
I mean, this is all you James.
Yeah, you’re welcome.
Yeah, you’re welcome.
Your teammates have been great, but I’m sorry.
Your teammates have been great, but I’m sorry.
I gotta give you a lot of credit here.
I gotta give you a lot of credit here.
This is part of when Kepley is on the base paths, you get in a pitcher’s head and take advantage- Oh, yeah when you’re Kepley.
This is part of when Kepley is on the base paths, you get in a pitcher’s head and take advantage- Oh, yeah when you’re Kepley.
Look at that.
Look at that.
I mean, the ball is basically almost back at home plate and he still beats it.
I mean, the ball is basically almost back at home plate and he still beats it.
March 26th being opening day, like, I remember growing up, it was, like, April 3rd or April 4th.
March 26th being opening day, like, I remember growing up, it was, like, April 3rd or April 4th.
And I know, like, a week doesn’t really matter, but this time of year it kind of matters.
And I know, like, a week doesn’t really matter, but this time of year it kind of matters.
Far Joey sounds.
Far Joey sounds.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Early.
Early.
It’s funny, ’cause spring Ooh.
It’s funny, ’cause spring Ooh.
Lisa Mediker with the sound effect, and Carter Trice with the homer.
Lisa Mediker with the sound effect, and Carter Trice with the homer.
Everything I know is from James Triantos.
Everything I know is from James Triantos.
Cubs living life via the long ball.
Cubs living life via the long ball.
Carter Trice adds to the home run party.
Carter Trice adds to the home run party.
Some kids get some souvenirs out on the berm.
Some kids get some souvenirs out on the berm.
Carter Trice, good contact.
Carter Trice, good contact.
I mean, I think you could tell it was gone off the bat from my reaction.
I mean, I think you could tell it was gone off the bat from my reaction.
Solo shot.
Solo shot.
It is seven to four Cubs here in the bottom of the eighth.
It is seven to four Cubs here in the bottom of the eighth.
You know, sometimes you have guys who don’t understand what it’s like to prepare for pro ball.
You know, sometimes you have guys who don’t understand what it’s like to prepare for pro ball.
And out to center.
And out to center.
Sacrifice fly.
Sacrifice fly.
We’ll trade an out for a run any day of the week.
We’ll trade an out for a run any day of the week.
Cubs will at this point.
Cubs will at this point.
That’s in.
That’s in.
Padres down to their final out and down to their final strike.
Padres down to their final out and down to their final strike.
3-2.
3-2.
Fastball popped up.
Fastball popped up.
Left field catch made.
Left field catch made.
Cubs win.
Cubs win.
Another spring breakout victory for the Cubs.
Another spring breakout victory for the Cubs.
8-3 last year.
8-3 last year.
7-5 this year.
7-5 this year.
A 7-5 win over the Padres
A 7-5 win over the Padres