Nazzan Zanetello calls Spring Breakout Game selection an 'extra special feeling'
The MLB Spring Breakout Games start later this week where the top prospects all over the game will be facing head-to-head against one another.
While it is nice to get to watch a few top prospects get some game action in Cactus & Grapefruit League action, this Breakout Series is the first true game strictly dedicated to showcasing the true young talent in each farm system.
The Red Sox host the Atlanta Braves on Saturday as part of the Breakout Series and on paper, it looks lopsided in regards to high ranking prospects.
The Braves have the 26th best farm system in baseball, according to MLB.com, which is a result of sacrificing prospects to win at the major league level. The Red Sox have the 14th best system, in large part due to now prioritizing growth from within over trading for stars like in years past.
Boston used its second round pick in 2023 on high school infielder Nazzan Zanetello, who wound up signing a well above slot bonus to jump straight to the Red Sox instead of going to the University of Arkansas. Zanetello, alongside roommate and third round pick Antonio Anderson, both were selected to the Spring Breakout roster and will be their first taste of higher competition.
“It’s truly a blessing and honor to take part in this game,”Zanetello told Beyond the Monster. “To be chosen along side my friends, teammates, and future teammates, it’s a huge honor.”
After being drafted last summer, the 18-year-old made his professional debut in the FCL before making his way to Salem to appear in a game. An injury halted his season after two plate appearances in Salem, but Zanetello still got a glimpse of what affiliate ball was like even in his short stint in Low-A.
The Spring Breakout game will be his first true test since turning professional and will have a little extra motivation once he gets in the game.
“It’s a huge plus of when the game is taking place because my Dad comes down on the 15th and this will be his first time watching me play since I have been drafted by the Red Sox.” Zanetello added. “Being able to share this opportunity with him will also make it that much more special.”
Zanetello is projected to slot in as the starting shortstop in Low-A Salem to begin the season in 2024. Although it has been brought up after being drafted that he may spend time in the outfield, he has yet to get any work out there.
“Whenever I first got drafted, there were talks with David Pearson about splitting time at shortstop, third base, and center field.” Zanetello added. “So whenever I got down to the FCL, I was kind of expecting to split time. But I've yet to play outfield and I've yet to train with the outfielders. So I feel like I'll stay at short until told otherwise and develop as an infielder for the Red Sox.”
