As at all times, the Arizona Fall League is loaded with expertise. The developmental circuit, which begins its six-week season on Monday, has despatched greater than 3,000 gamers to the massive leagues, together with Corridor of Famers Roy Halladay, Todd Helton, Derek Jeter and Mike Piazza and present stars together with Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Aaron Choose and Francisco Lindor.
Fourteen members of MLB Pipeline’s Prime 100 Prospects record will play in Arizona this fall, headlined by Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone (No. 15), Padres catcher Ethan Salas (No. 17) and Rays first baseman Xavier Isaac (No. 18). As well as, White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (No. 25) and Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter (No. 39) return to the desert after rating because the Fall League’s two finest prospects a 12 months in the past.
Under, we determine the highest prospect every group will showcase within the AFL:
Blue Jays: Kendry Rojas, LHP (No. 11)It’s been a tough 12 months for Toronto pitching prospects, significantly with regards to accidents to hurlers like Ricky Tiedemann, Brandon Barriera and Landen Maroudis. Rojas was not immune after shoulder points restricted him to 62⅔ innings, primarily with Excessive-A Vancouver, the place he appeared dominant with a 2.43 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 55⅔ frames. The 21-year-old southpaw can present two above-average pitches in his fastball and slider that might result in promising Fall League outcomes on prime of the wanted workload.
Orioles: Creed Willems, C/1B (No. 22)It appeared like Willems was headed to Texas Christian as a gifted two-way participant when the Orioles modified his plan by taking him within the eighth spherical of the 2021 Draft and going over slot to signal him for $1 million. He’s a left-handed-hitting catcher with some pop, and he’s swatted 17 homers in consecutive seasons, reaching Double-A for the primary time in 2024 whereas slicing his Okay charge in comparison with the 12 months prior. He has arm energy, however has work to do on his total receiving.
Rays: Xavier Isaac, 1B (No. 2/MLB No. 18)A shock decide at twenty ninth total in 2022, Isaac has made the Rays look good in his first two full seasons by climbing to Double-A earlier than his twenty first birthday. His uncooked energy will arguably be the perfect in your entire Fall League — proper there with Jac Caglianone’s — and the dry desert air might result in some spectacular slugging numbers. Be careful for Isaac’s contact charge — he struck out 40.6 % of the time throughout a 31-game Double-A run — and his glovework with Tampa Bay signifies he ought to get a while within the outfield in addition to his typical first base.
Purple Sox: Brooks Bannon, C (No. 27)Brannon signed for third-round cash ($712,500) as a ninth-rounder in 2022, when he led nationwide highschool gamers with 20 homers (tying dad Paul’s North Carolina state report) and 91 RBIs. He generates a few of the finest uncooked energy and highest exit velocities amongst Purple Sox farmhands and in addition reveals a plus arm behind the plate, however he has totaled simply 79 video games the previous two seasons whereas coping with again and knee points. He slashed .251/.325/.396 with six homers in 54 Single-A contests this 12 months.
Yankees: Carlos Lagrange, RHP (No. 20)Lagrange missed a lot of the season with again points however can attain triple digits along with his fastball and flash some plus sliders within the mid-80s when at his finest. Signed for simply $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, he led the Rookie-level Florida Complicated League with 63 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings throughout his U.S. debut the next 12 months.
Guardians: Chase DeLauter, OF (No. 2/MLB No. 39)DeLauter rated because the AFL’s No. 2 prospect in 2023, batting .299/.385/.529 with extra walks (14) than strikeouts (11) and a league-best 27 RBI, and he is returning after lacking most of this season with a fractured left foot. The 2022 first-rounder from James Madison hit .261/.341/.500 with eight homers in 39 video games, largely in Double-A, and few prospects can match his mixture of dimension (6-foot-4, 235 kilos), athleticism, efficiency and plate self-discipline.
Royals: Jac Caglianone, 1B/LHP (No. 1/MLB No. 15)Kansas Metropolis has excessive hopes for this 12 months’s sixth total decide and made the aggressive transfer to get him extra skilled at-bats with an project to the AFL. Caglianone’s energy is already world-renowned after he clubbed 68 homers in his ultimate two seasons at Florida and ranked fourth in Division I with an .875 slugging proportion this spring. The left-handed slugger cooled down some in professional ball, hitting .241/.302/.388 with two lengthy balls in 29 video games for Excessive-A Quad Cities, so the Fall League provides him a possibility to finish on a excessive within the desert whereas getting extra acquainted with the Royals’ services in Shock.
Tigers: Thayron Liranzo, C/1B (No. 6)Detroit was happy to accumulate Liranzo from the Dodgers within the Jack Flaherty deal on the Deadline, and the switch-hitting backstop made the group look good by slashing .315/.470/.562 with 5 homers and extra walks (26) than strikeouts (20) in 26 video games for Excessive-A West Michigan following the transfer. He’s nonetheless a mission behind the plate, albeit with plus arm energy, however the bat alone might push him into the Prime 100 if he carries his late-summer momentum into autumn.
Twins: Kala’i Rosario, OF (No. 19)Chosen with the Twins’ ultimate decide within the pandemic-shortened 2020 Draft out of the Hawaii highschool ranks, Rosario was anticipated to construct off a really productive 2023 season through which he took house Midwest League MVP honors, tied for final 12 months’s Arizona Fall League house run lead and received the AFL House Run Derby. He did spend time in Double-A and confirmed off a few of his uncooked energy, however he missed practically three months because of an elbow damage, so he’s again in Arizona to make up for misplaced time.
White Sox: Colson Montgomery, SS (No. 2/MLB No. 25)The AFL’s prime prospect final fall, Montgomery struggled by probably the most troublesome season of his profession this summer season at Triple-A (.214/.329/.381, 18 homers in 130 video games) however nonetheless has extra upside than most shortstops within the Minors. A 2021 first-rounder as an Indiana excessive schooler, he is an athletic 6-foot-3, 225-pounder with plus energy and good persistence on the plate.
Angels: Cole Fontenelle, 3B (No. 21)After bouncing round from Washington to McLennan Junior School to Texas Christian as a collegiate participant, Fontenelle’s massive season with the Horned Frogs led to him touchdown within the seventh spherical of the 2023 Draft. Because the Angels usually do, they challenged him with an aggressive project to Double-A and he was off to an excellent begin, however his season ended after 22 video games following a slide into second base that resulted in a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. He’s in Arizona to actually get his legs again beneath him.
Astros: Jose Fleury, RHP (No. 10)The Astros repeatedly discover pitchers at cut price costs on the worldwide market, together with Fleury for simply $10,000 within the Dominican Republic in 2021. Using a high quality low-80s changeup with fade that helps his different three pitches play up, he posted a 3.82 ERA with a .216 average-against and a 74/26 Okay/BB ratio in 68 1/3 Double-A innings regardless of a thigh damage that value him two months.
A’s: Henry Bolte, OF (No. 5)The A’s stayed native within the second spherical of the 2022 Draft, nabbing Bolte from close by Palo Alto Excessive College in northern California and giving him an over-slot bonus of $2 million to signal him away from his dedication to the College of Texas. He’s proven off his power-speed mixture in every of his two full seasons, combining for 29 homers and 78 stolen bases whereas reaching Double-A for the primary time. Whereas he’s drawn walks (11.9 pct profession BB charge), he nonetheless must work on his method and minimize down on his swing-and-miss (34.6 pct Okay charge).
Mariners: Colt Emerson, SS (No. 1/MLB No. 27)The Mariners have a terrific 1-2 AFL punch with Emerson and Younger, their prime two prospects, enjoying in Peoria. Emerson was the Mariners’ first-round decide in 2023, the third of three straight highschool bats taken with their first choice. Whereas he did make it to Excessive-A in his first full season, he was restricted to 70 video games due to a foot damage early within the 12 months after which an indirect subject afterward, so he could make up for misplaced at-bats this fall whereas making ready for a possible soar to Double-A.
Rangers: Alejandro Osuna, OF (No. 16)The youthful brother of former All-Star nearer Roberto Osuna and the nephew of ex-big leaguer Antonio Osuna, Alejandro signed for $125,000 out of Mexico in 2020. His offensive profile (polished lefty hitter, strong uncooked energy) earns him comparisons to Alex Verdugo, whom he idolizes. The Rangers named him their Minor League participant of the 12 months after he slashed .292/.362/.507 with 18 homers and 17 steals in 102 video games between Excessive-A and Double-A.
Braves: Drake Baldwin, C (No. 5)After beginning for 3 years at Missouri State, Baldwin landed within the third spherical of the 2022 Draft with the Braves. He had a strong first full season with Excessive-A Rome (.844 OPS) and he made his means from Double-A to Triple-A in 2024, posting an OPS of .891 in 72 video games on the highest stage. The 2024 Futures Gamer is a left-handed-hitting catcher who has the prospect to be a giant league common behind the dish.
Marlins: Kemp Alderman, OF (No. 12)Alderman helped Mississippi win the 2022 School World Collection earlier than going within the second spherical the next 12 months. At 6-foot-3 and 250 kilos, he has drawn bodily comparisons to Hunter Renfroe, earns some top-of-the-scale grades for his uncooked energy and in addition possesses plus arm energy. A damaged hamate value him the primary two months of the season, after which he batted .242/.306/.391 with eight homers in 77 video games between 4 ranges.
Mets: Jett Williams, SS/OF (No. 2/MLB No. 53)The 2022 14th total decide climbed three ranges from Single-A to Double-A in a breakout first full season however was robbed of a robust followup when proper wrist surgical procedure pressured him to overlook 4 months this summer season. Williams managed solely 33 video games in consequence, making him a simple decide to steer the Mets’ AFL contingent. At his finest, the 20-year-old doesn’t develop the zone, resulting in sturdy OBPs, and is a menace on the basepaths along with his plus pace.
Nationals: Cayden Wallace, 3B (No. 11)A second-round decide by the Royals in 2022, Wallace was moved to the Nationals in July in a swap for reliever Hunter Harvey. He’s solely performed 15 complete video games for Washington associates since then because of indirect and rib accidents, which means the Fall League will give the Nationals an extended and more true have a look at their new third-base prospect. When wholesome, Wallace can flash at the least common energy and his plus-plus arm energy could make him a defensive asset on the sizzling nook, the place he might compete with Brady Home for the way forward for the place in Washington.
Phillies: Bryan Rincon, SS (No. 10)A local Venezuelan who got here to the Pittsburgh space for highschool, Rincon was a low-risk Day 3 slot signing ($125,000) in Spherical 14 of the 2022 Draft. He managed to achieve Excessive-A and maintain his personal in his first full season and was heating up after a sluggish begin again with Jersey Shore when a hamstring damage in Could stored him out of motion till late August. He’s a glove-first shortstop proper now who will attempt to make up for some misplaced plate appearances in opposition to extra superior AFL pitching.
Brewers: Brock Wilken, 3B (No. 7)Wilken clubbed 71 homers at Wake Forest, making him the ACC’s all-time chief within the class, earlier than the Brewers chosen him 18th total final 12 months. After opening with Double-A Biloxi, he suffered a number of facial fractures when hit by a pitch on April 11. He wasn’t fairly the identical participant after he returned in early Could, ending with a .199/.312/.363 line and 17 homers in 108 video games with the Shuckers. The Southern League has been a substantial pitchers’ league, and the extra hitter-friendly AFL could also be a spot the place Wilken’s energy (and aptitude to hit fly balls) will play up.
Cardinals: Thomas Saggese, INF (No. 4)Saggese is the uncommon Fall Leaguer with Main League expertise, having performed 18 video games for St. Louis in September. His numbers there have been subpar (.204 common, .556 OPS), partially due to his aggressive method, although he did an excellent job total of creating contact. Honing in on pitches he can drive must be a precedence within the Fall League. Additionally take note of the place Saggese performs for Glendale, the vast majority of his MLB reps got here at second whereas he additionally noticed time at brief and third.
Cubs: Moises Ballesteros, C/1B (No. 4/MLB No. 41)Signed for $1.2 million out of Venezuela in 2021, Ballesteros has blossomed into top-of-the-line younger hitting prospects in baseball, batting .289/.354/.471 with 19 homers in 124 video games between Double-A and Triple-A at age 20. He has excellent bat-to-ball expertise, growing energy and superior management of the strike zone. He carries considerably greater than his listed 195 kilos on his 5-foot-7 body, so there’s some query about his capability to grow to be a daily catcher, although he does have comfortable fingers.
Pirates: Termarr Johnson, 2B (No. 3/MLB No. 78)Considered top-of-the-line highschool hitters in latest reminiscence because the 2022 Draft approached, Johnson went No. 4 total that July. He hasn’t fairly lived as much as that superior billing, beginning sluggish in each of his two full seasons. In every case, he did begin to warmth up and reached Double-A simply after his twentieth birthday. The left-handed hitter has some pop, can steal some bases and attracts a ton of walks, however wants to chop down on the Okay charge.
Reds: Edwin Arroyo, SS (No. 3/MLB No. 67)The Mariners bought Arroyo within the second spherical of the 2021 Draft and the Puerto Rican shortstop who relocated to Florida for his senior 12 months of highschool was one of many youngest members of the category. He was despatched to the Reds within the Luis Castillo commerce and a robust end to the 2023 season put an up arrow subsequent to his identify. A torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that required surgical procedure in March and ended his 2024 season quickly stopped his progress, one thing he’s hoping to proceed along with his stint within the AFL.
D-backs: Tommy Troy, SS (No. 5)The twelfth total decide within the 2023 Draft, Troy suffered a damaged left foot in his first style of professional ball after which missed a lot of his first full season with a left hamstring pressure that restricted him to 72 video games. It was basically a misplaced 12 months in 2024 for the Stanford product. However D-backs officers have praised his work ethic at each flip, and Troy may simply want common sport motion to get again to being the shortstop who confirmed 5 average-to-above common instruments in class. Taking part in within the pleasant confines of Salt River Fields shouldn’t damage both.
Dodgers: Zyhir Hope, OF (No. 11)Hope intrigued scouts as a two-way prospect earlier than changing into a full-time outfielder after signing with the Cubs for an over-slot $400,000 as a Virginia excessive schooler within the eleventh spherical of the 2023 Draft. A part of the bundle the Dodgers obtained for Michael Busch and Yency Almonte in January, he slashed .287/.415/.490 with 9 homers and eight steals in 54 video games at Single-A regardless of lacking three months with a shoulder damage. Probably the greatest all-around athletes within the AFL, he combines plus uncooked energy, double-plus pace and well-above-average arm energy.
Giants: Bryce Eldridge, 1B (No. 1/MLB No. 50)Eldridge has zoomed from Single-A to Triple-A as a 19-year-old in his first full professional season, batting a mixed .289/.372/.513 with 23 homers in 116 video games. The sixteenth total decide within the 2023 Draft as a Virginia prepster, he additionally showcased a 92-96 mph fastball and strong slider as an beginner however has targeted on hitting since turning professional. He has an enormous body (6-foot-7, 223 kilos) and large energy, and he is additionally a sophisticated hitter with an excellent plan on the plate.
Padres: Ethan Salas, C (No. 1/MLB No. 17)Salas entered 2024 with loads of hype after reaching Double-A at simply 17 years outdated the earlier 12 months, however the catcher’s season at Excessive-A Fort Wayne (.206/.288/.311, 4 homers in 111 video games) introduced pause to evaluators throughout the trade. The backstop did present constructive indicators late, main Excessive-A with 12 doubles from Aug. 1 to the tip of the season, and may be headed to the AFL on the proper time. His superior defensive work behind the plate continues to provide him a promising flooring, and Peoria pitchers ought to stay up for working with {the teenager}.
Rockies: Ryan Ritter, SS (No. 12)Ritter went from John A. Logan Group School to Kentucky, constructing a repute as a glove-first shortstop. The Rockies took him within the fourth spherical of the 2022 Draft and he proceeded to provide offensively far more persistently than anticipated, delivering a 20/20 season whereas going from Single-A to Double-A. His 2024 marketing campaign wasn’t fairly as spectacular, however he bought sizzling in July earlier than an ankle damage shelved him for a month, so he’s headed to Salt River to make up for a few of these misplaced at-bats.
