The 34th annual Arizona Fall League (AFL) season is in full swing, offering baseball enthusiasts a prime opportunity to witness the sport’s next generation of talent, with sportsamo.com proudly presenting this comprehensive report on the league’s top storylines and upcoming matchups. Throughout October and November, fans can stream top prospects from all 30 MLB organizations, as nearly every AFL matchup, along with key postseason events, is available for free across MLB.com and MLB.TV. This accessibility ensures that the development of baseball’s future luminaries is on full display, from the regular season’s intense battles to the climactic Fall Stars Game and Championship Game, both also broadcast on MLB Network.
The Arizona Fall League, often dubbed "the finishing school" for baseball’s elite prospects, holds immense historical significance. Since its inception, it has served as a critical proving ground for countless future Major League Baseball stars, including legends like Derek Jeter, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Mookie Betts. It’s where raw talent is refined, where players make crucial adjustments, test new positions, and gain invaluable experience against high-level competition before making the jump to the big leagues. Scouts flock to Arizona each fall, meticulously evaluating every swing, pitch, and defensive play, looking for those intangible qualities that separate future stars from everyday players. The league’s 90-game regular season schedule, complemented by the Home Run Derby, Fall Stars Game, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Championship Game, provides a robust platform for these athletes to shine.
Six distinct teams, each comprising a dynamic blend of prospects from five different MLB organizations, form the competitive landscape of the AFL. These affiliations foster unique team chemistries and expose players to diverse coaching philosophies and organizational approaches. The teams and their respective MLB partners are:
- Glendale Desert Dogs: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox
- Mesa Solar Sox: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox
- Peoria Javelinas: Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals
- Salt River Rafters: Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
- Scottsdale Scorpions: Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers
- Surprise Saguaros: Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers
As the season progresses, several matchups promise to be particularly electrifying, showcasing the depth of talent currently honing their skills in the desert.
Upcoming Matchups: A Glimpse at Baseball’s Future
WEDNESDAY’S SHOWDOWNS (All times ET)
Glendale Desert Dogs (ATL, CWS, LAD, MIA, PIT) vs. Peoria Javelinas (BAL, CIN, SD, SEA, STL), 4:30 p.m.
This Wednesday clash could feature a staggering five of MLB’s Top 100 prospects, promising a high-stakes affair. The Desert Dogs boast an arguably unmatched lineup, spearheaded by the Dodgers’ Eduardo Quintero (LAD No. 2, MLB No. 15), a toolsy catcher known for his advanced defensive skills and burgeoning bat. He’s joined by the White Sox’s Caleb Bonemer (CWS No. 2, MLB No. 27), a power-hitting infielder with immense offensive upside, and the Braves’ Tate Southisene (ATL No. 3, MLB No. 58), a dynamic shortstop praised for his all-around game. Rounding out this formidable quartet is Charles Davalan (LAD No. 6, MLB No. 79), another versatile Dodgers prospect. Facing this offensive juggernaut will be the Javelinas’ Ike Irish (BAL No. 5, MLB No. 95), a Baltimore Orioles catching prospect who has been one of the circuit’s hottest hitters. The 22-year-old, whose regular season was cut short by injury, has returned with a vengeance, displaying a polished approach and impressive pop, eager to carry Peoria’s offense.
Salt River Rafters (AZ, COL, MIN, NYY, WSH) vs. Scottsdale Scorpions (DET, HOU, MIL, SF, TB), 4:30 p.m.
A marquee matchup featuring some of the biggest names in the Arizona desert. Salt River’s lineup is powered by a pair of Top 100 prospects who consistently put up runs: Dax Kilby (NYY No. 1, MLB No. 78), a New York Yankees infielder known for his on-base prowess and surprising power, and Demetrio Crisantes (AZ No. 1, MLB No. 84), an Arizona Diamondbacks infielder who combines contact skills with gap-to-gap power. The Scorpions counter with an offense brimming with power, led by outfielder Zyhir Hope (DET No. 1, MLB No. 26), a Detroit Tigers prospect with a high ceiling and impressive raw strength. He’s flanked by shortstop Bryce Rainer (DET No. 2, MLB No. 44), another Tigers talent lauded for his athleticism and offensive potential, and catcher Nathan Flewelling (TB No. 4, MLB No. 63), a Rays prospect who has been an early standout with his bat. This trio has consistently been among the top performers, setting the stage for a potential slugfest.
Surprise Saguaros (CLE, KC, NYM, PHI, TEX) vs. Mesa Solar Sox (ATH, BOS, CHC, LAA, TOR), 9:30 p.m.
The Saguaros bring a formidable three-headed offensive monster to the plate, anchored by Sebastian Walcott (TEX No. 1, MLB No. 8), the Texas Rangers’ top prospect and a legitimate five-tool talent. He’s joined by Aidan Miller (PHI No. 2, MLB No. 59), a Philadelphia Phillies infielder with a smooth swing and excellent plate discipline, and Angeibel Gomez (KC No. 2, MLB No. 76), a Kansas City Royals infielder known for his ability to make hard contact to all fields. Mesa’s response is equally impressive, featuring Arjun Nimmala (LAA No. 1, MLB No. 34), the Los Angeles Angels’ top prospect. Nimmala, a 2023 first-rounder, has been scorching hot since arriving in the desert, carrying over his strong Southern League performance where he posted a .966 OPS with eight homers. Through his first seven Fall League games, he’s batted an astounding .379 with a 1.204 OPS, showcasing his advanced approach and burgeoning power.
THURSDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (All times ET)
Surprise Saguaros (CLE, KC, NYM, PHI, TEX) vs. Peoria Javelinas (BAL, CIN, SD, SEA, STL), 4:30 p.m.
Sebastian Walcott (TEX No. 1, MLB No. 8) again takes center stage for Surprise. His 65-grade raw power was on full display on October 16th when he launched a towering first-inning grand slam, a testament to his elite offensive potential. The 20-year-old shortstop is considered a potential cornerstone for the Rangers, leading the Saguaros alongside the disciplined Aidan Miller (PHI No. 2, MLB No. 59) and the consistent Angeibel Gomez (KC No. 2, MLB No. 76). The Javelinas will lean on Ike Irish (BAL No. 5, MLB No. 95), the Orioles’ promising catcher, who has already gone deep twice in his first four games. His mature plate approach and ability to drive the ball make him a significant threat in the middle of Peoria’s lineup.
Glendale Desert Dogs (ATL, CWS, LAD, MIA, PIT) vs. Mesa Solar Sox (ATH, BOS, CHC, LAA, TOR), 9:30 p.m.
Caleb Bonemer (CWS No. 2, MLB No. 27), the White Sox’s power-hitting prospect, who led all organizational prospects with 37 homers in the regular season, has quickly found his rhythm in the AFL. Adapting to playing outfield for the first time this fall, the 2024 second-rounder has reached base in all seven of his initial contests, recording hits in six. He’s a crucial piece of Glendale’s offense, which also features the dynamic talents of Eduardo Quintero (LAD No. 2, MLB No. 15), Tate Southisene (ATL No. 3, MLB No. 58), and Charles Davalan (LAD No. 6, MLB No. 79). Mesa counters with the consistent power of Arjun Nimmala (LAA No. 1, MLB No. 34). Nimmala, known for his ability to hit for power, has posted double-digit home runs in each of his first three professional seasons, and his early AFL performance suggests he’s poised for another impressive showing.
Scottsdale Scorpions (DET, HOU, MIL, SF, TB) vs. Salt River Rafters (AZ, COL, MIN, NYY, WSH), 4:30 p.m.
Expect fireworks in this matchup, as both lineups are packed with heavy hitters. Scottsdale is powered by its trio of Top 100 prospects: Zyhir Hope (DET No. 1, MLB No. 26), Bryce Rainer (DET No. 2, MLB No. 44), and Nathan Flewelling (TB No. 4, MLB No. 63). Hope and Rainer represent the future of the Tigers’ offense, combining speed and power, while Flewelling provides a potent bat from behind the plate for the Rays. On the pitching side, the Rafters could feature flamethrower Jarlin Susana (WSH No. 4, MLB No. 66), a Washington Nationals prospect who has already racked up nine strikeouts in his first three desert outings. Offensively for Salt River, Dax Kilby (NYY No. 1, MLB No. 78) and Demetrio Crisantes (AZ No. 1, MLB No. 84) have been RBI machines, with Kilby driving in six runs and Crisantes seven in their respective early campaigns, highlighting their ability to deliver in clutch situations.
MONDAY’S BATTLES (All times ET)
Mesa Solar Sox (ATH, BOS, CHC, LAA, TOR) vs. Glendale Desert Dogs (ATL, CWS, LAD, MIA, PIT), 4:30 p.m.
Antonio Anderson (BOS, unranked), a 2023 third-rounder for the Red Sox, has parlayed a breakout Minor League season into a strong start in the AFL. After setting career highs across nearly every offensive category for High-A Greenville, Anderson entered his third week in Mesa with an impressive .345/.486/.655 slash line and two home runs, showcasing his improved power and plate discipline. He forms a potent duo with Arjun Nimmala (LAA No. 1, MLB No. 34), who continues to impress. Opposite them, Glendale’s prospect-laden lineup remains a significant threat, featuring the dynamic Eduardo Quintero (LAD No. 2, MLB No. 15), the power-hitting Caleb Bonemer (CWS No. 2, MLB No. 27), and the athletic Tate Southisene (ATL No. 3, MLB No. 58) and Charles Davalan (LAD No. 6, MLB No. 79). This game promises an intriguing battle between Mesa’s breakout stars and Glendale’s consistently strong core.
Surprise Saguaros (CLE, KC, NYM, PHI, TEX) vs. Salt River Rafters (AZ, COL, MIN, NYY, WSH), 4:30 p.m.
Sebastian Walcott (TEX No. 1, MLB No. 8) has made notable swing adjustments this fall, aiming to unlock his elite 65-grade power more consistently. The results are already evident: his grand slam on October 16th, hit into a strong 20 mph wind, was a clear demonstration of his immense raw strength. The 6-foot-4 shortstop is a complete package prospect, leading a potent Saguaros lineup alongside Aidan Miller (PHI No. 2, MLB No. 59) and Angeibel Gomez (KC No. 2, MLB No. 76). They will face Salt River’s duo of on-base specialists, Dax Kilby (NYY No. 1, MLB No. 78) and Demetrio Crisantes (AZ No. 1, MLB No. 84). Both are adept at getting on base and wreaking havoc, serving as vital catalysts at the top of the Rafters’ lineup.
Scottsdale Scorpions (DET, HOU, MIL, SF, TB) vs. Peoria Javelinas (BAL, CIN, SD, SEA, STL), 4:30 p.m.
Bryce Rainer (DET No. 2, MLB No. 44) of the Scorpions, a 2024 first-rounder for the Tigers, has consistently demonstrated his ability to hit the ball with authority, despite a streaky professional career thus far. After socking 19 homers in the Minor League season, he’s already registered an exit velocity of 111.0 mph this fall, showcasing his elite raw power. Rainer anchors the middle of Scottsdale’s order alongside fellow sluggers Zyhir Hope (DET No. 1, MLB No. 26) and Nathan Flewelling (TB No. 4, MLB No. 63). For Peoria, Ike Irish (BAL No. 5, MLB No. 95), the Orioles’ 2025 first-rounder, continues to impress. He has been a powerhouse for the Javelinas, collecting 12 hits, including two home runs, through his first eight contests, proving to be a consistent offensive force.
TUESDAY’S ENCOUNTERS (All times ET)
Salt River Rafters (AZ, COL, MIN, NYY, WSH) vs. Glendale Desert Dogs (ATL, CWS, LAD, MIA, PIT), 4:30 p.m.
Teo Banks (WSH, unranked), an 18th-rounder for the Nationals in 2024, has experienced a remarkable power surge in the AFL. After hitting just six home runs in 92 regular-season games for High-A Wilmington, Banks has already blasted three in his first 12 Fall League games. He’s become an impactful bat alongside Top 100 prospects Demetrio Crisantes (AZ No. 1, MLB No. 84) and Dax Kilby (NYY No. 1, MLB No. 78) in Salt River’s lineup. On the Glendale side, Dillon Lewis (MIA No. 11), a Marlins prospect, has emerged as an unexpected standout, racking up five doubles in his first nine games. Glendale’s powerful core of Eduardo Quintero (LAD No. 2, MLB No. 15), Caleb Bonemer (CWS No. 2, MLB No. 27), Tate Southisene (ATL No. 3, MLB No. 58), and Charles Davalan (LAD No. 6, MLB No. 79) ensures they will be a tough opponent.
Surprise Saguaros (CLE, KC, NYM, PHI, TEX) vs. Peoria Javelinas (BAL, CIN, SD, SEA, STL), 4:30 p.m.
The Saguaros field one of the desert’s most formidable tandems in Sebastian Walcott (TEX No. 1, MLB No. 8) and Welbyn Francisca (CLE No. 19). Walcott has consistently demonstrated his 65-grade power, driving in 10 runs in seven games. However, he is currently second in RBIs only to Francisca, a Guardians prospect who has collected 13 RBIs and five multi-hit performances over the same span, showcasing his impressive run-producing ability. With Aidan Miller (PHI No. 2, MLB No. 59) and Angeibel Gomez (KC No. 2, MLB No. 76) also contributing, Surprise boasts an electric offense. Peoria will counter with its hot-hitting outfielders Ike Irish (BAL No. 5, MLB No. 95) and Tai Peete (STL No. 17). Both maintained batting averages of .340 or higher through the first two weeks, with Peete tied for the league lead with three triples in 10 games, highlighting their blend of contact and extra-base hit potential.
Scottsdale Scorpions (DET, HOU, MIL, SF, TB) vs. Mesa Solar Sox (ATH, BOS, CHC, LAA, TOR), 4:30 p.m.
Few AFL squads can match the high-octane offensive attack of the Scottsdale Scorpions. They are spearheaded by three Top 100 prospects: Zyhir Hope (DET No. 1, MLB No. 26), Bryce Rainer (DET No. 2, MLB No. 44), and Nathan Flewelling (TB No. 4, MLB No. 63). All three possess a knack for launching colossal home runs and each set career highs in round-trippers during their regular seasons, signaling their immense power potential. For Mesa, Arjun Nimmala (LAA No. 1, MLB No. 34) leads the charge, a power-first prospect who was acquired by the Angels prior to the July Trade Deadline. Nimmala earned the Fall League’s top hitting honors in Week 2, collecting 12 total bases and four extra-base hits in just three games, further cementing his status as a must-watch player and a future star for the Angels.
The Arizona Fall League continues to be a crucial platform for these young talents, providing them with the competitive environment necessary to refine their skills and prepare for the ultimate test of Major League Baseball. Fans have an unprecedented opportunity to follow their journeys every step of the way.
