From Mlb · · 1m 40s
Hidden gems to watch in Arizona Fall League
The Arizona Fall League launches its 34th season with under-the-radar prospects ready to break out.
In brief
The Arizona Fall League launches its 34th season with under-the-radar prospects ready to break out. The Arizona Fall League consistently develops overlooked players into major league contributors, and this year's crop of under-the-radar prospects could follow the same path. Originally reported by Mlb.
Arizona Fall League returns October 3rd
The 34th season of the developmental circuit kicks off with several Top 100 prospects including Dodgers outfielder Eduardo Quintero, Tigers outfielder Zyhir Hope, and White Sox infielder Caleb Bonemer.
Fall League pipeline to the majors
Over 3,000 players have reached the majors through the Arizona Fall League, many of them overlooked prospects who starred in Arizona before thriving as big league rookies.
Last year's breakout stars
Sam Antonacci, Jake Bennett, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Owen Ayers were relatively anonymous before starring in Arizona last fall and thriving as rookies this season. Ayers won AFL Breakout Player of the Year.
Position players to watch
Boston Smith (catcher) hit .274 with 31 homers after being traded twice. Myles Bailey (first base) had the best exit velocities in the 2026 Draft. Luke Hill (second base) showed improved power. Chase Harlan (third base) hit 14 homers in 86 games.
Shortstops and outfielders rising
Wyatt Sanford improved dramatically from .760 OPS with 5 homers to .963 OPS with 19 homers in his second pro year. Dakota Jordan and Braylon Payne both feature elite all-around tools and speed.
Pitchers and young hitters
Briggs McKenzie is a prime breakout candidate with tremendous spin on his slider. Patrick Forbes dominated in his pro debut before missing three months with elbow issues. Breyson Guedez, a teenager, smoked a 425-foot home run.
At a glance
The Arizona Fall League consistently develops overlooked players into major league contributors, and this year's crop of under-the-radar prospects could follow the same path.
