Arizona Fall League Prospects to Watch Going into 2026
A look into some of the top prospects in the Arizona Fall League and what scouts are learning about them ahead of the 2026 season.
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In the midst of one of the hottest Major League postseason races in recent years, the Arizona Fall League has been quietly working away to cultivate some of the names we could see during the playoffs next season.
The 2025 Arizona Fall League player collection has leaned toward an offense-driven league, with a noticeable decline on the pitching front, as many organizations have opted not to risk the injury of their top pitching prospects.
Offensively, the league features a combination of top prospects, including Tigers’ Max Anderson and Reds’ Alfredo Duno, alongside some high-potential names who have faced an uphill battle due to injury over recent seasons.
Across the six Fall League clubs, we’re taking a look at three names from each team who flashed some promise during my visit.
There is a clear slant in strength between a number of the clubs, but regardless of that, there was still enough on display for fans to get a taste of who they should be on the lookout for in 2026.
To clarify for the purists, this is not a ranking, but simply a list of interest and a few reasons why you should be paying attention.
*Scouts have been left anonymous out of respect for the confidentiality of their organizations
Glendale Desert Dogs
- Patrick Clohisy – Atlanta Braves
OF | B/T: L/L | 5’10/190 lbs | Age: 23
Selected in the 11th round of the 2024 MLB draft, the Missouri native is not someone you’re going to see splashed across prospect lists, but that has only added to his intrigue.
Over a stretch of 20 games, Clohisy has stolen a league-leading 21 bases, after breaking away from a close race, no pun intended, with fellow speedster, Orioles OF Enrique Bradfield Jr.
Scouts all agree that his run tool will play at the Major League level, but the primary question is if the bat will be able to play enough of a support role to keep him there. Clohisy saw a jump in power in his second regular season with seven home runs after going without a home run in his minor league debut in 2024.
“His run tool stands out,” an American League scout said. “He’ll steal bases. I question the bat and whether he’ll get on base enough to consistently impact the game.”
- Braden Montgomery – Chicago White Sox
OF | B/T: S/R | 6’2/220 lbs | Age: 22
Shortly after his selection as the Red Sox’s first-round draft pick in 2024, Montgomery found himself headed for Chicago as part of the Boston exchange for LHP Garrett Chochet.
Montgomery’s organization reassignment propelled him to the top of the White Sox prospect list, thanks to his plus power and nearly elite arm strength. 2025 proved to be a whirlwind for the 22-year-old, including a bout with injury and assignments to three different affiliates in his first true professional season.
Over his 11 games with the Desert Dogs, Montgomery has shown extra-base power with six extra-base hits and 10 RBI, while slashing .351/.529/.595 with a 1.124 OPS.
While the display has been promising, scouts are still seeing growth ahead, which we should start to see more of over the next few seasons.
“(Montgomery) has tools and upside, but plays a little timid, like he’s scared to make a mistake,” an American League scout said. “He’s jumpy in the box, making it tough for him to consistently stay through the baseball. I see a corner outfielder home for him down the road.”
- Sam Antonacci – Chicago White Sox
INF | B/T: L/R | 6’0/193 lbs | Age: 22
In speaking with scouts about the White Sox’s 2024 5th-round draft pick, the most common trend I saw was the belief that the 22-year-old may be better than people might think.
“The IQ stood out to me,” a National League scout said. “He plays smart. You can see he still has work to do, but he clearly knows how to work with the tools he has. I enjoy watching him.”
“He’s one of the most underrated prospects in baseball,” an American League scout said. “He plays the right way and will get the most out of his ability for a long time. He’s a winner!”
18 games into his Fall campaign, Antonacci is already two home runs shy of matching his regular season total, in addition to posting a 1.074 OPS and 11 stolen bases. Don’t be surprised to see the 22-year-old make a case for Triple-A to start the 2026 season.
Mesa Solar Sox
- Starlyn Caba – Miami Marlins
INF | B/T: S/R | 5’9/160 lbs | Age: 19
Caba was originally signed for $3 million by the Phillies in 2023 before making the jump to Miami in the trade for LHP Jesús Luzardo and C Paul McIntosh. Still just 19 years old, Caba was viewed as the best defender in his class, and from what scouts have seen, he’s come as advertised.
“He’s an elite defender who will win a Gold Glove one day,” an American League scout said.
“It looks like Miami has tried to add size and strength, which has taken away some of his explosiveness that he showed when he was with the Phillies. Hitting just one home run during the 2025 regular season, Caba has doubled that over his 17 games out west, including 22 hits, 10 runs scored, and 10 RBI.
“His impact with the bat will determine if he’s an everyday shortstop or if he reaches All-Star potential,” the American League scout said.
- Ryan Lasko – Athletics
OF | B/T: R/R | 6’0/190 lbs | Age: 23
A perfect example of utilizing the opportunity for extended play, the Athletics has a plan in sending 23-year-old Ryan Lasko to Arizona. The 2023 second-round pick brings plus defensive and an above-average run tool to the table, but the chance to improve his eye at the plate and build some confidence offensively proved to be the selling point for the Athletics front office.
“Ryan Lasko is a gifted athlete,” Athletics Assistant General Manager Billy Owens said. “You’re always on the edge of your seat watching Lasko play centerfield. He’s a gladiator defender that shrinks the gaps and possesses an accurate, weapon-like arm. Defensively, there are some Ramon Laureano physical traits and actions.
Over 20 games with Mesa, Lasko has excelled, slashing .373/.463/.448 with a .911 OPS and eight stolen bases. “I’m encouraged by Lasko’s offensive performance here in the desert,” Owens added.
“He’s having quality plate appearances and driving the baseball with authority. I’m excited to see how that translates to the 2026 regular season. Ryan definitely carries the tools and physicality to succeed at the highest level.” - Joshua Kuroda-Grauer – Athletics
INF | B/T: R/R | 6’0/205 lbs | Age: 22
Selected in the third round of the 2024 draft, a year after organization mate Lasko, Kuroda-Grauer, or “JKG,” as he’s known to those close to him, is an intriguing bat who saw equally impressive offense both with High-A Lansing and Double-A Midland during the 2025 regular season.
“Joshua is a talented, skilled, and winning ballplayer,” Billy Owens said. He is an elite contact, high-average hitter, and his ability to hit good pitching will be accentuated at higher levels. Defensively, he plays an impressive shortstop and is noticeably versatile.”
Slashing .333/.410/.463 with six extra-base hits, the 30 extra-base hits from Kuroda-Grauer during his 2025 campaign are giving the Athletics fan base something to talk about going into 2026.
Peoria Javelinas
- Enrique Bradfield Jr. – Baltimore Orioles
OF | B/T: L/L | 6’0/170 lbs | Age: 23
The development track for Vanderbilt standout Enrique Bradfield Jr. has been far from smooth. After recuperating from not one, but two hamstring injuries, it only made sense for the Orioles’ 2023 first-round pick to bring his speed to the desert.
“(Bradfield) is an old school, top of the order type hitter with very good speed,” an American League scout said. “In centerfield, he’s a plus defender.”
It didn’t take long before Bradfield found himself in a push for the most stolen bases in the Fall League, and if you know Bradfield, he knows how to capitalize on the tools he’s been given.
Finishing the regular season in the Double-A Eastern League, Bradfield’s offense hasn’t garnered the flash of his defense so far this fall, but the progression since returning from injury has been promising. - Leo Balcazar – Cincinnati Reds
INF | B/T: R/R | 5’11/190 lbs | Age: 21
Signed in 2021 out of Maracay, Venezuela, it’s easy to forget that Leo Balcazar is still just 21 years old.
Split the 2025 regular season between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga, Balcazar not only garnered praise for his athleticism but also for his desire to thrive as an athlete.
“Leo is determined to be a big leaguer,” 2025 Dayton Dragons manager Vince Harrison said. “One thing that impresses me the most about him is he would seek me out if I wasn’t around, and we would make sure to do his defensive routine on the side, every day.”
Slashing .295/.354/.364, the 21-year-old is in the top five in doubles across the league this fall. “There’s a fun profile there, if the Reds can pull out the potential,” a National League scout said. “He’s still raw, but it’s there. You can see it.” - Jonny Farmelo – Seattle Mariners
OF | B/T: L/R | 6’2/205 lbs | Age: 21
Selected 29th overall by the Mariners in 2023, Jonny Farmelo’s opportunity to go out west is tied to building positive momentum after a challenging regular season.
The 21-year-old only saw 29 games, thanks to an extensive battle with injury carrying over from his rookie season in 2024. “(Jonny) is the perfect example of what the Fall League is all about,” an American League scout said.
“You might not see the flashiest number, but it builds confidence in guys who need it. He’s got some really fun tools, but he just needs a consistent enough stretch of health to be able to show them off a little bit more.”
Tied for first in most triples this fall, as well as top ten in both RBI and stolen bases, Farmelo’s exposure to extended time on the field could prove to be more beneficial than you might think, leading into 2026.
Salt River Rafters
- Esmerlyn Valdez – Pittsburgh Pirates
OF | B/T: R/R | 6’2/181 lbs | Age: 21
When it comes to the profile of a power bat, there’s a lot to like with 21-year-old Esmeryn Valdez. Valdez originally signed with the Pirates as part of their international draft class out of the Dominican Republic in 2021.
With a taste of the Double-A Eastern League under his belt to close out the 2025 regular season, the Pirates thought a few more looks would only benefit him.
“(Esmerlyn) Valdez has always shown upside with his impact,” Pirates Director of Coaching and Player Development Michael Chernow said.
“What made the biggest difference for him was the work he put into last offseason physically. He showed up to spring training this year looking really strong, and throughout the year, he made big progress in limiting the swing and miss, and really started to stick to his approach and look ‘hitterish,’ Chernow said.
“He found a way to blend his real impact with more selectivity, less swing and miss, and the results that followed have been really impressive.”
It comes as no surprise that Valdez is leading the Fall League in home runs after knocking a single-season career-high 26 during the regular season. “He’s always been a high character kid with a great work ethic,” Chernow added.
“I believe we’re starting to see him scratch the surface of how good he can be with his 2025 performance.” - Charlie Condon – Colorado Rockies
OF | B/T: R/R | 6’6/216 lbs | Age: 22
Entering 2025, the Rockies’ first-round pick didn’t quite have things go according to plan. Suffering a left wrist fracture during spring training, the Georgia native was forced to restructure his plan for the season, but once he returned to full strength, he had the chance to show what he was capable of offensively.
The 22-year-old punched 33 extra-base hits, including 14 home runs, and earned an invitation to the 2025 MLB Futures Game.
Condon currently sits in the top three in runs scored, hits, and triples across the Fall League, and according to scouts, the only real question is where he’ll play defensively.
“He’s handled first base alright, but I see him as a corner outfielder who will hit for average and power,” an American League scout said.
While Condon worked mostly at first base in 2025, his assignments in left field seem to have most scouts agreeing he’s more likely to stick there defensively than at first base, but regardless, getting his bat back to full strength with his plus power is grabbing scouts’ attention, and the Rockies like what they see. - Jared Thomas – Colorado Rockies
OF | B/T: L/L | 6’2/190 lbs | Age: 22
Ask Charlie Condon his feelings about being in the Fall League with Jared Thomas, and he can’t hide a grin. Since being taken in the first and second rounds of the 2024 draft, Condon and Thomas have hardly known time apart this season. Both spent time with the High-A and Double-A Rockies affiliates in 2025 before both being selected for the Fall League.
For Thomas, so far this fall, the most conversation has surrounded his bat.
“I like his swing and timing in the box,” an American League scout said. “He has sneaky impact potential. There’s some swing & miss in there.”
With an above-average hit tool, Thomas hasn’t been projected to hit for power, but is showing out west that creativity breeds its own value as a hitter. With eight extra-base hits and nine RBI, Thomas is slashing .304/.350/.536 with an .886 OPS.
While his defensive profile lacks the same intrigue as his offense, the “sneaky impact” is something to keep an eye on going into the 2026 regular season.
Scottsdale Scorpions
- Max Anderson – Detroit Tigers
INF | B/T: R/R | 6’0/215 lbs | Age: 23
One of the most unassumingly dominant members of the Detroit Tigers’ farm system, Anderson’s success throughout the 2025 regular season isn’t something new; it’s simply that the rest of the baseball world is finally beginning to take notice.
Splitting the year between Double-A and Triple-A, the 23-year-old set single-season career highs in 10 offensive categories, leading the Tigers to offer Anderson extended reps out west.
Leading the Fall League in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS, as well as holding a second-place tie for most home runs, the Fall League campaign is finding yet one more opportunity to put Anderson’s offensive skillset on display.
The biggest question surrounding Anderson is his long-term defensive assignment. With Detroit’s overflowing collection of infield talent, Anderson has been working at third base to provide some defensive versatility.
With Scottsdale, this assignment has continued, and Anderson is enjoying the challenge. “That’s the only question with him,” an American League scout said. “He hits and he’ll continue to hit, but where does he stick in the field? With a bat like that, he’ll have a place. The question is, where?” - Seaver King – Washington Nationals
INF | B/T: R/R | 6’0/195 lbs | Age: 22
Bringing his nearly 70-grade speed out west, the Nationals’ 2024 first-round pick hasn’t wasted any time in grabbing a headline or two since arriving at the Fall League.
While his defense rates a bit higher on paper, according to scouts, King’s work at the plate with Scottsdale is demanding plenty of attention on its own.
Currently second across the Fall League in runs scored and RBI, scouts are using King’s Fall League campaign to project his progress on both sides of the ball
“He’s an athletic infielder with offensive upside,” an American League scout said. “I think you keep him at shortstop for as long as possible, but second base or centerfield could be where he ends up.”
Coming off 30 extra-base hits during the regular season, the 22-year-old is making a case for Triple-A to start 2026.
- Kevin McGonigle – Detroit Tigers
INF | B/T: L/R | 5’10/187 lbs | Age: 21
“You want to know what I like about Kevin McGonigle,” a National League scout said. “What ISN’T to like about Kevin McGonigle?”
This sentiment has been shared across the board with a healthy McGonigle coming off the strongest…and healthiest season of his young career. After absolutely dominating the Midwest League, McGonigle earned an invitation to the MLB Futures Game and a jump to the Eastern League, alongside organization-mates Josue Briceno and Max Clark.
Since arriving with the Scorpions, well…he’s at it again. Sitting top three across the Fall League in runs scored, hits, triples, home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS, and top five in RBI and batting average, scouts are running out of things to say.
If there was a question about McGonigle’s future, it lies in where he lands defensively. While most scouts agree they see the most value at second base, the Tigers have allowed him to play at third base on and off, rotating with organization mate Max Anderson.
The overload of positional talent is driving the Tigers to expand their positional versatility, and while this holds value, a future at second base still appears to make the most sense.
Surprise Saguaros
- Blake Mitchell – Kansas City Royals
C | B/T: L/R | 6’1/202 lbs | Age: 21
It’s no secret that the Royals like to cultivate catchers and Blake Mitchell is just another example of that. The 2023 first-round pick comes with plus power beside the plate and an absolute cannon behind it.
“Blake Mitchell is a definite offensive prospect with solid power potential,” an American League scout said. “I think he can stay behind the plate with very good pitch-framing ability.” Held to 60 regular-season games due to injury, Mitchell’s Fall campaign is giving him those extra reps that the Royals are hoping will prove valuable going into 2026.
“This season didn’t show what his profile could do,” a National League scout said. “There’s a lot more there. That’s a big league catcher. Bank on it.” - Dante Nori – Philadelphia Phillies
OF | B/T: L/L | 5’9/190 lbs | Age: 21
The Toronto-born first-round pick of the Phillies in 2024 may be on the sneakier side of production, but this fall, he’s commanding attention one game at a time.
Jumping across three affiliate assignments to end with Double-A Reading, Nori boasted plus-plus speed, plus defense, and an above-average arm to confirm that there is plenty to get excited about defensively. “Dante is the rare player with real tools and feel for the game,” a National League scout said. “His top-of-the-order skills and defensive abilities are immediately evident. The more you see him, the more you like him.”
In addition to knocking an inside-the-park home run, the 21-year-old is slashing .375/.459/.531 with a .990 OPS over 10 games this fall with Surprise.
“For me, he was the ultimate rare player who, as a scout, you have a gut feel for but also has top-shelf ability,” the National League scout added. “His future is bright.”
- Daniel Vazquez – Kansas City Royals
INF | B/T: R/R | 6’2/150 lbs | Age: 21
Signing for $1.5 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, Daniel Vazquez is, according to more than one scout, coming into his own.
Set to turn 22 in December, the Villa Mella native saw assignments to three affiliates in 2025, ending the regular season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. While his defensive tools have graded a bit higher going into this season, he’s proving this fall that his offense deserves attention too.
“Daniel Vazquez is coming into his own,” an American League scout said. “He has high upside offensively. He most likely gets moved off of shortstop with second base being a likely landing place for him.”
Slashing .329/.456/.466 with a .922 OPS, six extra-base hits, and 18 RBI, Vazquez is likely to move quickly in 2026. While he only saw limited time in Double-A, he could still force the hand of the Royals to challenge him, depending on how his spring campaign plays out.
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