The fantasy baseball season isn’t really over for dynasty managers. Prospect worth is consistently altering, and maybe, not more than throughout the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The AFL provides prospects the prospect to get extra at-bats below their belt and work on some changes in actual sport motion. In a time the place baseball fanatics are starved for content material, one spotlight reel dwelling run might drastically alter the notion of a participant throughout dynasty leagues. Maintain studying to take a look at the 2024 preview of the Arizona Fall League with headline names, gamers who have to carry out, and breakout picks.
Glendale Desert Canines
Most Notable Prospect: Colson Montgomery – CWS
Within the AFL preview from final season, Colson Montgomery was probably the most notable hitting prospect on the Glendale Desert Canines. Right here we’re in 2024, with Montgomery remaining probably the most notable prospect this 12 months. Montgomery has remained close to the highest of prospect lists since being drafted within the first spherical again in 2021. Many across the business anticipated Montgomery to make his Main League debut this previous season. Expectations had been excessive this season, however issues didn’t work out as many hoped.
Montgomery appeared in 130 video games this 12 months all of which got here in Triple-A. Regardless of the dearth of expertise on the Main League stage, Montgomery’s numbers didn’t incentivize the White Sox to advertise him. He hit 18 homers with a .214 common and the bottom wRC+ of his profession. Low batting averages have turn out to be a theme all through Montgomery’s profession as his overly affected person method continues to get him in bother. Regardless of the down season, there may be nonetheless loads to love in Montgomery’s profile. His 6’3″ body has loads of uncooked pop, he walks at an above-average charge, he has a terrific really feel for pulling the ball, and he hits quite a lot of line drives. The stink across the White Sox has precipitated some to bitter on Montgomery’s future outlook, however he stays probably the most prevalent prospect on Glendale’s roster.
Prospect with probably the most to show: Edwin Arroyo– CIN
The commerce sending Luis Castillo to Seattle was a real blockbuster. The headline identify returning to Cincinnati was Noelvi Marte, however many all through the dynasty group had been equally infatuated with Edwin Arroyo. A then 18-year-old shortstop, Arroyo was dominating Low-A in his first style of full-season baseball. There have been some scouts who even thought Arroyo might find yourself being the perfect participant returning to Cincinnati. Arroyo struggled in 29 video games with the Reds’ group however expectations had been nonetheless excessive getting into 2023.
2023 acquired off to a dreadful begin for Arroyo. On the finish of June, he was slugging below .400 and batting below .240. The strikeouts had been up, his stroll charge was manner down, and Arroyo slid shortly down prospect rankings. Nonetheless, Arroyo bounced again properly throughout the remaining three months of the season. He slashed .267/.352/.473 whereas making important strides in his plate self-discipline and speak to abilities. Simply as hope started to rise once more this previous winter, Arroyo injured his shoulder throughout Spring Coaching and was pressured to overlook everything of 2024. Now 21, Arroyo has performed simply 4 video games above Excessive-A and has posted inconsistent outcomes all through his skilled profession. Not solely do dynasty managers have to see Arroyo look wholesome within the AFL, however a robust offensive efficiency would do wonders for calming any issues over his future outlook.
Prospect Breakout Prediction: Grant Taylor– CWS
Grant Taylor was effectively on his solution to a breakout season earlier than a lat harm prematurely ended his 2024. After being chosen 51st total in final 12 months’s draft, Taylor pitched simply 19.1 innings this season. Though the pattern dimension was small, Taylor’s stuff seemed electrical. His four-seam fastball sat within the higher 90s, and he blew it proper previous hitters with ease. He mixes a cutter, slider, and curveball in as effectively to maintain opposing batters off stability. His top-tier stuff led to a 44.2% strikeout charge and a 2.33 ERA.
If Taylor didn’t get injured, we may very well be referring to Taylor as one of many premier pitching prospects in baseball. The expectation right here is that Taylor’s stuff shines towards the comparatively inexperienced hitters within the Advanced League grabbing the eye of dynasty managers in all places. Rostering prospects in dynasty is all about maximizing worth. Taylor has the stuff to fly up boards even when he solely makes a couple of begins within the Arizona Fall League. Proving he’s wholesome will do wonders for his worth. Get in on him now earlier than the remainder of the hype round Taylor returns.
Mesa Photo voltaic Sox
Most Notable Prospect: Xavier Isaac– TBR
Previous to the season, I recognized three prospects I believed had been primed to bust in 2024. These had been guys that the market was extremely excessive on optimizing the worth dynasty managers might recoup by buying and selling these three gamers away. Xavier Isaac was one in all these guys and boy did that decide look tough early on. Isaac dominated Excessive-A this season crushing 15 homers, stealing 14 bases, and batting .287. For the ultimate 31 video games of the 12 months, Isaac was promoted to Double-A, the place his numbers seemed drastically totally different. In these 31 video games, Isaac slashed .211/.346/.349. Probably the most evident problem in Dobule-A was a 40.6% strikeout charge.
Isaac stays probably the most notable prospect on Mesa’s roster regardless of his struggles to finish the season. His energy is easy, however strikeouts have gotten a serious concern for Isaac’s future outlook. He has posted poor contact charges all through his skilled profession and the issue appears to be getting worse as a substitute of higher. Further concern stems from his righty/lefty splits. Isaac slashed .236/.342/.321 towards lefties this season. Simply one in all his 18 homers got here towards a lefty this season. Whereas I nonetheless imagine Isaac to be a simple sell-high in dynasty the AFL provides him an opportunity to make changes and assist calm any issues dynasty managers might have over his hit instrument. To be honest at simply 20 years outdated, Isaac owns a 147 wRC+ by way of his first 889 skilled plate appearances.
Prospect with probably the most to show: Denzel Clarke– OAK
Denzel Clarke has been in Oakland’s system for the reason that crew took him within the fourth spherical of the 2021 draft. Standing at 6’4″, 220 kilos, Clarke’s uncooked athleticism and projectability have all the time stood out. As is the case with most gamers known as “athletes”, Clarke has battled inconsistencies all through his skilled profession. He has proven flashes of brilliance tapping into his large energy and has stolen bases at a excessive charge. He has additionally struggled to restrict the strikeouts whereas additionally struggling to remain on the sphere all through a complete season. This 12 months, the primary half was tough for Clarke who was slashing batting .188 with a 40.9% strikeout charge on June 11. Nonetheless, from June 12 ahead, Clarke was unbelievable. He slashed .37/.387/.524 the remainder of the best way. Much more notable was his strikeout charge dipping right down to 23.5% throughout that span.
Now 24, 2025 will probably mark a make-or-break season for Clarke. The query dynasty managers are asking is which Clarke is the actual Clarke? Are the changes he made down the stretch legit, or is that this simply one other flash within the pan? A powerful efficiency within the AFL might do wonders for Clarke’s dynasty worth. If Clarke succeeds, pairing his AFL with the second half will probably be simple to level to a real 2025 breakout candidate. If the strikeout charge creeps again up, Clarke may very well be a forgotten asset in dynasty leagues.
Prospect Breakout Prediction: Mac Horvath– TBR
The headline of the return for Zach Eflin on the commerce deadline was Mac Horvath. Horvath was the Orioles’ second-round decide in final 12 months’s draft and was placing up first rate numbers in Excessive-A previous to the commerce. Publish commerce, Horvath struggled slashing simply .221/.291/.381 in 31 video games with the Rays. Early struggles with a brand new crew aren’t unusual. Gamers press to impress their new crew, however Horvath is simply too proficient to see these struggles proceed.
Horvath suits the mould of a hitter the Rays have seemed to accumulate in recent times. He isn’t the most important man, however he has a wonderful really feel for pulling the baseball within the air which results in extra dwelling runs than his batted ball knowledge suggests. Horvath additionally has plus pace and plate self-discipline that ought to present a steady ground for his future worth. Further at-bats within the AFL ought to enable Horvath to loosen up and play baseball the place his skillset will probably be on full show.
Peoria Javelinas
Most Notable Prospect: Leodalis De Vries– SDP
There might not be a extra stacked crew than Peoria this fall. There are a number of big-time names that would have been picked for this part. Cole Younger, Colt Emerson, Ethan Salas, and Brock Wilken are all prime prospects on this AFL roster. Nonetheless, probably the most consideration might go to Leodalis De Vries. De Vries was the highest worldwide free agent signing from this previous 12 months and has definitely lived as much as the hype. Following an analogous path as Salas, the Padres assigned De Vries proper to full-season ball. After a gradual begin, De Vries actually turned issues on on the dish. In his remaining 33 video games, De Vries slashed .280/.407/.606 regardless of being over 4 years youthful than the typical participant in Low-A.
Hardly ever can we see a participant as younger as De Vries discover instantaneous success in skilled baseball. The changes he made all through the season show that he has what it takes to turn out to be one of many sport’s greats. De Vries has the skillset to be a five-category contributor which is why he ranks so extremely in my top-100 prospect checklist. Discovering success within the AFL will take the De Vries hype to the subsequent stage. All eyes will probably be on him this fall.
Prospect with probably the most to show: Luis Lara– MIL
Luis Lara is one other prospect that I wrote about previous to the 2024 season. In truth, I truly debated his dynasty worth with fellow Pitcher Record author Martin Sekulski in one in all my favourite articles from this low season. Lara was a well-liked breakout decide getting into 2024, however the justification for citing him as a top-100 prospect appeared off. Sure, his contact abilities are robust and he has plus pace that profiles as a long-term talent. Nonetheless, previous to this season Lara had hit simply 4 skilled dwelling runs. His 5’8″ profile lacks the facility projection often required and any dip to his BABIP might simply end in a disappointing season. That is precisely what occurred in 2024 as Lara hit simply .245 with 4 homers in Excessive-A.
Now Lara is heading to the AFL the place he’ll attempt to recapture the exciement that lured dynasty managers in previous to this season. Base stealing is an apparent energy in his profile, however he might want to show he’s greater than only a base stealer this fall. Seeing a rise in energy could be an apparent solution to show himself, however even simply seeing his batting common rebound could be a constructive signal.
Prospect Breakout Prediction: Drake Baldwin– ATL
The Arizona Fall League is a small pattern of plate appearances. Swing changes, mechanical modifications, and method shifts can all be important knowledge factors. Nonetheless, generally shifting a participant’s dynasty worth is nearly making folks concentrate. Jakob Marsee was one of many AFL darlings final low season, however his numbers had been already glorious all through 2023. His robust AFL simply made extra dynasty managers look him up and understand that he’s price rostering. The identical goes to be true for Drake Baldwin in 2024. Overshadowed by Ethan Salas‘ identify worth, Baldwin goes to be the sought-after catcher following the 2024 AFL.
The truth is that Baldwin already put collectively his breakout season. Cut up between Double-A and Triple-A, Baldwin crushed 16 homers whereas batting .276. His numbers improved all through the season as his stroll charge jumped to fifteen.6% in Triple-A. He slugged .484 throughout 72 video games in Triple-A. He whiffed below 23% of the time whereas barreling the ball up in 7.2% of his plate appearances. Following Sean Murphy’s struggles, the Braves now not appear to have a long-term choice at catcher. A powerful AFL might thrust Baldwin proper into the 2025 dialog. The breakout already occurred, however dynasty managers ought to get in now earlier than Baldwin crushes it within the AFL.
Salt River Rafters
Most Notable Prospect: Tommy Troy– ARI
Regardless of a down 2024 season, Tommy Troy nonetheless headlines the checklist of gamers on the Salt River Rafters. The Diamondbacks took Troy out of Stanford twelfth total in final 12 months’s draft with expectations that he might transfer shortly by way of their system. Sadly, that has not labored out in addition to they hoped. Accidents restricted Troy to simply 72 video games this season, and the outcomes had been disappointing. Whereas in Excessive-A, Troy hit simply 5 dwelling runs whereas batting .227. His energy profile appeared disappointing and he struggled to make contact constantly which is alarming for a university hitter.
The transition to skilled baseball isn’t simple. Nonetheless, you count on extra from school hitters than what Troy supplied this previous season. He did bear foot surgical procedure previous to the season and suffered a hamstring harm, making it troublesome for him to ever really settle in. A full low season of well being may very well be what Troy must get again on observe. For individuals who personal Troy in dynasty, it could be good to see some strong manufacturing within the AFL to offer confidence in his 2025 outlook.
Prospect with probably the most to show: Kristian Robinson– ARI
Kristian Robinson has had a tumultuous skilled profession. Robinson set the league on hearth together with his excellent manufacturing again in 2019. He had plus energy and plus pace with the entire instruments dynasty managers search in an elite prospect. The pandemic, Visa points, and run-ins with the legislation saved Robinson off the skilled discipline from 2020-2022. He returned to Arizona’s group in 2023 and put up strong numbers throughout 4 ranges. The strikeout charge was alarming however hitting 14 homers with 23 steals in simply 65 video games after not showing for 3 seasons nonetheless acquired dynasty managers excited.
Sadly, Robinson regressed in a serious manner this previous season. He performed 110 video games in Double-A batting simply .214 with 11 homers and 10 steals. His strikeout charge was 35.8% and his 100 wRC+ was the bottom of his profession. Robinson turns 24 in June and isn’t displaying any indicators he will probably be an impactful dynasty asset anytime quickly. To retain any type of worth, Robinson should present important changes to his method on the plate within the AFL. Robinson has all of the expertise on the earth, however the enchantment of his athleticism is fading.
Prospect Breakout Prediction: Gino Groover– ARI
An Arizona sweep! Gino Groover marks the third D-Backs participant included on this checklist and is unquestionably the participant dynasty managers needs to be most enthusiastic about. Groover was the forty eighth total decide within the 2023 draft and may very well be Arizona’s third baseman of the longer term. Accidents restricted Groover to simply 61 video games this season, however his on-field manufacturing was excellent. He hit 10 homers, stole 4 bases, and hit .340 in his remaining 13 video games in Double-A. Groover has plus contact abilities, plus plate self-discipline, and the facility to be an impactful fantasy asset. If you wish to learn somewhat extra about my love for Groover you’ll be able to take a look at my remaining top-100 replace of the season.
Groover’s 2024 stats ought to have dynasty managers excited sufficient. Similarly to Drake Baldwin, a robust AFL would simply assist to seize the eye of dynasty managers. Groover has the entire abilities to succeed making now your final likelihood to get in on him earlier than his dynasty worth skyrockets.
Scottsdale Scorpions
Most Notable Prospect: Bryce Eldridge– SFG
All it takes is one have a look at Bryce Eldridge to dream concerning the potential in his bat. Eldridge stands at 6’7″ with uncooked energy that rivals any participant in skilled baseball. Quickly after drafting him sixteenth total, the Giants determined to maneuver Eldridge off of the mound and let him concentrate on hitting full-time. This definitely has appeared to be the best transfer. After beginning the season in Low-A, Eldridge climbed his manner all the best way to Triple-A. He crushed 23 dwelling runs and completed the season with a 137 wRC+.
Eldridge’s dynasty outlook has two major issues. The primary is unquestionably Eldridge’s strikeout charge. This season, he struck out 25.4% of the time, however that quantity jumped to 31.4% in a small Triple-A pattern dimension. The opposite concern is his potential to hit left-handed pitchers. He hit simply .211/.272/.316 towards lefties this season. Taking part in within the AFL provides Eldridge an opportunity to work on each of those issues. At simply 19 years outdated, Eldridge has simple 30+ dwelling run potential and will open 2025 because the Giants’ beginning first baseman.
Prospect with probably the most to show: Jett Williams– NYM
2024 was a 12 months to overlook for Jett Williams. Expectations for Williams couldn’t have been any increased following his glorious 2023 season. Showing at three totally different ranges, Williams hit 13 dwelling runs, stole 45 bases, and walked over 19% of the time. Williams soared up prospect rating lists, even getting into the highest ten on a number of publications. This bounce was fueled by a short energy outburst whereas in Excessive-A that was uncharacteristic for almost all of Williams’ skilled profession. Skeptical, Williams was additionally included in my prospect battle with Martin Sekulski the place the opinion was voiced that the dynasty group was far too excessive on Williams.
Williams struggled out of the gate and wound up needing wrist surgical procedure in early June that price him a big portion of 2024. All advised, Williams appeared in simply 33 video games slashing .215/.358/.298. and nil dwelling runs. The wrist harm probably lingered all through his time on the sphere and the Mets are sending him to the AFL to get extra at-bats below his belt after a misplaced season. Performing within the AFL is essential for Williams and his dynasty worth. First, it will be important for Williams to easily look wholesome. Second, Williams must show he’s extra than simply walks and stolen bases. The a part of his 2023 season that excited dynasty managers was Williams hitting eight dwelling runs in 161 plate appearances; a 30/600 tempo. Outdoors of that stretch, Williams has simply six homers in 562 plate appearances; a 7/600 tempo. Williams wants to point out off some energy within the hitter-friendly AFL to assist his dynasty inventory rebound.
Prospect Breakout Prediction: Kendry Rojas- TOR
The Jays signed Kendry Rojas out of Cuba again in 2020, and he has but to point out up on many main prospect lists. He pitched effectively in his professoinal debut however noticed his numbers regress with every promotion by way of the Jays’ system. Rojas began the 2024 season in Excessive-A and struggled popping out of the bullpen in his first look. The Jays moved him again to the rotation after that however Rojas made only one begin earlier than touchdown on the IL.
Rojas was lights out after coming back from the IL in June. In his remaining 9 begins at Excessive-A, Rojas posted a 2.16 ERA. He lasted not less than six innings in six of these begins with an unbelievable 22.4% Ok:BB ratio. Rojas might not have “ace” upside, however he’s definitely a reputation dynasty managers ought to know. His four-seam velocity has elevated into the mid 90s whereas his slider profiles to be a plus pitch. With plus command, Rojas ought to discover success within the AFL and offically declare himself related to the dynasty group.
Shock Saguaros
Most Notable Prospect: Jac Caglianone– KC
The Royals’ first-round decide from this previous season headlines the checklist of prospects on Shock’s roster. Caglianone put up large energy numbers throughout his remaining two seasons on the College of Florida. Standing at 6’5″, his projection suits the construct of your prototypical first-base prospect. The house runs are spectacular, however underlying issues over his hit instrument might result in struggles early in his skilled profession.
Caglianone appeared in 29 video games at Excessive-A this season. He slashed .241/.308/.388 with two dwelling runs. His offensive numbers had been underwhelming in comparison with different prospects like Cam Smith and Christian Moore, however the pattern dimension is way too small for dynasty managers to fret. He ought to get an opportunity to proceed adjusting to the professionals within the AFL and stays one of many sport’s prime first base prospects.
Prospect with probably the most to show: Chase DeLauter– CLE
Chase DeLauter is likely one of the hardest prospects to rank in all of Minor League baseball. When on the diamond, DeLauter has the entire instruments dynasty managers search for. He has easy energy due to his 6’4″ body. DeLauter has a wonderful really feel for pulling the ball and in addition is a line drive machine. He has nice plate self-discipline, glorious contact abilities, and is already in Triple-A.
Outdoors of an unorthodox swing, the most important problem is sturdiness. Since being drafted sixteenth total DeLauter has appeared in simply 96 video games for the Guardians. The leads to these 96 video games have been glorious. He’s slashing 317/.387/.517 with 13 dwelling runs. Actually, all dynasty managers need from DeLauter within the AFL is for him to remain wholesome. There may be not a ton for DeLauter to show on the plate. That is an prospect who profiles to be an offensive drive on the Main League stage. Nonetheless, yet another harm and the Guardians might have to contemplate shifting him out of the outfield and dynasty managers will begin to query the true outlook of his future worth.
Prospect Breakout Prediction: Alejandro Osuna- TEX
Since signing again in 2020, Alejandro Osuna has flown below the radar. Following a giant 2022, Osuna began to achieve some consideration within the dynasty group, earlier than a mediocre 2023 dampened the hype. Osuna’s numbers bounced again in a giant manner in 2024 and he might see his worth sky-rocket following this 12 months’s AFL.
The most important knock on Osuna getting into 2024 was that his future outlook was that of a fourth outfielder. Strong hit instrument, good pace, however lacked the facility to turn out to be an impactful bat. Properly, splitting time between Excessive-A and Double-A, Osuna made large enhancements to his energy profile. He hit a career-high 18 homers whereas stealing 17 bases. His dwelling run charge jumped considerably growing his future ceiling. Osuna’s numbers actually jumped as soon as he acquired to Double-A the place he slashed .306/.379/.523. Dynasty managers ought to totally count on this run of success to proceed within the AFL and could be clever to get in on him now whereas the value continues to be low.
