In mid-August, Major League Baseball confirmed the schedule and team assignments for the 2025 Arizona Fall League (AFL). Every year, the league is filled with high-end prospects who need extra work after the 2025 campaign. And, this year should be no different.
What is the start date for the 2025 Arizona Fall League season?
The 2025 season will start on October 6, 2025, between Peoria and Scottsdale. The remaining four teams will start their seasons on October 7.
Schedule & notable dates
Here’s a look at the 2025 schedule:
As you’ll likely notice, there are “jewel” events. Namely, a trio of games in Tucson on October 11. Goodyear Ballpark, the spring home of the Guardians & Reds, will host three games on October 18.
November 8 will be the league’s home run derby, while the 9th is the annual Fall Stars Game.
For 2025, all six teams will automatically be entered into the playoffs, which will start on November 13 after what will be a one-month regular season schedule. The top two teams get a first-round bye.
The championship game will take place on November 15, 2025.
It should be noted that many of these games will be viewable on the MLB app (MLB.TV).
Teams & other info
Since there are only six teams in the AFL, five Major League teams are assigned one affiliate for the league. Here are the assignments for 2025:
| Arizona Fall League team | MLB affiliates |
|---|---|
| Glendale Desert Dogs | Atlanta, Chicago (AL), Los Angeles, St. Louis, Toronto |
| Mesa Solar Sox | Athletics, Chicago (NL), Miami, New York (AL), Tampa Bay |
| Peoria Javelinas | Baltimore, Cincinnati, Minnesota, San Diego, Seattle |
| Salt River Rafters | Arizona, Boston, Colorado, Los Angeles (AL), Pittsburgh |
| Scottsdale Scorpions | Detroit, Houston, New York (NL), San Francisco, Washington |
| Surprise Saguaros | Cleveland, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Texas |
As for rosters, those will be finalized as the summer and 2025 season inch closer. However, we do know at least a few names who will head there this fall.
White Sox left-handers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, arguably the team’s two best pitching prospects, have been confirmed to be joining the AFL’s Desert Dogs. That announcement was made by general manager Chris Getz earlier in August.
Check out more of our Minor League coverage.