Five Hitters Who Stood Out in the 2023 Arizona Fall League

Now that the 2023 Arizona Fall League season is complete, it’s time to take a look at which hitters performed up to and beyond expectations. Some of the names on this list might be familiar, but it might be a good idea to get familiar with them. Here’s a look at five 2023 Arizona Fall League hitters that stood out.

Wes Clarke

Brewers first base prospect Wes Clarke parlayed a 23-home run campaign in 2021 with the South Carolina Gamecocks into a 10th-round selection that year. The 24-year-old didn’t have incredible success in 2022 (.774 OPS, 14 HR, 35 XBH in 99 G) but did belted 26 home runs — 13 after July 31 — and owned an .889 OPS this past season. Clarke continued to roll in the AZL, as he hit .297/.435/.568 (1.003 OPS) with five home runs and a 27:17 K:BB ratio in 21 games.

Clarke didn’t rank in MLB.com‘s top 30 Brewers prospect list after 2023. The 24-year-old’s got serious power but has been streaky in the past and doesn’t have plus athleticism. He’ll need to hit to work his way up — but he’s done that over the past three months.

Chase DeLauter

The Guardians selected former James Madison standout Chase DeLauter after a strong summer in 2021 when he hit nine home runs in the Cape. However, injuries have limited him thus far as a pro. DeLauter made up for the lost time in the Fall League and did not disappoint. The 22-year-old hit .299/.385/.529 belted five home runs and led the circuit in RBI (27) over 23 games.

DeLauter showed impressive pop both at JMU and in what was been a small sample size in the Minors. He’s only played six games above A ball but he’s not that far away from the Majors.

Jakob Marsee

The Padres farm system is not as deep, as compared to what it was in 2022. However, there’s talent to be found. One prospect on the rise of outfielder Jakob Marsee, who won the 2023 Arizona Fall League MVP award. The 2022 sixth-round pick hit .391 (1.215 OPS) with five home runs, 16 stolen bases, 18 extra-base hits, and a league-high 36 hits over 24 contests.

The 22-year-old Marsee has the speed — he stole 46 bases this past season — and his 97:98 K:BB ratio is a strong sign that he can control the strike zone. Given those tools and a good overall bat, Marsee is a name to watch.

Kyle Manzardo

DeLauter wasn’t the only notable Guardian that stood out in the AZL. First baseman Kyle Manzardo, acquired from Tampa in the Aaron Civale trade, had a strong run in Arizona. Manzardo’s .905 OPS was good for 16th-best in the circuit and his six home runs were tied for third-highest along with Blue Jays prospect Damiano Palmegiani.

The 23-year-old — one of our AZL hitting prospects to watch back in September — was limited to just 97 games in 2023 but his premier contact and on-base skills, coupled with above-average power, should make him a prime candidate to crack the Guardians’ Opening Day roster.

James Triantos

Cubs infield prospect James Triantos entered 2023 as one of the franchise’s top prospects, but he hit just four home runs and 22 extra-base hits (.104 ISO) over 83 games. The 2021 second-round pick got back on track in the AZL, as Triantos hit .417/.495/.679 with three home runs and 11 extra-base hits. The 20-year-old won the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Triantos flashed impressive bat speed this past season. If the 20-year-old can put together a healthy 2024, it’ll be interesting to see what the former second-round pick can do.