On September 10, Major League Baseball confirmed the list of players headed to the Arizona Fall League for 2025. The six rosters, as expected, include many names who missed time due to injury. But on top of that, the rosters also include some frontline names, including star prospects Kevin McGonigle, Josue De Paula, and Sebastian Walcott, among others. Here’s a look at the highlights among the six AFL teams.
Glendale
White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith, previously announced alongside Noah Schultz (not on roster, IL) last month, headlines a pitching staff that also includes Braves pitching prospect Luke Sinnard. Sinnard struck out 86 over 72 frames this season between High-A and Low-A.
The hitter list is headlined by two behemoths, Braden Montgomery (White Sox) and Josue De Paula (Dodgers). De Paula, the 2025 Futures Game MVP, is arguably the Dodgers’ prospect, while Montgomery hit very well this season before suffering a foot fracture.
De Paula isn’t the only notable Dodger hitter headed to Arizona. Kendall George, who etched his name into the MiLB 100-stolen base club, will join De Paula in a crowded outfield.
Mesa
Mesa’s pitching staff is filled with intriguing pitchers, from Jackson Baumeister, acquired last year by the Rays for Zach Eflin, to Marlins pitchers Aiden May and Karson Milbrandt, to Yankees hurler Bryce Cunningham.
Cunningham, who works with a heavy sinker, along with a fastball, sweeper, and change, pitched very well in abbreviated action with Hudson Valley (A+) this season.
Former first-round pick PJ Morlando headlines the hitters, alongside Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (Athletics), Starlyn Caba (Marlins), and Brayden Taylor (Rays).
Peoria
There are a lot of good bats on Peoria’s roster.
Catchers Ethan Salas (Padres) and Alfredo Duno (Reds) have both made waves in full-season ball behind the plate before the age of 20. Billy Amick (Twins), Cam Collier (Reds), Jonny Farmelo (Mariners), and Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Orioles) are former first and second-rounders on the Javelinas.
Salt River
The Rockies are sending a haul of prospects to Arizona. Reliever Cade Denton will be joined by Jack Mahoney, Jared Thomas, and Charlie Condon. Condon was the third overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Pirates infielder Esmerlyn Valdez, who hit 26 home runs this year, is also a part of the Rafters’ roster.
Scottsdale
Between high-octane arm Anderson Brito (Astros) and former Oklahoma star Jake Bennett (Nationals), there’s a lot of intrigue on Scottsdale’s pitching staff.
Among the notable bats are Kevin McGonigle, Seaver King (Nationals), Walker Janek (Astros), and hitting machine Max Anderson (Tigers).
Ethan Petry, a second-rounder by the Nats this past July, is also headed to Arizona.
Surprise
The Guardians are sending Daniel Espino and Chase DeLauter to make up for lost time. DeLauter was hurt for most of the year, a recurring theme. He hit very well in the AFL last year, as he batted .340. Espino, meanwhile, was a hot-shot prospect who hadn’t pitched since 2022.
Phillies prospects Aidan Miller and Dante Nori, alongside Sebastian Walcott, headline the bats.
Additionally, several players with MLB experience will also be a part of the 2025 Arizona Fall League rosters.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. will continue his year with Glendale, as the Braves will not be headed to October baseball for the first time in nearly a decade. Drey Jameson, who’s been injury-bitten these past few years, will pitch for Salt River.
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