Believe it or not, we’re halfway through the 2025 Arizona Fall League schedule. This past week was a big one for former first-rounders Kevin McGonigle and Charlie Condon. On the other hand, Blake Mitchell and PJ Morlando picked up six more strikeouts over the last week.
McGonigle hit first two home runs
Despite what was an injury-shortened campaign, it was a breakout year for Kevin McGonigle. McGonigle, arguably the best prospect in the Tigers’ system, hit two home runs this past week for the Scottsdale Scorpions, as part of an 8-16 (.500 AVG) week.
The two home runs gave McGonigle 22 on the season overall, as he belted 20 (19 in regular season, one in postseason). The 21-year-old has continued his rampage from the summer, and the advanced numbers have been impressive, as well.
McGonigle walked 11 times in 10 games, compared to seven strikeouts. He’s also barely missed making contact; a 11.1% Whiff% on four-seamers, and a 23.5% Whiff% on sweepers/sliders.
Hicks continues to impress
It’s been a good fall thus far for James Hicks, the Astros’ 13th-round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft.
Hicks, who made it to Double-A in 2024, spent over three months of the year on the IL. The 24-year-old made up for it over the first few weeks of the spring, as the righty struck out six over four scoreless frames this past week. The South Carolina alumnus is the only pitcher in the AFL to have thrown at least 10 innings this year and not allow an earned run.
The Astros prospect has gotten swings-and-misses on his entire arsenal, including his sweeper, changeup, and low-90s sinker and four-seamer.
Tough runs for Morlando & Mitchell
While several high-end prospects have had big falls, the same can’t be said for former first-rounders PJ Morlando and Blake Mitchell.
Morlando, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, only played 58 games between the FCL and Low-A. However, there were warning signs, including an elevated K% (27.4%). That’s carried over to the Fall League, as Morlando is currently tied with Padres prospect Braedon Karpathios for the fourth-most strikeouts (17) in the AFL.
He’s been chasing out of the zone often in fall ball, including on breaking balls. Morlando had the fifth-highest Whiff% (58.8%) on sweepers/sliders as of the end of Week 3.
Mitchell, meanwhile, is part of a five-way tie for the fifth-most strikeouts (14) in the Arizona Fall League. Mitchell is tied with Billy Amick, Malcolm Moore, Carson Roccaforte, and Daniel Vazquez.
The Royals catcher has been among the league’s worst thus far in terms of catching up to velocity. Mitchell ended Week 3 with a 40% Whiff% on four-seam fastballs, tied for fifth in the circuit.
| Name | MLB Team | Four-Seam Whiff% |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Sosa | Orioles | 48.2% |
| Walker Janek | Astros | 47.2% |
| Carson Roccaforte | Royals | 46.7% |
| Max Muncy | Athletics | 42.3% |
| Blake Mitchell | Royals | 40% |
| Jonny Farmelo | Nationals | 40% |
| Sam Petersen | Nationals | 40% |
Statistical standouts
Here’s a look at some of the best performers from Week 3, aside from Hicks and McGonigle:
- INF/OF Charlie Condon (SRR/COL): 10 hits, 1.333 OPS over five games
- INF Josh Adamczewski (SRR/MIL): six hits, two home runs, 1.556 OPS over four games
- INF Sam Antonacci (GDD/CHW): nine hits, five stolen bases, 1.688 OPS over four games
- OF Raudi Rodriguez (SRR/LAA): nine hits, 1.208 OPS over five games
- OF Jack Hurley (SRR/ARI): two home runs, eight RBI over three games
- P Holt Jones (MSS/MIA): six strikeouts, .093 AVG over 4.1 IP
- P Aiden May (MSS/MIA): five strikeouts over 1.2 IP
- P Karson Milbrandt (MSS/MIA): seven strikeouts, .111 AVG over 2.2 IP
- P Jake Bennett (SCO/WSH): six strikeouts, two hits allowed over four innings
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