The 2025 Arizona Fall League is shaping up to be a wild showcase of baseball’s prospects-ready-to-make-their-major-league-debuts/”>rising stars. Fans get a rare sneak peek at the next wave of Major League talent.
Running from October 6 to November 15, the AFL will feature some of the sport’s most exciting young prospects. Two elite shortstops, both ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top four, headline the action.
With 13 of the game’s top 100 prospects spread across six teams, the league looks stacked. Marquee events like the Home Run Derby and Fall Stars Game add even more hype, making this year’s edition feel especially loaded with talent.
Elite Shortstops Lead the 2025 AFL Prospect Class
At the center of attention are Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers and Sebastian Walcott of the Texas Rangers. Both guys look like cornerstone talents for their teams, and their presence in the AFL brings serious star power.
Kevin McGonigle’s Stellar 2024 Season
Ranked No. 2 overall by MLB Pipeline, McGonigle has shown a rare mix of contact skills and power across three levels this year. In just 84 games, he hit .301 with 17 home runs and 75 RBIs.
Those numbers explain why Detroit’s front office sees him as a future franchise player. He’s made it look easy, honestly.
Sebastian Walcott’s Rapid Rise
Walcott, only 19 and ranked No. 4 overall, has become one of the brightest stars in the Class AA Texas League. He’s cracked the league’s top 10 in five offensive categories.
That’s pretty wild for someone facing advanced pitching at his age. You can’t help but be impressed.
A Star-Studded Prospect Pool
McGonigle and Walcott might grab the headlines, but they’re not the only top-tier talents here. In total, 13 of MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects will compete, covering a wide range of positions and skills.
The league’s a must-watch for scouts and die-hard baseball fans hoping to spot the game’s next big names. There’s a real sense of anticipation in the air.
Other Notable Prospects to Watch
Keep an eye on these top-ranked prospects participating in the AFL:
- Josue DePaula (Dodgers, No. 12) – A dynamic outfielder with advanced hitting skills and growing power.
- Braden Montgomery (White Sox, No. 32) – An athletic outfielder who brings a nice blend of speed and arm strength.
- Blake Mitchell (Royals, No. 48) – A switch-hitting catcher known for his plate discipline and solid defense.
- Ethan Salas (Padres, No. 82) – A teenage catching prodigy already drawing comparisons to some of baseball’s all-time greats.
The Structure of the Arizona Fall League
The AFL will again feature six teams, each stacked with players from five different MLB organizations. This setup mixes prospects from rival clubs, creating some pretty intriguing matchups and chemistry experiments.
Team Alignments for 2025
The competing teams:
- Glendale Desert Dogs
- Mesa Solar Sox
- Peoria Javelinas
- Salt River Rafters
- Scottsdale Scorpions
- Surprise Saguaros
Marquee Events Fans Won’t Want to Miss
The AFL isn’t just about the grind—it also throws in showcase events that let the league’s brightest talents shine. These events have become fan favorites, drawing big crowds and plenty of buzz.
Home Run Derby & Fall Stars Game
On November 8, the annual Home Run Derby takes over Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. The game’s most powerful young bats will slug it out for bragging rights.
The next night, November 9, Sloan Park hosts the Fall Stars Game. It’s a Midseason Classic-style showcase that features the league’s best performers from the first month, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun nights on the calendar.
A Proving Ground for MLB’s Future
Since it started, the Arizona Fall League has stood out as a top spot for players just about ready to break into the majors. Plenty of current MLB All-Stars sharpened their skills here, taking advantage of the league’s tough competition to launch their careers.
For fans, the 2025 AFL is something special. It’s a chance to catch tomorrow’s superstars—like McGonigle, Walcott, and a bunch of other top prospects—before they ever set foot on a big league field.
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Here is the source article for this story: 2025 Arizona Fall League rosters headlined by these top MLB prospects
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