Baseball’s next generation of stars is making its case in Arizona, where prospects are turning the Fall League into a proving ground for future major league success. 

The road to the major leagues runs through the Arizona Fall League, where some of baseball’s most promising prospects are using the offseason to sharpen their skills, showcase their potential and build momentum toward the next stage of their careers. 

Running from Oct. 3 through Nov. 14, the 2026 Arizona Fall League features six teams stocked with talent from across Major League Baseball’s farm systems. With two weeks in the books, the league’s 34th edition has already delivered impressive power displays, dominant pitching performances and several prospects worth watching. 

Six Teams, One Developmental Showcase 

Owned and operated by Major League Baseball, the Arizona Fall League provides an opportunity for emerging talent to compete at spring training facilities throughout the Phoenix area. 

The Glendale Desert Dogs, affiliated with the Braves, White Sox, Dodgers, Marlins and Pirates, play at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. The Mesa Solar Sox, representing the Athletics, Red Sox, Cubs, Angels and Blue Jays. 

The Peoria Javelinas feature prospects from the Orioles, Reds, Padres, Mariners and Cardinals at Peoria Sports Complex. The Salt River Rafters, affiliated with the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Twins, Yankees and Nationals, play at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. 

Meanwhile, the Scottsdale Scorpions bring together prospects from the Tigers, Astros, Brewers, Giants and Rays at Scottsdale Stadium. The Surprise Saguaros round out the field with players from the Guardians, Royals, Mets and Phillies at Surprise Stadium. 

The league also expanded its showcase beyond the Phoenix area with a doubleheader in Tucson, Arizona, providing another opportunity for local fans to experience the AFL’s emerging talent. 

Surprise Saguaros manager Daniel Robertson has a personal connection to the city, making the occasion especially meaningful. 

“While many will be playing their first ever games in Tucson tomorrow, I have deep history with the city,” Robertson said in an interview with the Arizona Fall League’s social media team. “Having played nearly 300 games here as a prospect, and even meeting my wife in the city, returning brings back incredible memories.” 

Robertson also praised Tucson’s passionate baseball community and the opportunity to showcase the league’s teams in a round-robin format. 

The former major league infielder played for the Texas Rangers in 2014, Los Angeles Angels in 2015, Seattle Mariners in 2016 and Cleveland Indians in 2017, before the franchise became known as the Guardians. 

Power and Pitching Highlight Week 2   

The AFL’s second week featured plenty of offensive fireworks. Eighteen home runs were hit across 14 games, with Caleb Bonemer of the White Sox, Matthew Ellis of the Mariners and Jack O’Dowd of the Rockies each recording two homers. 

Pitchers also made their mark, with 70 throwing outings without allowing a run during the week. Among the prospects who stood out were four players whose performances highlighted the league’s blend of power, speed and pitching potential. 

Texas Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott, playing shortstop and third base for Surprise, delivered a productive week despite going 3-for-13. He recorded a double, a home run, six RBIs, two walks and four stolen bases. The 6-foot-4 infielder stole bases in his first two games before launching a grand slam Friday, Oct. 16. 

Walcott’s combination of power and speed continues to make him one of the AFL’s most intriguing prospects. 

San Diego Padres right-hander Kannon Kemp also turned heads with a powerful outing for Peoria. On Oct. 17, Kemp delivered four hitless, scoreless innings against Scottsdale, striking out five and walking two. His fastball topped out at 99.3 mph and averaged 97.2 mph, generating nine swings and misses on 22 swings. 

The performance marked his strongest outing of the Fall League season and offered an encouraging glimpse of his pitching potential. 

Cleveland Guardians prospect Welbyn Francisca continued his strong start for Surprise after earning Hitter of the Week honors in the opening week. The switch-hitting shortstop collected three hits in each of his two appearances, going 6-for-8 with a triple, a stolen base and six RBIs. His consistent contact from both sides of the plate has helped reinforce his standing as one of Cleveland’s promising young infielders. 

New York Mets right-hander Irving Cota delivered another standout performance for Surprise, throwing three perfect innings against Glendale on Oct. 17. The 22-year-old struck out five without issuing a walk, retiring all nine batters he faced. Across three Fall League appearances, Cota has allowed just one hit and has shown encouraging form after missing significant regular-season time while on the injured list. 

Top Hitting and Prospect Highlights Week 3 

Caleb Bonemer of the Glendale Desert Dogs, the White Sox’s No. 2 prospect, continued his strong stretch in the Arizona Fall League by hitting his first two home runs of the season, including a grand slam that powered the Desert Dogs’ offense.  

Matthew Ellis of the Peoria Javelinas and Mariners organization contributed to Peoria’s offensive outburst with a two-run home run that capped an 11-run inning.  

Meanwhile, Jarlin Susana of the Salt River Rafters and Padres organization continued to attract attention with his high-velocity fastball, which consistently reached 100 mph or higher. 

Pitching Standouts 

Joe Bloss of the Mesa Solar Sox, the Blue Jays’ No. 11 prospect, recorded six strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings, showcasing his ability to generate swings and misses.  

Juan Bello of the Scottsdale Scorpions and Astros organization also made an immediate impact in his Arizona Fall League debut, throwing three scoreless innings and recording four strikeouts.