The Arizona Fall League provides preview of prospects for the 2025 season and beyond. These 25 players made a statement as they look to contribute next season.
The Arizona Fall League (AFL) concludes this weekend after another offense-heavy season, showcasing top prospects from all 30 MLB organizations. Players range from those who have played at the low minor league levels to those who have already made MLB appearances.
While drawing significant conclusions from AFL stats can be tricky due to hitter-friendly environments, inconsistent pitching, and a limited number of games, the league still offers players the chance to gain momentum heading into 2025. Many AFL standouts are poised to make an impact in the majors during the upcoming season. Here’s a look at 25 of the most impactful players from this year’s AFL, ranked not by prospect status, but by their potential MLB contribution in 2025.
1. Matt McLain, SS/2B, Reds
Matt McLain didn’t appear in an MLB game in 2024, but his potential is undeniable. The former first-round pick finished fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2023, but injuries sidelined him for most of 2024. Spending time in Arizona after recovering from shoulder and rib issues, McLain posted an impressive OPS above .900, with four home runs in 11 games. He also played in center field, adding to his versatility. If he stays healthy, McLain could make a major impact at the top of the Reds' lineup in 2025.
2. Andrew Painter, SP, Phillies
Among the few standout pitchers in the AFL, Andrew Painter shined. The 21-year-old right-hander, once a top prospect before missing the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery, returned to his dominant form in Arizona. Painter’s upper-90s fastball, two plus breaking balls, and elite control make him one of the top candidates for a breakout 2025 season. Don’t be surprised if he generates significant buzz in Spring Training as a potential rookie sensation.
3. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B, Reds
Christian Encarnacion-Strand had a tough 2024 season due to injuries but impressed in his 2023 rookie campaign, hitting 13 home runs in just 63 games. He struggled to generate power in the AFL, but still posted a .409 average in six games. With his power potential and a minor league career .604 slugging percentage, Encarnacion-Strand could be in line for regular playing time in 2025 and has 30-homer upside.
4. Thomas Saggese, 2B, Cardinals
Acquired in the trade for Jordan Montgomery in 2023, Thomas Saggese impressed in the AFL after a late 2024 MLB stint. While his OBP at Triple-A fell to .313, he walked 16 times in 18 AFL games and posted an OPS above 1.100. With potential to play both second and third base, Saggese could break camp as a regular in 2025, potentially hitting 20 home runs from a premium position.
5. Chase DeLauter, OF, Guardians
DeLauter entered the AFL following an injury-plagued 2024 season that saw him play just 39 games. A former first-round pick, DeLauter impressed with a .400+ OBP and more walks than strikeouts. The Guardians are in need of a long-term solution in center field, and DeLauter could be the answer, possibly earning a starting role by Opening Day 2025.
6. Moises Ballesteros, C/1B, Cubs
Moises Ballesteros has the potential to be the Cubs' catcher of the future, provided his defense can catch up. The 20-year-old posted a solid .818 OPS across Double- and Triple-A last season and slugged five home runs in 17 AFL games. The Cubs are looking for a long-term solution behind the plate, and Ballesteros could challenge Miguel Amaya for the job in Spring Training.
7. Bryce Eldridge, 1B, Giants
Bryce Eldridge is a fascinating prospect with the potential to be the best player in the 2024 AFL. At just 20 years old, the 6-foot-7 first baseman hit .292 with 23 home runs and 92 RBIs in 116 games last season. His power remained strong in the AFL, and his age-relative success is impressive. A midseason call-up in 2025 is the likely scenario, but Eldridge’s potential is undeniable.
8. Nick Kurtz, 1B, Athletics
Kurtz, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft, was the best pure hitter in the AFL this season, posting a .350 average with a home run and 9 RBIs in 10 games. With a quick rise through the minors and a spot currently open at first base in Sacramento, Kurtz could move quickly through the system and contribute to the Athletics’ rebuilding effort.
9. Colson Montgomery, SS, White Sox
Montgomery significantly raised his stock in the AFL after a disappointing 2024 season at Triple-A Charlotte. A former first-round pick, Montgomery posted an eye-popping 1.167 OPS, hitting three home runs and stealing four bases in just 11 games. He could compete for the White Sox shortstop job in 2025, offering potential for 20 home runs and speed.
10. Caleb Durbin, 2B, Yankees
Caleb Durbin’s performance in the AFL has been impressive, setting a league record in stolen bases, while also hitting four home runs. The 5-foot-6 utilityman showed excellent contact skills in the minors, and his positional versatility could help him secure a spot on the Yankees’ bench or even a more prominent role in 2025. His speed is a key asset for fantasy players, especially in AL-only leagues.
11. Niko Kavadas, DH, Angels
Niko Kavadas showcased his power in a brief MLB stint in 2024, hitting four home runs in 30 games but also striking out 41 times in just 106 plate appearances. In the AFL, Kavadas continued to show big-time power but will need to cut down on the strikeouts to earn a regular spot in the Angels lineup moving forward.
12. Carter Jensen, C, Royals
Jensen, regarded as the Royals’ catcher of the future, has some seasoning to go, but his power potential is already on display. He slugged 18 home runs across High-A and Double-A last season and demolished AFL pitching in a small sample. With strong backstops at the MLB level for now, Jensen may spend more time in the minors but remains a player to watch.
13. Drake Baldwin, C, Braves
Baldwin could emerge as Atlanta’s catcher of the future, after hitting .276/.370/.423 between Double- and Triple-A last season. He continued to show power in the AFL with an OPS above .900. With Travis d’Arnaud’s gone, Baldwin could see significant playing time behind Sean Murphy in 2025.
14. Drew Gilbert, OF, Mets
Gilbert, part of the Justin Verlander trade, had a disappointing 2024 season but has already shown flashes of promise. After an underwhelming AFL showing in terms of average, Gilbert’s power remains intriguing. His previous strong 2023 performance still keeps him on the radar for a potential MLB role in 2025, but he may be limited to a bench role for now.
15. Jonathon Long, 1B, Cubs
Long’s performance in the AFL has gone largely under the radar, but the 1B posted a .391 OBP and 1.110 OPS in 16 games. Long spent most of his time at third base and could make an impact later in 2025 as part of the Cubs’ lineup.
16. Otto Kemp, 3B, Phillies
At 25, Otto Kemp is older than most AFL participants, but his all-around skills have been turning heads. After a solid minor league season, Kemp continued to show off his power and speed in Arizona. He’s versatile enough to play multiple positions, making him a potential utility option for the Phillies in 2025.
17. Alejandro Osuna, OF, Rangers
Alejandro Osuna has potential as a future starting center fielder for the Rangers. After hitting .292 with 18 home runs and 16 steals last season, he impressed in the AFL with a .314 average and 20 walks over 107 plate appearances. Osuna could get a shot in 2025 if he continues his development.
18. Samy Natera Jr., SP, Angels
Samy Natera missed most of 2024 due to an elbow injury but has emerged as one of the AFL's top pitchers. With a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Natera’s career 12.1 K/9 rate in the minors shows his potential. He could make a splash in 2025 if the Angels push him quickly.
19. Josh Stephan, SP, Rangers
Stephan’s 2024 was interrupted by injury, but his impressive 2023 campaign shows the potential. A pitcher known for his elite control, Stephan posted a strong showing in the AFL and could be ready for a call-up to Triple-A in 2025 as he refines his secondary offerings.
20. Robert Hassell, OF, Nationals
After coming over from the Padres in the Juan Soto trade, Robert Hassell’s development has been slower than expected. Still, he flashed his upside in the AFL, posting a .922 OPS. While he’ll need more seasoning, Hassell’s athleticism keeps him on the fantasy radar.
21. Jett Williams, SS, Mets
Jett Williams showed elite speed in 2023 but struggled in 2024 due to injury. His AFL performance was inconsistent, but his speed and plate discipline still make him an intriguing option for the Mets as they plan for 2025. Williams may find himself in a utility or center field role before long.
22. Denzel Clarke, OF, Athletics
Clarke’s AFL showing (1.088 OPS and seven steals) was a welcome sight after a down year at Double-A Midland. His speed and ability to play center field make him an intriguing option for the A's in 2025, especially if his bat continues to develop.
23. Sammy Siani, OF, Pirates
A potential bench player for the Pirates, Sammy Siani improved his contact rate in 2024 and performed well in the AFL with a .922 OPS. His defense and speed could earn him a utility role in 2025.
24. Termarr Johnson, 2B, Pirates
Termarr Johnson had a solid walk rate in 2024 but saw his batting average dip. Still, his power-speed combo and strong on-base skills showed in the AFL, though he may need more time before making a major-league impact.
25. Tre’ Morgan, 1B, Rays
Tre’ Morgan is a contact machine with a consistent .300+ batting average dating back to his college days. His power is modest, but his ability to make contact is impressive. While Morgan’s role in Tampa Bay’s crowded outfield is unclear, he could make a fantasy impact as early as 2026.
--Seth Trachtman