With the Arizona Fall League set to begin on October 6, attention is turning to which top prospects will be featured in this year’s showcase. The White Sox have already announced that left-handed pitchers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith, along with outfielder Braden Montgomery, will participate.
On a recent episode of the MLB Pipeline Podcast, analysts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo discussed 11 prospects they consider likely candidates for the Fall League. Among those named is Aidan Miller, a shortstop in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Miller was selected 27th overall in the 2023 Draft and spent much of this season at Double-A Reading. After initial struggles adjusting to advanced pitching, he improved significantly in the second half of the season, posting an OPS above 1.000 in August. The Phillies may send him to Arizona to continue his progress and gain additional experience at shortstop.
Other prospects highlighted include Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), Jesús Made and Luis Peña (Brewers), Josue De Paula (Dodgers), Travis Bazzana (Guardians), Walker Jenkins (Twins), Aiva Arquette (Marlins), Charlie Condon (Rockies), Jonny Farmelo (Mariners), and Daniel Espino (Guardians). Each player has faced different challenges this season, such as injuries or limited playing time, making them potential fits for extra development opportunities in Arizona.
The Arizona Fall League is known for providing valuable experience against higher-level competition and often features several Top 100 prospects each year. In recent years, players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have used the league as a springboard toward major league success.
“On the MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Sam Dykstra are your tour guides through all the unfolding stories and breaking news of baseball’s top prospects. Each week, you’ll find out about the stars of tomorrow from the guys who know today. Download, subscribe and help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes or your favorite platform.”
As teams finalize their rosters for this year’s event, fans can expect more announcements about which rising stars will compete in Arizona.
