Fall is in the air, and that means playoff baseball and the Arizona Fall League (AFL). This is where some of the game’s best prospects showcase their talent one last time before the offseason. For fantasy baseball managers, the AFL presents a final chance to evaluate players you may have missed or uncover a hidden gem for the upcoming fantasy season. Rosters are loaded with fantasy potential which begs the question: Who’s the next fantasy star?
Many of the league’s most significant contributors, like Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Mookie Betts, once graced the AFL. With names like that on previous rosters, fantasy managers should pay attention. Let’s dive into the 2024 Arizona Fall League rosters and evaluate a handful of prospects, rating fantasy potential and outlook for players moving into or up the Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Rankings.
Fantasy Potential of Arizona Fall League Prospects
Mesa Solar Sox (Athletics, Angels, Cubs, Red Sox, Rays)
Xavier Isaac (Rays): 1B | No. 2/MLB No. 36 | Fantasy Potential: B-
Key Tools – Hit: 55 Power: 65
Isaac’s raw power is something scouts are tripping over themselves to see in person. It is legit 35-40 HR potential at the MLB level. After a breakout 2023 Isaac followed that up with an average 2024 that saw him hit 15 HRs and slash .287/.381/.535 at A+ before being promoted to AA. The positives: He has legitimate power to all fields, stole 15 bases in 2024, has a great eye, and walks a ton—12.8% at A+ and 15.6% at AA. These are all good indicators of fantasy production. The negatives: he struck out 30% against A+ pitchers, and then an absurd 40% after making the jump to AA in 133 PAs. Fantasy managers should be cautious in 2025, as Isaac’s swing-and-miss issues at AA could lead to an inconsistent start. However, his power upside makes him worth a flier in points leagues where his power can be more effective.
Tre’ Morgan (Rays): 1B | No. 10 | Fantasy Potential: B
KeyTools – Hit: 60 Run: 50
Though Isaac gets most of the attention, Tre’ Morgan quietly had a breakout year, climbing from A to AA. He posted a 184 wRC+ and a .371 average at A+, walking more than he struck out, and stealing 10 bases. Likely the best defensive 1B in the minors, his offense gets overshadowed and Morgan could push Isaac to a DH role. His outfield experiment in the AFL hasn’t gone well, but with Yandy Diaz’s rising arbitration cost, Morgan could see playing time sooner if the Rays make moves this offseason. He reminds me of Nate Lowe with more athleticism and could be a sneaky draft target in deep leagues and 5×5 formats.
Henry Bolte (Athletics): OF | No. 5 | Fantasy Potential: C
Key Tools – Power: 50 Run: 65
Bolte, the Pride of Pal Alto, is a true 20/35 potential player with easy power to all fields a short, quick swing with a really efficient approach. In 2024 he totaled 15 HRs and 46 SBs after being promoted to AA mid-season. The swing-and-miss tendencies are concerning, striking out 190 times in 545 ABs and only walked 61 times. If Bolte can improve his contact skills and lower his strikeout rate to just below 30%, he could move up draft boards and become a candidate for a late-season call-up in 2025. Bolte is an intriguing pick in dynasty leagues, but the strikeout rate is a serious red flag for fantasy managers in standard leagues.
Moises Ballesteros (Cubs): C/1B | No. 4/ MLB No. 44 | Fantasy Potential: B+
Key Tools – Hit: 60 Power: 50
I’ve been excited to write about Ballesteros for some time. The only reason he’s not rated higher is because we don’t know where he’ll play. He burst onto the scene in 2024 as one of the best pure hitters in the minors, displaying surprising power from his 5’8″ frame, with 19 HRs between AA and AAA. His .281 average in AAA, 21.1% strikeout rate, and decent walk rate check all the Fantasy Boxes, but his defense and versatility are in question. With the Cubs’ current catching situation, there’s little standing in his way for 2025. His bat and approach are legit, and if he can get regular at-bats, his potential for .250, 20 HRs, and top-10 catcher production mirrors Will Smith’s 2024 season. He’s my #2 fantasy catching prospect, though is path to playing time is blurry, Ballesteros could offer huge fantasy upside in 2025 if he gets at-bats.
Scottsdale Scorpions (Blue Jays, Giants, Mets, Pirates, Tigers)
Bryce Eldridge (Giants): 1B | No. 1/MLB No. 35 | Fantasy Potential: A-
Key Tools – Hit: 50 Power: 60
In 2024, Eldridge joined elite company like Junior Caminero and Jackson Holliday by moving across four minor league levels, from A to AAA, slashing .292/.374/.516 with 23 HRs as a 19-year-old. His K% improved at each level, dropping from 26% to 20% in AA. At 6’7″, Eldridge has better contact skills than Isaac and should grow into similar power. While a 2025 starting role is a long shot, a midseason call-up is possible if he continues performing. He’s a future 30+ HR bat with top-5 1B potential in roto and points leagues as early as 2026, with manageable K rates and solid walk rates.
Termarr Johnson (Pirates): 2B | No. 3/MLB No. 75 | Fantasy Potential: C
Key Tools – Hit: 55 Power: 55
I might be the outlier on Termarr. Despite his confidence and once-elite 70 (and rare 80) grade as a high school hitter, his performance has been disappointing and he started sliding in rankings. He doesn’t strike out much and walks a lot, boosting his OBP, but he’s never hit above .245 at any level. His 15 HRs in 2024 are decent for a 2B, but not enough to offset the mediocre average. He did add 22 SBs in 2024, but I wouldn’t rank him in the top 100 unless his “70-grade hit tool” suddenly appears in 2025. I’d avoid him in dynasty leagues, as he’s likely a player you can’t trade and won’t return proper value.
Thayron Liranzo (Tigers): C/1B | No. 6 | Fantasy Potential: C
Key Tools – Power: 55
Thayron, the #4 Prospect in Trevor Hooth’s Updated Tigers Prospects List, didn’t display much early after being traded from the Dodgers to Detroit, he really turned it on, hitting .315 with more walks than strikeouts and 5 HRs. The power here is something to dream of, but his approach—a left-handed, dead-pull swing—might get exploited at the upper levels. Nonetheless, catcher is a slim position, and we’ll take any added talent we can get. Liranzo is a low-cost catching option who could also find at-bats at other positions (1B/DH) in the majors.
Josue Briceño (Tigers): C/1B | No. 9 | Fantasy Potential: C
Key Tools – Power: 55
One of the early breakouts in the AFL is Briceño who had a 3-homer game in its first week. Josue is joining the AFL to get more at-bats after a PCL injury sidelined him for most of the year. However, the 19-year-old slashed .278/.381/.377 in 176 PAs at Lakeland and displayed elite K and BB rates for such a young hitter. There’s certainly more growth left for the young left-handed slugger, but he looks like a breakout candidate in 2025, with plus raw power and good bat-to-ball skills.
Glendale Desert Dogs (Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Reds, White Sox)
Andrew Painter (Phillies): RHP | No. 2/MLB No. 32 | Fantasy Potential: A
Key Tools – FB: 70 SL: 60 CMD: 65
It’s been two years since Painter was on the mound, following an explosive rise to being the top pitching prospect. His AFL debut showed why he’s still a top pitching prospect. His fastball sat at 98, and he embarrassed Bryce Eldridge with a sharp slider. Painter has the tools to be a top-five pitcher, resembling Paul Skenes more than Bubba Chandler. Competing for a rotation spot at 19 before TJ surgery, Painter will be on an innings limit in 2025, but the Phillies’ commitment to winning makes him a solid #4 or #5 option. In 2022, he posted 155 Ks in 103.2 innings with a 1.56 ERA. In Dynasty, he’s a must-stash; for Redraft, monitor his innings, but he could offer ace-level production by late 2025.
Colson Montgomery (White Sox): SS | No. 2/MLB No. 37 | Fantasy Potential: B-
Key Tools – Hit: 55 Power: 60
Back in the Arizona Fall League for a second year after a season to forget in 2024 slashing .214/.329/.381 with 18 HR and setting a new career high in SB at, 8. I’m admittedly lower on Colson. While the bat is legit for a shortstop profile, a potential move to 3B could be the worst thing for his fantasy profile. A 20HR 3B with minimal SBs is more of a 12th-15th round player—not the top-100 prospect his ranking suggests. Scouting reports do rave about his offensive potential and approach so there is a chance he will bounce back in 2025. Until that happens, I don’t believe I want to pay the price for a SS on the worst team in baseball, when I can get a comparable player for the same price on a decent team.
Grant Taylor (White Sox): RHP | No. 6 | Fantasy Potential: C+
Key Tools – FB: 60
Rumor in scouting circles is that prior to Taylor’s TJ at LSU, he looked better than Paul Skenes in the 2023 spring practices, but who believes rumors these days? In terms of pure stuff, Taylor possesses true #2 starter upside as he sat 96-99 with a + slider 84-88 in his first fall league appearance. Now, I won’t be going to draft a White Sox pitcher anytime soon, especially one with command issues. There is some deep league or dynasty appeal here though, if Taylor can put it together in 2025, he could very well be their best arm for years to come and one we are drafting in the mid to late rounds. This was, after all, a can’t-miss 1st rounder prior to 2023 and LSU’s ace before Skenes transferred in.
Zyhir Hope (Dodgers): OF | No. 11 | Fantasy Potential: B-
Key Tools – Power: 50 Run: 70
Zyhir Hope has been the breakout star of the Arizona Fall League, with a power/speed combo that Roto managers crave. He’s got 70-grade speed and elite exit velocities, highlighted by a 470-foot homer. At just 19, Hope could be a 30 HR/50 SB player at his peak, and while he’s not quite Bobby Witt Jr. yet, the potential is there. His AFL performance may have erased any draft discount, but with his simple approach, powerful swing, and elite bat speed, Hope could easily become the Dodgers’ top prospect in 2025.
Thomas Saggese (Cardinals): INF | No. 4 | Fantasy Potential: B-
Key Tools – Hit: 50 Power: 50
Certainly not getting the recognition as some other prospects in the league, the production from Saggese is hard to deny. He isn’t on the Top 100, doesn’t come with big prospect pedigree, and wasn’t drafted in the 1st round (5th via Rangers) but he just performs. For 50 grade power, he hit 26 HRs in 2023, and another 20 in 2024 rewarding him with a brief cup of coffee in the big leagues this season. This is one of my favorite only slightly unknown prospects that will likely go undrafted in most Redraft leagues in 2025, but don’t be surprised if his roster rate starts pushing 50% or more toward the mid to late stages of the season.
Connor Phillips (Reds): RHP | No. 15 | Fantasy Potential: C+
Key Tools – FB: 65
Normally, I wouldn’t write about a #15 prospect who tasted the big leagues and performed poorly as having Prospect Potential. Phillips turned things around after being sent back to the Complex League, making 5 starts with a 2.49 ERA and a 24/10 K/BB. He looked downright nasty in his first Fall League appearance. He sat 97 mph, touched 99, and had an unhittable slider. The sample size may be small, but this is exactly what sleepers are made of. I expect Phillips to compete for a rotation spot in the spring, and if he pitches like he did in his AFL debut, he could quickly rise up draft boards during spring training.
Edwin Arroyo (Reds): SS | No. 3/ MLB. 65 | Fantasy Potential: B-
Key Tools – Hit: 50 Run: 55
Some of the prospect shine has worn off after the Reds’ No. 3 prospect missed the entirety of 2024 following shoulder surgery. At just 19 in 2023, Arroyo looked like a future roto stud, hitting 13 HRs and stealing 29 bases between A+ Dayton and AA Chattanooga. The Reds’ infield is crowded, and their plans for Arroyo are unclear. However, if he regains his form in 2025, he could earn a late-season call-up and become a relevant fantasy infielder in 2026, with 20/20 potential in power and speed.
Salt River Rafters (Diamondbacks, Nationals, Rockies, Twins, Yankees)
Tommy Troy (Diamondbacks): SS | No. 5 | Fantasy Potential: C+
Key Tools – Hit: 50 Run: 55
Roto sleeper here, a guy that Fangraphs gives an 80-grade run to (though MLB only gives a 55) started showcasing that speed in limited time this year due to injuries. He stole 16 bags in 288 PAs at A+, and though he only hit .227 the skillset is average to above average across the board. I don’t think he will be breaking into the Top 100 anytime soon, but he could be a deep league contributor with 10-15 home runs and 30+ stolen bases in leagues. Though he still has room to grow, this could be a player managers are scrambling to pick up on the waiver wire if he gets the steals going in 2025.
Surprise Saguaros (Astros, Guardians, Orioles, Rangers, Royals):
Jac Caglianone (Royals): 1B | No. 1/MLBNo. 17 | Fantasy Potential: B+
Key Tools – Hit: 55 Power: 70
One of the more well-known prospects from his time at Florida, Caglianone did not transition to pro ball as seamlessly as hoped. His .241/.302/.388 slash line at A+ with 2 HRs in 126 plate appearances leaves something to be desired. However, this might be the best source of left-handed power in the minors. Despite the holes in his lengthy swing, this is 50-homer upside. If he can keep the Ks at bay and hit .240 this could easily be a Top 10 1B because of the gap-to-gap power in points leagues as early as 2026.
Chase DeLauter (Guardians): OF | No. 2/MLB No. 41 | Fantasy Potential: B+
Key Tools – Hit: 55 Power: 60 Run: 55
DeLauter offers one of the most unique combinations of power, speed, and bat-to-ball skills in the minors. However, injuries like a broken foot and toe injury have kept him off the field and limited his potential. He likely deserves a higher rating. In 2024, after returning, he hit .261 with 8 HRs in 142 at-bats. The All-Star upside is clear for the 6’3” outfielder, and the Guardians could find space for his bat. However, he must stay healthy to prove his value.
Peoria Javelinas (Braves, Marlins, Brewers, Padres, Mariners):
Ethan Salas (Padres): C | No. 1/MLB No. 19 | Fantasy Potential: B+
Key Tools – Hit: 50
Yes, I’ve heard about his upside. I’ve read the scouting reports. I’ve seen him play and recognize his talent level. And yes, I know he should be a high school junior facing guys 4-5 years older… But I’m just not sold on Salas as a true fantasy asset yet. The talent level screams No. 1 Catcher in fantasy upside, but the production screams BUST. With a .206/.288/.311 slash line and 4 HRs in 469 PAs, the upcoming season will be pivotal for Salas. If he doesn’t improve his contact skills against more mature pitchers, his stock could fall drastically. Hit .250 with 10-15 HRs, maybe he solidifies himself as the premier fantasy catching prospect in the game, but at his current price, I personally am not going to waste a pick in next year’s draft to find out.
Leodalis De Vries (Padres): SS | No. 2/MLB No. 28 | Fantasy Potential: A-
Key Tools – Hit: 55 Power: 55 Run: 60
De Vries, on the other hand, looks like a future top-five overall prospect, if not the No. 1. He’s that advanced at just 17 years old. In his first season at A-ball, he displayed surprising pop, hitting 11 HRs and stealing 13 bags. It’s easy to dream that as he matures, 30/30 is within reach. With a solid approach and a manageable 23% K rate, De Vries also draws walks, which contributes to his high OBP skills. This could make him a valuable 5-category contributor and a high point scorer in H2H points formats. While Salas is praised for his advanced baseball knowledge and ability to handle pitching staffs at a young age, I prefer De Vries’ athletic ability and bat-to-ball skills for fantasy purposes. He receives one of the highest Prospect Potential Grades.
Colt Emerson (Mariners): SS | No. 1/MLB No. 27 | Fantasy Potential: B-
Key Tools – Hit: 60 Power: 50 Run: 50
Emerson might be the closest thing to Gunnar Henderson’s fantasy production in the minor leagues currently. However, this is a case where the scouting reports and production don’t align. From a scout’s perspective, the tools are there, + hit, good approach, he looks the part in every way. Though he suffered a tweaked oblique and fractured left foot this season, there were some bright spots. However, the overall production was suboptimal for the No. 27 prospect. He posted a .293 average, 18% BB rate, and 14% K rate at Low-A. Unfortunately, he then faltered at A+, hitting .225 with a 10% BB rate and 21% K rate. Emerson only hit 4 home runs across both levels in 332 PAs, though he did steal 15 bases. While I commend Seattle’s approach to developing hitters, I need to see more from Emerson before drafting him in any fantasy format.
Brock Wilken (Brewers): 3B | No. 7 | Fantasy Potential: C+
Key Tools – Power: 60
Bad luck hit the Brewers’ 2023 first-rounder when he was struck in the face by a fastball in early April. He never truly looked comfortable for the rest of the season. The one bright spot was his 17 HRs at AA. Otherwise, it was an abysmal year for Wilken, who remains more upside than production at this point. There is a path to fantasy relevance. The tools are there, but he has a lot of progress to make with his bat-to-ball skills after hitting just .199 at AA.