Watch top prospects in Arizona Fall League, winter ball

The Arizona Fall League is upon us, and in this circuit of elite prospects, there is something to watch for every night.

Here’s what’s on the docket this weekend in the AFL.

9:30 p.m. ET — Scottsdale (DET, NYM, PIT, SFG, TOR) @ Glendale (CIN, CWS, LAD, PHI, STL)
Friday’s opener is the rare AFL game with true MLB postseason implications. Playing amongst the notable prospects will be Mets infielder Jeff McNeil, who is ramping up with the hope of returning to New York’s roster for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday. The plan is for McNeil, who has been sidelined by a fractured right wrist since early September, to get at least four plate appearances and play at least seven innings for Scottsdale on both Friday and Saturday night.

Glendale will also have a Major League infielder on its roster in Reds infielder Matt McLain. Gameday »

9:30 p.m. ET — Mesa (BOS, CHC, LAA, OAK, TB) @ Peoria (ATL, MIA, MIL, SD, SEA)
This game features five of the AFL’s seven highest-ranked prospects, including the second- and third-highest ranked in the league in Peoria catcher Ethan Salas (Padres, MLB No. 19) and shortstop Colt Emerson (Mariners, MLB No. 27).

The Javelinas’ lineup also includes three more of baseball’s top 50 prospects: Padres shortstop Leo De Vries (MLB No. 28), and Mariners infielder Cole Young (MLB No. 38), while Mesa has first baseman Xavier Isaac (Rays, MLB No. 36).

At 17 years old, De Vries is the youngest player in the Fall League. Meanwhile, Emerson has racked up a league-best eight hits, six doubles and five RBIs in his first two games. Gameday »

3:30 p.m. ET — Peoria (ATL, MIA, MIL, SD, SEA) @ Mesa (BOS, CHC, LAA, OAK, TB)
Peoria’s roster also features pop in Marlins No. 12 prospect Kemp Alderman, who has a league-leading four homers through three games. Mesa’s roster, meanwhile, is headlined by Isaac and Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros, (MLB No. 44). Gameday »

6:30 p.m. ET — Glendale (CIN, CWS, LAD, PHI, STL) @ Scottsdale (DET, NYM, PIT, SFG, TOR)
Top Phillies prospect Andrew Painter (MLB No. 32) hasn’t pitched in a game since Spring Training 2023 and underwent Tommy John Surgery in July of that year. That will change on Saturday, when he is set to throw two innings against a Scottsdale lineup that should include McNeil. The Phillies are hoping the 21-year-old Painter can compile 20 innings in the AFL, after he fared well in his rehab from elbow surgery over the past year-plus.

All told, it’s been almost two full years since Painter, the Phillies’ first-round pick (No. 13 overall) in 2021 pitched regularly. At that time, he was 19 and finishing up a sensational first full season in pro ball that saw him pitch to a 1.56 ERA and compile 155 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings across three levels, finishing at Double-A Reading. Gameday »

9:30 p.m. ET — Surprise (BAL, CLE, HOU, KC, TEX) @ Salt River (ARI, COL, MIN, NYY, WSH)
Surprise’s roster is headlined by the top-ranked prospect in the AFL this year: Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone. The sixth overall pick in this year’s Draft, Caglianone (MLB No. 17) will match up against Yankees No. 20 prospect, Carlos Lagrange, a 21-year-old, 6-foot-7 right-hander who has only pitched five games above rookie ball. Lagrange missed much of the 2024 season with back issues but can reach triple digits with his fastball and flashes plus sliders in the mid-80s when at his best. He led the Rookie-level Florida Complex League with 63 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings during his U.S. debut in 2023. Gameday »

4:30 p.m. ET — Mesa (BOS, CHC, LAA, OAK, TB) @ Surprise (BAL, CLE, HOU, KC, TEX)
If you enjoy power-hitting first baseman than this year’s AFL circuit is for you. MLB’s three top-ranked first base prospects are in Arizona rearing to go. This game features the top two in Caglianone and Isaac, who have 70-grade and 65-grade power tools, respectively. Caglianone is already raking after notching four hits for Surprise on Thursday.