Central STL News

Since its inception in 1992, the Arizona Fall League (AFL) has served as a key development ground for Major League Baseball prospects. The league, which begins its 33rd season on October 6, has helped more than 3,000 players reach the majors, including Hall of Famers such as Roy Halladay, Todd Helton, Derek Jeter, and Mike Piazza. It has also featured current stars like Ronald Acuña, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Nick Kurtz, Francisco Lindor, Julio Rodríguez, and Corey Seager.

This year's AFL rosters include 13 of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects. Among them are two of the top five overall prospects: shortstops Kevin McGonigle (Detroit Tigers) and Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers). The last time two prospects ranked this highly played in the same AFL season was in 2011 with Bryce Harper and Mike Trout.

Each MLB organization is sending at least one notable prospect to participate. For example:

- The Toronto Blue Jays are represented by Josh Kasevich (SS), who is returning from injuries that limited his playing time.

- The Baltimore Orioles have sent Enrique Bradfield Jr. (OF), who managed to steal 36 bases despite hamstring issues.

- Aidan Smith (OF) will represent the Tampa Bay Rays after being acquired from the Mariners and displaying power-speed potential.

- Luis Perales (RHP) returns for the Boston Red Sox following Tommy John surgery.

- Bryce Cunningham (RHP), selected out of Vanderbilt in the second round of the draft by the New York Yankees, had a strong debut season despite shoulder issues.

Other notable participants include Chase DeLauter (OF) for Cleveland Guardians; Blake Mitchell (C) for Kansas City Royals; Brandon Winokur (OF/SS/3B) for Minnesota Twins; Braden Montgomery (OF) for Chicago White Sox; Juan Flores (C) for Los Angeles Angels; Walker Janek (C) for Houston Astros; Tommy White (3B) for Oakland Athletics; Jonny Farmelo (OF) for Seattle Mariners; Drue Hackenberg (RHP) for Atlanta Braves; Starlyn Caba (SS/2B) for Miami Marlins; Chris Suero (C/OF/1B) for New York Mets; Seaver King (SS) for Washington Nationals; Aidan Miller (SS) for Philadelphia Phillies; Luke Adams (1B/3B) for Milwaukee Brewers.

The St. Louis Cardinals' representative is right-handed pitcher Chen-Wei Lin. At 6-foot-7 and age 23, Lin stands out as one of the tallest pitchers in this year's AFL class. He features a fastball that sits between 95-97 mph and can touch triple digits on occasion. His changeup and slider also generate swings-and-misses. In Double-A Springfield this year, Lin struck out 20 batters over just under ten innings but struggled with control by issuing nine walks during that span.

Prospects from other National League Central teams include Cole Mathis (1B/3B – Chicago Cubs), Esmeryln Valdez (1B/OF – Pittsburgh Pirates), and Alfredo Duno (C – Cincinnati Reds).

The AFL remains an important step in player development across all major league organizations.