Central STL News

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) begins its 32nd season tonight, marking the return of a developmental circuit known for showcasing Major League Baseball's top prospects. The opening game features the Peoria Javelinas against the Scottsdale Scorpions at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Last year, the AFL included 14 of MLB’s Top 100 prospects, with seven making their major league debuts in 2025. This season, 11 Top 100 prospects are on rosters, including shortstops Kevin McGonigle (MLB No. 2) and Sebastian Walcott (MLB No. 6).

The AFL operates from October 6 through November 15 and serves as an opportunity for players to continue developing or recover playing time lost to injury. Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder is among those returning after missing most of the previous season due to injuries.

In 2024, Josue Briceño became the first player in league history to win the AFL Triple Crown and was named MVP. The league has a strong track record of producing major leaguers; according to recent data, over forty percent of players named to the 2025 MLB All Star Game were AFL alumni.

Teams participating in this year’s AFL are affiliated with various MLB organizations:

- Glendale Desert Dogs: Braves, White Sox, Dodgers, Cardinals, Blue Jays

- Mesa Solar Sox: Athletics, Cubs, Marlins, Yankees, Rays

- Peoria Javelinas: Orioles, Reds, Twins, Padres, Mariners

- Salt River Rafters: Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Rockies, Angels, Pirates

- Scottsdale Scorpions: Tigers, Astros, Mets, Giants, Nationals

- Surprise Saguaros: Guardians, Royals, Brewers, Phillies, Rangers

Each organization sends seven top prospects to form six squads.

Monday’s schedule opens with Peoria facing Scottsdale. Notable matchups on Tuesday include Glendale vs. Salt River at 4:30 p.m., featuring Braden Montgomery and Josue De Paula for Glendale against Charlie Condon for Salt River; and Surprise vs. Mesa at 9:30 p.m., where Sebastian Walcott leads Surprise against Bryce Cunningham and Mesa.

Fans can watch all games via free streams on MLB.com throughout the regular season and postseason events such as the Home Run Derby and Championship Game. The Fall Stars Game and Championship Game will also be broadcast on MLB Network.

Key dates for this season include Opening Night on October 6; tripleheaders at Kino Sports Complex (October 11) and Goodyear Ballpark (October 18); Home Run Derby (November 8); Fall Stars Game (November 9); Division Series (November 13); Semifinals (November 14); and Championship Game (November 15).

For more information about schedules or how to follow teams like the St. Louis Cardinals during this period—including news updates—fans can subscribe for updates from both the team and Major League Baseball.