The Arizona Fall League is back in full swing, and excitement is building across the Valley as some of baseball’s most promising young talent takes center stage. Now in its 33rd season, the league has long earned a reputation as the “finishing school” for top prospects, a place where future stars polish their skills before making the leap to the Major Leagues. This year, the spotlight shines particularly bright on two of MLB Pipeline’s top ten prospects: Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers and Sebastian Walcott of the Texas Rangers.
McGonigle and Walcott aren’t just highly ranked—they’re electrifying players who’ve put up eye-popping numbers throughout the minor leagues. McGonigle, who’s suiting up for the Scottsdale Scorpions, capped off his 2025 minor league campaign with a combined .305 batting average, a .408 on-base percentage, and a .583 slugging percentage. He mashed 19 homers and 31 doubles, and his plate discipline was on full display with more walks (59) than strikeouts (46). Walcott, meanwhile, turned heads at Double-A Frisco, holding his own at just 19 years old. He slugged 13 homers in 474 at-bats and drew comparisons to the likes of Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz for his tall, rangy build and dynamic play at shortstop.
But the Arizona Fall League isn’t just about the headliners. In total, 11 of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects are competing this fall, making the league a must-watch for scouts, fans, and baseball insiders alike. Among those suiting up are Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula (No. 13), Chicago White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery (No. 35), and Colorado Rockies first baseman/outfielder Charlie Condon (No. 61). The Diamondbacks, hosting their prospects on the Salt River Rafters, feature hard-throwing reliever Drey Jameson and right-hander David Hagaman, who was acquired from the Rangers in the Merrill Kelly deal and has impressed with his dominant stuff and control.
This season also marks a historic return to Tucson, as the Fall League will play games at Kino Sports Complex for the first time since 2002. On October 11, fans in southern Arizona will get a tripleheader treat, with Salt River and Surprise kicking things off at 12:30 p.m. The action doesn’t stop there—Goodyear Ballpark hosts its own tripleheader on October 18, and the postseason will see all six teams qualify for the first time ever, thanks to the addition of a quarterfinal round. Key dates include the Home Run Derby on November 8, the Fall Stars Game on November 9, and the league championship on November 15, all at Salt River Fields or Sloan Park.
For those eager to catch the next wave of baseball talent, the Arizona Fall League offers plenty of chances to tune in. Games are streamed live for free on MLB.com and the AFL site, with select matchups also available on MLB.TV. The schedule is packed: Wednesday’s slate featured Glendale at Surprise, Salt River at Scottsdale, Mesa at Salt River, and Scottsdale at Glendale. On Friday, Salt River visits Peoria and Surprise heads to Glendale, while Saturday brings Salt River to Surprise and Salt River hosting Mesa. Each matchup provides a stage for prospects to make their mark—and perhaps even write the first chapter of a future MLB legend’s story.
One of the most compelling storylines this fall is the resurgence of Seaver King, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 Draft and now a member of the Scottsdale Scorpions. King’s first full professional season was a challenge; he slashed just .244/.294/.337 across two levels. But on October 8, King looked every bit the top prospect, driving in five runs—including a three-run homer in the eighth inning—in a 12-3 win over Salt River. King credited his improvement to advice from McGonigle, who told him, “It’s never the swing. It’s always pitches and timing and all those things.” That bit of wisdom paid off, as King delivered a three-hit, four-run night and reminded everyone why he was such a coveted draft pick.
“I just want to hit the ball as hard as possible every time I go up there,” King said after the game. “Obviously when the numbers are like that, you know I’m seeing it good and swinging it good, so I try not to worry about it and just play the game.” King’s performance underscores the developmental value of the Fall League, giving prospects the chance to compete against their elite peers and learn from each other in a high-stakes environment.
The league’s mix of established prospects and recent draftees makes for compelling viewing. The 2024 Draft class, in particular, is already making waves—six of the first 20 picks have debuted in the majors, including Nick Kurtz and Trey Yesavage, who both made headlines as rookies. Konnor Griffin, the No. 9 pick, has already ascended to the status of No. 1 overall prospect. But for every fast riser, there are players like King, who use the Fall League as a springboard to get back on track and prove they belong among the game’s elite.
The Arizona Fall League also serves as a family affair for some. Torey Lovullo, a lifelong baseball man, has watched his son Nick Lovullo carve out his own path in the sport. Nick, currently the South Bend Cubs manager, is coaching for the Mesa Solar Sox this fall. Their shared baseball journey was the subject of a recent interview, where they reflected on the unique bond that the game has fostered between them. For both father and son, the Fall League represents another chapter in a lifelong love affair with baseball.
Injuries and comebacks are part of the story, too. Jose Corniell, who made his MLB debut for the Rangers on September 28 after battling injuries throughout the season, is looking to regain form with the Surprise Saguaros. Luis Perales, Boston’s No. 9 prospect, is pitching for Salt River after limited innings due to Tommy John surgery. Their presence in the league is a testament to both their resilience and the opportunities the Fall League provides for players to get valuable reps and make up for lost time.
With so much talent on display and a packed schedule of games, the Arizona Fall League remains a can’t-miss event for anyone invested in baseball’s future. Whether you’re tuning in to see the next big star, following a comeback story, or just soaking up the atmosphere at one of the Valley’s ballparks, there’s no shortage of drama and excitement. As the league marches toward its expanded postseason and championship, all eyes will remain on the prospects making their case for stardom—and perhaps, just perhaps, we’re witnessing the birth of the game’s next icons right here in Arizona.
As the action continues through October and into November, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely. With top prospects, dramatic comebacks, and historic milestones, the 2025 Arizona Fall League is delivering on its promise as baseball’s premier showcase for tomorrow’s stars.
