Here are the rosters for Sunday's AFL Fall Stars Game

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd – these are sounds that echo with the promise of future stars. Last year’s Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game showcased players like Kevin McGonigle, Hagen Smith, and Sam Antonacci, who have since made significant contributions to the American League Central. Their performances served as a compelling prelude to their ascendance to Major League Baseball, a testament to the league’s role as a proving ground for the sport’s brightest prospects. Now, as we look ahead to Sunday’s Fall Stars Game, the question remains: who will follow in their footsteps and earn their place among the elite?

What Happened: Rosters Revealed for Fall Stars Game

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is gearing up for its 20th annual Fall Stars Game, set to take place on Sunday, with a lineup that includes several of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects. This year’s event, which will be broadcast live on MLB Network and streamed on MLB.com, promises to showcase the next generation of Major League talent. The American League and National League teams will compete for supremacy, managed by Daniel Robertson and Rafael Neda respectively. The game was officially announced on Wednesday, marking a significant event in the league’s calendar. It will be broadcast live from Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, beginning at 6 p.m. local time. Paul Severino, Dan O’Dowd, and Jim Callis will provide commentary for the broadcast. More information on the AFL is available on MLB’s website.

Among the notable players who participated in last year’s Fall Stars Game are Sebastian Walcott, Arjun Nimmala, and Sam Antonacci, demonstrating the league's ability to cultivate future Major League talent. The American League roster features six of the 10 active Top 100 talents: Rangers shortstop Sebastian Walcott (No. 8), Angels shortstop Arjun Nimmala (No. 34), Rays catcher Nathan Flewelling (No. 63), Royals outfielder Angeibel Gomez (No. 76), Yankees shortstop Dax Kilby (No. 78), and Orioles outfielder/first baseman Ike Irish (No. 95). The National League counters with Braves infielder Tate Southisene (No. 58), Phillies infielder Aidan Miller (No. 59), Nationals right-hander Jarlin Susana (No. 66), and D-backs second baseman Demetrio Crisantes (No. 84). Outfielder Zyhir Hope (No. 26) and infielder/outfielder Caleb Bonemer (No. 27) were initially named to the AL Fall Stars roster but will not participate due to earlier exits from Fall League play.

Beyond the Top 100, several other noteworthy players have earned their place on the rosters. Guardians’ middle infielder Welbyn Francisca leads the AFL in average (.409) and is second in slugging (.667) and OPS (1.134). Royals outfielder Zion Rose, a 2026 sixth-round pick, adds further intrigue. Padres’ outfielder Alex McCoy, who is tied for second on the circuit with five home runs and boasts a remarkable exit velocity of 118.2 mph, also makes the roster. Yankees first baseman Kyle West and Padres shortstop Justin DeCriscio secured their spots through the Final 2 Vote, demonstrating the competitive spirit that defines the Fall Stars Game. MLB Pipeline provides comprehensive prospect rankings and analysis.

Community Reaction: A Showcase of Future Stars

The AFL Fall Stars Game is a significant event for baseball fans in Minneapolis, as it offers a glimpse into the future of the sport. The game not only highlights the city’s connection to professional baseball but also underscores the importance of local talent development. The inclusion of Kyle DeBarge on the American League roster is a point of particular pride for Twins fans. DeBarge's presence underscores the importance of player development and the potential for local talent to rise through the ranks. The opportunity to witness these up-and-coming stars compete against their peers fuels anticipation for future seasons and the potential for homegrown talent to contribute to the Twins’ success.

A Twin Cities Connection

The Arizona Fall League provides a platform for top prospects to hone their skills and prepare for Major League Baseball. The Fall Stars Game, a showcase event, allows fans to witness these rising stars in action. The game’s broadcast on MLB Network and MLB.com ensures widespread visibility for these players and the league itself.

What’s Next: Managing the Future

Daniel Robertson, manager of the Surprise team, and Rafael Neda, manager of the Scottsdale team, will lead the American and National League teams respectively. Robertson, previously an assistant baserunning coordinator and Triple-A Columbus bench coach for the Guardians, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Neda currently manages the Brewers’ Rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate. Their leadership will be crucial in guiding these young players as they navigate the pressure of a high-profile showcase event. The Fall Stars Game is not just about individual performance; it’s about teamwork, strategy, and demonstrating the qualities that define professional baseball. Minor League Baseball provides information on affiliated teams and player development.

Katherine's Take: The Enduring Value of Mentorship and Family

Watching these young players compete, it’s striking to consider the journey they’ve undertaken to reach this level. The Arizona Fall League serves as a vital bridge between minor league development and the demands of Major League Baseball. The players participating are not just athletes; they are young men, often far from home and facing immense pressure. It’s easy to get caught up in the statistics and rankings, but it’s equally important to remember the values that underpin their success: discipline, perseverance, and a strong support system. The ongoing success of former Fall Stars Game participants underscores the importance of this opportunity and its potential to shape the future of baseball.

As we celebrate their talent, let’s also recognize the families and mentors who have invested in these young men. A young man’s character is forged not just on the baseball field, but in the home and community. It’s a hopeful reminder that even amidst the relentless pursuit of success, the core values of faith, family, and hard work remain essential to a fulfilling life. The future of baseball, and indeed the future of our society, depends on nurturing these values in the next generation.

Full Rosters and Additional Information

Below are the complete rosters for both the American League and National League teams participating in Sunday’s Fall Stars Game. For those interested in learning more about the Arizona Fall League, a wealth of information is available on MLB.com, including schedules, statistics, and player profiles. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of future stars, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Major League Baseball players. The official Twins website provides team news and information.

American League (See full roster details below)

National League (See full roster details below)

American League

• Catchers: Julian Brock, Surprise (TEX); Davis Diaz, Mesa (ATH No. 19); Nathan Flewelling, Scottsdale (TB No. 4 / MLB No. 63); Aaron Parker, Mesa (TOR)
• Infielders: Antonio Anderson, Mesa (BOS); Kyle DeBarge, Salt River (MIN); Welbyn Francisca, Surprise (CLE No. 19); Luke Hill, Surprise (CLE No. 15); Dax Kilby, Salt River (NYY No. 1 / MLB No. 78); Arjun Nimmala, Mesa (LAA No. 1 / MLB No. 34); Sebastian Walcott, Surprise (TEX No. 1 / MLB No. 8); Kyle West, 1B, Salt River (NYY)
• Outfielders: Caleb Bonemer, Glendale (CWS No. 2 / MLB No. 27)*; Jake Cook, Peoria (TOR No. 20); Angeibel Gomez, Surprise (KC No. 2 / MLB No. 76); Vance Honeycutt, Peoria (BAL); Zyhir Hope, Scottsdale (DET No. 1 / MLB No. 26)*; Ike Irish, Peoria (BAL No. 5 / MLB No. 95); Paxton Kling, Surprise (TEX No. 20); Zion Rose, Surprise (KC No. 6)
• Pitchers: RHP Jake Bloss, Mesa (TOR No. 11); RHP Braxton Bragg, Peoria (BAL No. 22); RHP Jonathan Clark, Glendale (CWS); RHP Alejandro Chiquillo, Surprise (TEX); RHP Kenya Huggins, Mesa (ATH No. 23); RHP Marcus Johnson, Scottsdale (TB); LHP Justin Lamkin, Surprise (KC No. 8); RHP Jank Pichardo, Scottsdale (HOU); RHP Patrick Reilly, Peoria (BAL); RHP Adam Smith, Peoria (SEA); RHP Chris Veach, Salt River (NYY)

National League

• Catchers: Kevin Bazzell, Salt River (WSH); Luke Davis, Scottsdale (PHI); Jack O'Dowd, Salt River (COL); Matt Wood, Scottsdale (MIL)
• Infielders: Eric Bitonti, Surprise (MIL No. 26); Demetrio Crisantes, Salt River (AZ No. 1 / MLB No. 84); Justin DeCriscio, SS, Peoria, (SD); Chase Harlan, Glendale (LAD No. 9)*; Aidan Miller, Surprise (PHI No. 2 / MLB No. 59); Andy Perez, Salt River (COL No. 15); Carlos Sanchez, Peoria (CIN No. 14); Wyatt Sanford, Glendale (PIT No. 5); Tate Southisene, Glendale (ATL No. 3 / MLB No. 58); Dalton Wentz, Scottsdale (SF)
• Outfielders: Teo Banks, Salt River (WSH); Yerlin Confidan, Peoria (CIN); Dillon Lewis, Glendale (MIA No. 11); Alex McCoy, Glendale (SD No. 26); Tai Peete, Peoria (STL No. 17); Kade Snell, Mesa (CHC); Jared Thomas, Salt River (COL No. 10)
• Pitchers: LHP Joseph Ariola, Salt River (AZ); RHP Brooks Auger, Glendale (LAD No. 28); RHP Irving Cota, Surprise (NYM); LHP Luke Fox, Glendale (LAD); RHP Luke Holman, Peoria (CIN No. 23); RHP Kannon Kemp, Peoria (SD No. 13); RHP Ryan Lambert, Surprise (NYM); LHP Briggs McKenzie, Glendale (ATL No. 8); RHP Bryan Mena, Glendale (PIT); RHP Dominick Reid, Mesa (CHC No. 28)*; RHP Tekoah Roby, Peoria (STL No. 14)*; RHP Jarlin Susana, Salt River (WSH No. 4 / MLB No. 66); RHP Fidel Ulloa, Salt River (COL)

The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time and will be broadcast live on MLB Network and MLB.com.

The Arizona Fall League continues to be a valuable resource for teams seeking to develop young talent and prepare them for the rigors of Major League Baseball. The Fall Stars Game is a highlight of the league’s season, providing a platform for these players to showcase their skills and compete against some of the brightest prospects in the game. The ongoing success of former Fall Stars Game participants underscores the importance of this opportunity and its potential to shape the future of baseball.

Closing paragraph: The Fall Stars Game offers a compelling preview of what’s to come in Major League Baseball. While predicting future stardom is an inexact science, the players participating in this year’s game represent the next wave of talent poised to make an impact on the sport. As fans, we can look forward to witnessing their continued development and celebrating their successes, both on and off the field. The game serves as a reminder of the enduring power of dreams and the importance of supporting young athletes as they strive to reach their full potential.