Sleeper prospects in AFL who could hit it big
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I've just returned from spending 10 days at the Arizona Fall League, which along with the College World Series is one of my two favorite events on the baseball calendar. As usual, the developmental circuit is packed with talent, including 16 of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects.
Beyond the most famous names, there are many, many other players who will reach the big leagues. Since the AFL began in 1992, roughly 60 percent of the participants have advanced to the Majors -- a total of more than 3,000.
With that in mind, I've put together an all-star team of current Fall Leaguers who aren't on the Top 100 but could become significant big leaguers:
Jeferson Quero, C, Brewers
Not only does he feature one of the stronger arms in the league, but he also has hitting ability, strike-zone savvy and gap power.
Deyvison de los Santos, 1B, D-backs
He rivals Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker for the most raw power in the AFL, and he exceeded his age (19) in homers (22) while reaching Double-A.
Nick Yorke, 2B, Red Sox
The sweet-swinging Yorke has looked more like the 2021 version (.325/.412/.516) than the 2022 edition (.231/.303/.365) in Arizona.
Colt Keith, 3B, Tigers
He's back showing an intriguing bat and power potential after a shoulder injury interrupted his breakout season in June.
Luisangel Acuña, SS, Rangers
The younger brother of 2017 AFL MVP Ronald, he doesn't have his sibling's superstar upside but comes with plenty of tools.
Heston Kjerstad, OF, Orioles
Myocarditis delayed his pro debut for two years after Baltimore drafted him No. 2 overall, and now he's back to providing the power that attracted the Orioles.
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Luis Matos, OF, Giants
A quad injury led to swing changes and a disappointing 2022 season, but Matos has straightened out his stroke in the AFL.
Parker Meadows, OF, Tigers
Austin's younger brother has all-around ability and projects as a center fielder with 20-20 potential.
Aaron Zavala, DH, Rangers
One of the Fall League's more gifted hitters, he makes plenty of hard contact and is in the process of unlocking more power.
Joey Wentz, LHP, Tigers
He bounced back from a shoulder injury to post a 1.73 ERA in the Majors in September and looked sharp mixing four pitches in four perfect innings in his first AFL start.
Kumar Rocker, RHP, Rangers
The No. 3 overall pick in July has showcased a mid-90s fastball and mid-80s slider but needs to iron out his control.