The Minor League season isn't quite over. One game remains -- the Triple-A National Championship Game between Omaha (Royals) and Sugar Land (Astros) on Saturday night in Las Vegas. I'm looking forward to broadcasting the matchup alongside Tyler Maun on MLB Network at 10:09 p.m. ET (7:09 p.m. local).

Before we get to that, let's answer some of your questions.

Who are your super early picks for Rookie of the Year in each league next year? And one dark horse candidate? -- @CalebHenry72336

Roughly a year ago in a Pipeline Inbox, I was asked to pick the 2024 Rookie of the Year winners well in advance. I went with Brooks Lee, followed by Evan Carter and Colt Keith in the American League, and Jordan Lawlar ahead of Pete Crow-Armstrong and Paul Skenes in the National League. That didn't go so well, but let's try again.

In the AL, Orioles corner infielder Coby Mayo (MLB No. 8) will swat 26 homers to beat out Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez (MLB No. 14). In the NL, Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews (MLB No. 1) will put together a 20/20 season, with Cubs infielder Matt Shaw (MLB No. 22) finishing second despite not making the Opening Day roster.

As for dark horses, I'll pick two guys not currently on our Top 100 Prospects list: Colby Thomas (OAK No. 7) in the AL and catcher Drake Baldwin (ATL No. 5) in the NL.

Which prospects are you excited to see in the AFL? -- @StevieDAles97

I say this repeatedly, and I'll say it again: My two favorite baseball events to attend are the College World Series and the Arizona Fall League. I'm excited to see many prospects when the six-week season begins on Oct. 7. Rather than list dozens, I'll pick three Top 100 guys and three more from off the list.

Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone (No. 15 on the Top 100) has as much raw power as anyone in the Minors. Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson (No. 27) is an advanced 19-year-old hitter with developing power and fine defensive instincts. Padres shortstop Leodalis De Vries (No. 44) had no problem handling Single-A at age 17 and now will get another intriguing challenge.

Though he's not on the Top 100, outfielder Zyhir Hope (LAD No. 11) may be the best all-around athlete in the AFL with his plus raw power, double-plus speed and well-above-average arm strength. Right-handers Jun-Seok Shim (MIA No. 27) and Grant Taylor (CWS No. 6) have combined for just 27 1/3 pro innings because of injuries, but have power stuff and should be two of the best pitchers on the developmental circuit.

Now that the Minor League season is wrapping up, which 2024 draftee had the most impressive season? -- @Blahbla92342524

Cubs third baseman Cam Smith had the best debut of any 2024 draftee. MLB's No. 100 overall prospect slashed .313/.396/.609 while reaching Double-A and leading the entire Draft class in hits (36), home runs (seven), triples (four), extra-base hits (16) and total bases (70). He went deep in six straight Single-A games at one point and added a homer in three Southern League playoff games.

Though Smith batted .387 with 16 homers in 66 games while earning All-America honors at Florida State during the spring and went 14th overall in the Draft, there are some questions about his ultimate power potential. He barrels balls regularly and generates high exit velocities, but he also hits a lot of grounders and doesn't pull the ball in the air on a consistent basis. That all remained true during his debut but didn't prevent him from doing damage.

Smith likely will begin 2025 back at Double-A and is on course to reach Wrigley Field sooner than expected. His presence may move Shaw to second base in the long run.

Is Sebastian Walcott the Rangers' future center/right fielder? -- @JonBPollard1990

Some scouts said Walcott could become the best player ever to come out of the Bahamas when the Rangers signed him for $3.2 million in January 2023, and he's living up to those accolades. He's loaded with tools (plus power, solid speed, well-above-average arm strength) and advanced to Double-A at age 18 this season while slashing .265/.344/.452 with 11 homers and 27 steals in 121 games.

Walcott spent most of his time this summer at shortstop while also seeing action at third base. But Texas has Corey Seager at short and signed through 2031, and Josh Jung at the hot corner and under team control through 2028.

While Seager eventually could move off shortstop in his 30s and Jung has to prove he can stay healthy, Walcott very well could wind up in the outfield. I could see the Rangers rolling out a future outfield with Wyatt Langford in left, Carter in center and Walcott in right. Walcott's tools would profile very well in right field.