The Arizona Fall League is set to get underway on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. Now entering its 32nd season, the league is a chance for top prospects to continue to hone and improve their skills. These prospects will get the opportunity to play with and against other rising stars from all over MiLB.
Top Prospects
The league contains six teams composed of players from all 30 major league organizations. Each team has 35 players. This year, at least 12 of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects—and would-be future stars—will play on the league’s six teams. Most of the players are from Triple and Double-A. Some of the featured players are returning from injury and looking to get back in shape.
Many Stars
Over the past 30-plus years, many superstars have played in this competitive league. Recent players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Francisco Lindor have all participated in the Arizona Fall League. The league has also featured Hall of Famers such as Roy Halladay, Todd Helton, Derek Jeter, and Mike Piazza.
Arizona Fall League MVP’s the last 3 years
2016 – Gleyber Torres
2017 – Ronald Acuna
2018 – Keston HiuraNot a 1 tofor 1 (2015 Adam Engel won MVP), but pretty good group. Here is Keston during AFL championship game. pic.twitter.com/UzL8Umofz3
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) May 14, 2019
Rule Changes Tested
MLB also uses the Arizona Fall League to experiment with new rule changes. In the past, MLB used the league to experiment with the pitch clock, larger bases, and limited defensive shifting, all of which have been implemented at the big-league level. The ABS (automated balls and strikes) system will be highlighted again during this season’s games. The tracking of data will help determine ball and strike calls in case of player challenges.
Umpires
The league also provides training opportunities for umpires aspiring to call games at the big-league level. Over 50 current MLB umpires have worked the Arizona Fall League at one time or another. With many current umpires getting closer to retirement, this experience can only help minor league umpires get to the majors sooner.
Top Stadiums and Playing Fields
The Arizona Fall League will be played at the Salt River Fields (Scottsdale), Peoria Sports Complex (Peoria), Sloan Park (Mesa), Camelback Ranch (Glendale), Surprise Stadium (Surprise), and Scottsdale Stadium (Scottsdale), which are less than a one-hour drive from each other.
Most games start at either 1:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. (MST), allowing fans to create their own doubleheaders. One change for the 2024 season is that Sundays are no longer an off day, except for November 10.
Highlighted Games
On Saturday, Oct. 19, there will be a tripleheader at Goodyear Park. The day starts at 12:30 p.m. with the Salt River Rafters and Glendale Desert Dogs. Following that, the Scottsdale Scorpions play the Surprise Saguaros at 3:30 p.m. The trifecta commences with a 6:30 p.m. game between the Mesa Solar Sox and the Peoria Javelinas.
The Solar Sox and Javelinas will play at Grand Canyon University’s Brazell Field on Oct. 25. The next day, there will be a doubleheader at American Family Fields, the spring training park of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Fall Stars and Home Run Derby
On Friday, Nov. 8, the prospects will compete in the Home Run Derby at Sloan Park, the Chicago Cubs’ spring training field. The next day features the Fall Stars Game. Fall Stars weekend brings out many fans and is an excellent time to get autographs and pictures of up-and-coming players.
On site and at work 📍#AFL24 pic.twitter.com/EtpPl30Cqb
— MLB’s Arizona Fall League (@MLBazFallLeague) October 3, 2024
Championship Game
The regular season runs through Nov. 14. Then, there is a play-in semifinal game between the second- and third-place teams at Scottsdale Stadium, home of the San Francisco Giants. The championship game will be held on Nov. 16 at Salt River Fields, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.
Ticket Information
Arizona Fall League tickets cost $13 for adults or $11 for seniors (over 55 years old) and teens (11 to 17). Children 10 and under who are accompanied by an adult receive free admission. All tickets are general admission with no assigned seating.
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