Catchers continue to make waves in Arizona. Ethan Salas and Carter Jensen are the latest to lead the BAPR, which has also prominently featured the likes of Thayron Liranzo, Leonardo Bernal and catcher-turned-first baseman Josue Briceño in recent days from the AFL.

Ethan Salas, C, Padres: Salas had a down 2024 after a storybook debut in 2023. The Padres catcher looks to be regaining any lost ground in the AFL, as he’s been impressive in the batter’s box and behind the plate. On Tuesday, Salas hit his second home run of the Fall League, connecting for a three-run shot in the bottom of the third. The homer left Salas bat at 104.7 mph and was among the hardest hit balls on the day. Salas is hitting .308/.393/.519 in AFL while displaying some of the fastest pop times on the circuit.

Carter Jensen, C, Royals: While fellow systemmate Blake Mitchell might get more press, Jensen is using his AFL to proclaim he’s a strong offensive catcher in his own right. Jensen continued his stellar AFL showing on Tuesday with a homer and a double during a five-hit game. Jensen has been on fire during Fall League play hitting .393 with four home runs. Jensen has a strong blend of power and on-base skills and is showing improving contact. Questions persist around his ability to stick behind the plate, but Jensen’s bat is for real.

Alejandro Osuna, OF, Rangers: Carter Jensen wasn’t the only Surprise hitter who had a career day on Tuesday, Osuna also collected five hits and homered in the Saguaros’ 14-4 win. Osuna is hitting .389/.535/.611 while ranking third in runs and hits. Osuna has handled the leadoff duties for Surprise for much of the season and has been impressive throughout. He’s likely a fourth outfielder long-term, but Osuna can hit, run and shows some power.

Thomas Saggese, 2B, Cardinals: Saggese made his Cardinals MLB debut in 2024 and then headed to the AFL to get some extra at-bats. So far, so good. Saggese left Tuesday’s 3-for-3 effort with a .419 batting average. Saggese ranks fourth in the AFL in batting average, sixth in hits and fourth in runs. On Tuesday, he collected three hits, all singles, as well as a walk and a hit by pitch to reach base five times. Saggese has an advanced hit tool with excellent feel for the barrel. He lacks above-average power but gets the most out of average impact.

Peyton Williams, 1B, Blue Jays: Williams is an underrated bat in a shallow Blue Jays system with a good balance of plate skills and power. Williams showed off his power stroke Tuesday with a pair of home runs in Scottsdale’s 9-7 victory over Peoria. He collected three hits on the day with a walk while driving in four. Williams is hitting .326/.340/.630 with three home runs in Fall League play. After a solid season with High-A Vancouver, Williams should begin 2025 with Double-A New Hampshire.

Five AFL Prospects With MLB Potential Flying Under The Radar

If you're an avid follower of the Arizona Fall League, you know the kind of big leaguers it produces. This World Series alone features AFL alums Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith.

Those are the stars, but plenty of other players dotting playoff rosters spent time in the desert as prospects. Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia is one. So is his bullpen-mate Evan Phillips. Yankees closer Luke Weaver pitched in the Fall League, as did lefty Tim Mayza and catcher Jose Trevino.

The players in this year's AFL who could fit into the future star category are fairly obvious: Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson, Padres catcher Ethan Salas and Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge all have that kind of potential.

Undoubtedly, the league will produce players who never come close to a Top 100 list or make an all-star roster but nevertheless settle into long-term roles in the big leagues. Here are five players from this year's AFL ranks who come to mind for that profile.

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