Arizona Fall League Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks
By Quinn Harrison ·
The Arizona Diamondbacks are sending eight players to the Arizona Fall League (AFL) this year, all of them joining the Salt River Rafters. Five are pitchers and three are position players, and six of the eight spent time on the injured list in 2026, so much of this group is in Arizona to make up innings and at-bats.
Demetrio Crisantes Eyes Consistency
At 22 years old, Demetrio Crisantes is the most advanced bat in the Diamondbacks' AFL contingent. The second baseman finished the year at Triple-A Reno, where he hit .278 with a .343 on-base percentage over 50 games. His 2026 line across Double-A Amarillo, Reno and two rehab stops was .292/.377/.477 with 10 home runs and 25 doubles.
80Grade's scouting report highlights his bat-to-ball skills and his potential as a second-division regular at second base. His defense and his durability remain the questions, after a shoulder issue limited his 2025 season and an injured-list stint kept him out until late May this year. The AFL stint gives him more at-bats against advanced pitching, and his plate discipline and defensive reliability are the things to watch this fall.
Patrick Forbes Rebuilding on the Mound
Patrick Forbes, a 22-year-old right-hander and the 29th overall pick in the 2025 draft out of Louisville, is the arm to watch most closely. A flexor injury delayed the start of his pro career this spring, and elbow discomfort cost him another stretch in the summer, limiting him to 29⅔ innings. He was effective when he pitched, with a 2.73 ERA and a 35.3% strikeout rate, almost all of it at High-A Hillsboro.
Forbes' fastball has touched 100 mph, and his slider gives him a second pitch that misses bats. His AFL assignment is about building innings and steadier command, and his health and strike-throwing this fall will shape whether he projects as a starter or a high-leverage reliever.
Yassel Soler's Power Potential
Third baseman Yassel Soler, only 20 years old, is still turning raw power into game power. He hit .261/.335/.402 with 13 home runs in 108 games at High-A Hillsboro in 2026, and his 22.4% strikeout rate shows there is work to do on his approach.
The AFL gives Soler a platform to cut down on ground-ball contact and refine his swing path. His arm at third base and his raw power make him a player to watch, especially if he can tighten his plate discipline against more advanced pitching.
Connor Foley's Development Path
Connor Foley, a 23-year-old right-hander, is looking for consistency in the AFL after two injured-list stints limited him to 26 innings in 2026. His numbers show both sides of his profile, with a 40% strikeout rate and a 17.4% walk rate.
Foley's fastball-slider combination is potent, but his command has to improve for him to stick as a starter or settle in as a high-leverage bullpen arm. His walk rate this fall is the number to follow.
Joe Ariola's Strikeout Prowess
Left-handed pitcher Joe Ariola, age 22, struck out 45.7% of the batters he faced across four levels in 2026 after missing April through mid-July on the injured list. Command is still the concern, with a 10% walk rate over 34⅔ innings.
In the AFL, Ariola will work on his control and lean on his fastball-curveball mix. If he can cut down on walks, his stuff gives him a clear path to a valuable bullpen role.
John West's Bullpen Potential
John West, a 24-year-old righty, had a mixed 2026 season with a 4.75 ERA, a 16.6% strikeout rate and a 13.1% walk rate over 100⅓ innings, mostly at High-A Hillsboro with four late outings at Double-A Amarillo. His results point toward a bullpen role, where his sinker and changeup could play up.
The AFL gives West a chance to improve his command and explore a relief role built around his effectiveness against right-handed hitters.
Quick Hits: Craig and Hall
Luke Craig: The 25-year-old lefty opened 2026 on the 60-day injured list and returned in July for 17⅔ innings. His sinker-slider combination and his command will be under the microscope as he aims for a middle-relief role.
Nathan Hall: At 23, Hall brings plus speed and a promising defensive profile in center field. He spent most of 2026 on the injured list and played 11 games for Single-A Visalia after his August return, so the AFL is a chance to make up at-bats and add more lift to his swing.
For the Diamondbacks, Patrick Forbes is the AFL assignment to follow most closely. He threw 29⅔ innings in 2026, and a healthy run of starts in Salt River would give Arizona a longer look at his command over a bigger workload before 2027.