Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run
In the highly anticipated Fall Stars Game of the Arizona Fall League, the top-ranked prospect did not disappoint. Colson Montgomery, a talented shortstop from the White Sox organization, proved his worth on Sunday night. Ranked as the 17th best prospect on MLB Pipeline’s esteemed Top 100 Prospects list, Montgomery showcased his skills and earned the title of MVP.
During the game, Montgomery demonstrated his prowess by going a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate, including a remarkable home run. His contribution played a crucial role in leading the American League team to a resounding 6-3 victory over their counterparts from the National League. While the contest witnessed a total of four home runs, it was not just the batters who shone; the pitchers also left their mark. The combined efforts of both teams resulted in an impressive 26 strikeouts, with a modest total of 13 hits recorded throughout the game.
The Fall Stars Game provided a platform for lesser-known but immensely talented prospects to showcase their abilities alongside Montgomery. It was a testament to the depth of talent present in the minor league system, with these rising stars seizing the opportunity to make a name for themselves on the big stage.
Here are 12 players who performed well on the AFL’s biggest stage:
Eric Brown Jr., SS, BrewersNot known for his power, Milwaukee’s 2022 first-round pick teed off on an 82-mph slider from Rays right-hander Logan Workman and smacked a 383-foot homer with an exit velocity of 98 mph in the fifth inning. The Brewers’ No. 10 prospect also provided a pair of nifty plays at shortstop, showing off his strong arm to retire Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter in the fourth inning and deftly turning a chopper from Mariners DH Tyler Locklear into an out in the fifth.
Eric Brown Jr.’s solo home run
Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa, RHP, RangersA 30th-round pick out of Pierce (Wash.) CC in 2019, Hoopii-Tuionetoa hasn’t allowed a run in eight regular-season AFL innings and worked a perfect fourth in the Fall Stars Game. He sat in the mid-90s with his fastball and struck out Phillies second baseman Oliver Dunn and Padres left fielder Jakob Marsee (SD No. 12) on heaters.
Hoopii-Tuionetoa strikes out two
In the Fall League, Jordan Leasure, a right-handed pitcher from the White Sox organization, continued to impress as one of the league’s most dominant relievers. As Chicago’s 18th-ranked prospect, he showcased his skills by delivering a scoreless seventh inning. With his fastball reaching an impressive 98 mph, Leasure struck out both Kevin Alcántara, an outfielder from the Cubs (ranked fourth in the organization), and JT Schwartz, the Mets’ first baseman, on called third strikes.
Kyle Manzardo, a first baseman from the Guardians, has been a standout hitter in the AFL. Displaying his exceptional hitting ability, Manzardo has demonstrated more power than usual in this developmental circuit. As MLB’s 58th overall prospect, he unleashed an impressive home run during the game. Swinging at a middle-of-the-plate fastball from Dodgers right-hander Kendall Williams, Manzardo launched the ball an impressive 433 feet at a blistering speed of 111 mph.
Juan Mejia, a right-handed pitcher representing the Rockies, also showcased his dominance as a reliever. With his overpowering stuff, Mejia efficiently completed a perfect seventh inning, needing just 10 pitches. He showcased his skills by striking out both Kala’i Rosario, the Twins’ 19th-ranked prospect, and Kyle Manzardo, utilizing a slider that consistently hit the 83-84 mph range.
These talented individuals demonstrated their abilities in the Fall League, leaving an indelible mark with their impressive performances.
Juan Mejia’s two-strikeout inning
Colson Montgomery, the talented shortstop representing the White Sox, has drawn frequent comparisons to Corey Seager, the two-time World Series MVP. In the Fall Stars Game, Montgomery showcased his skills and walked away with well-deserved recognition. In his initial at-bat, he delivered a solid single, setting the stage for what was to come. Then, in the fourth inning, Montgomery displayed his power by demolishing a mid-90s fastball from Dodgers left-hander Ronan Kopp, who ranks 16th in the organization. The ball soared an impressive 409 feet, propelled off Montgomery’s bat at an astounding 105 mph. This remarkable display of skill and power solidified Montgomery’s exceptional performance in the game.
Colson Montgomery’s solo home run
Andrew Moore, LHP, RedsMoore came to the Reds in July 2022 as part of a four-player package from the Mariners for Luis Castillo and sat in the mid-90s while throwing 13 of 17 pitches for strikes during a perfect sixth. He ran a fastball back over the outside corner to catch Rays catcher Dominic Keegan looking to end an 11-pitch at-bat and whiffed Royals left fielder Peyton Wilson on a changeup.
Andrew Moore’s two strikeouts
Will Robertson, OF, Blue JaysRobertson is building off the best Minor League season of his four-year pro career with a strong fall. He joined the home run parade by tagging a Kopp breaking ball for a 400-foot homer at 100 mph in the fourth. After not recording an outfield assist in 93 Double-A games, he threw out Marsee trying to stretch a double into a triple in the second.
Will Robertson’s two-run home run
Tekoah Roby, RHP, CardinalsThe best pitching prospect in the Fall Stars Game, Roby was also the most efficient, needing just nine pitches (eight strikes) in a perfect first. Acquired from the Rangers in the Jordan Montgomery trade in July, St. Louis’ No. 5 prospect struck out a pair of Top 100 prospects — the Guardians’ Chase DeLauter (MLB’s No. 85) on a breaking ball and Manzardo on a 97-mph fastball.
Tekoah Roby’s two strikeouts
JT Schwartz, 1B, MetsSchwartz turned in the best defensive play of the contest, making a diving grab of a flair by Athletics DH Max Muncy (OAK No. 7) in foul territory during the eighth. The 2021 fourth-rounder from UCLA went 0-for-2 at the plate.
JT Schwartz’s amazing grab
Victor Scott II, OF, CardinalsScott stands tied for the Minor League lead with 94 steals, ranks third in the AFL with 16 in just 22 games and continued to run wild in the Fall Stars Game. The No. 4 Cards prospect reached base three times in three trips on a double and a pair of walks, and he stole three bases off three different pitchers, including third base twice.
C.J. Van Eyk, RHP, Blue JaysComing back from Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2022 season, Van Eyk drew the start for the AL and struck out three straight hitters following Scott’s leadoff double. Van Eyk got Phillies right fielder Gabriel Rincones on a curveball, Brewers first baseman Wes Clarke on a 93-mph sinker and Dunn on a changeup, all swinging.
CJ Van Eyk’s shutout inning
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.