What's Happening?
Eight Toronto Blue Jays prospects are participating in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), a development league for top MLB prospects. The Blue Jays have sent players including shortstop Josh Kasevich, catcher Edward Duran, and infielder Cutter Coffey to join the Glendale Desert Dogs. The AFL provides these prospects with an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially secure spots on the Blue Jays' roster. Kasevich, ranked as the number 12 prospect in the Blue Jays system, is Rule 5 eligible this offseason, making his performance in the AFL crucial for his future with the team.
Why It's Important?
The AFL serves as a critical platform for young players to demonstrate their abilities and improve their chances of advancing within their organizations. For the Blue Jays, the performance of these prospects could influence future roster decisions and player development strategies. Kasevich's participation is particularly important as he faces the possibility of being selected by another team if not added to the 40-man roster. The AFL also allows the Blue Jays to evaluate their prospects' readiness for higher levels of competition.
What's Next?
The AFL season runs until mid-November, with playoffs starting on November 13 and the championship game scheduled for November 15. Prospects like Kasevich and Coffey will continue to compete, aiming to impress the Blue Jays' management. Their performances could lead to roster changes and impact the team's strategy for the upcoming MLB season.