Tate Southiesene
4-for-15, 4R, 3 BB, SB
Just another strong week for Tate Southisene who struggled defensively – committing a trio of errors in a single game last week, but continued to get on-base. There has been lot of discussion about his position of the future, and while this writer believes he can be average to maybe below average at the position, his offensive upside far outweighs and allows you to still have excellent value from the position. So while he struggled in the field, Tate still got
on base 7 times last week, including three walks. Broken down even more – he got on base three of the four games he played, including getting on-base at least twice the other three games he played in.
Owen Carey
6-for-16, 3 BB, 3 RBI, 2B, SB
Owen Carey broke out in a big way last week, getting on-base NINE times last week. While he was susceptible at times at the top or bottom of the zone, he didn’t expand east-west, another incredibly encouraging sign from the 20 year old outfield prospect. While he got off to a slow start, Owen has really started to pick things up – hitting .302 with an .853 OPS. He also has exhibited some of the highest bat speed in the league, adding intrigue to his profile.
Isaiah Drake
7-for-10, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
There may not have been a hotter player last week than Isaiah Drake who only appeared in three games but still got on-base NINE times thanks to hitting a cool .700 on the week. Similarly to Owen Carey, Isaiah got off to a slow start but is now hitting .326 with an .815 OPS making up for lost time due to injury. It appears as though he has updated to the offseason league as well because the quality of his at bats have improved – not chasing, and using his loud tools to wreak havoc on pitching staffs.
Tyler LaPorte
2G, 2.1IP 1H 1ER 2BB 1K
Tyler LaPorte finally blinked, giving up an earned run. Yes, a single earned run. Something he had not done throughout the rest of his time in the AFL. He made up for it, in his second appearance, pitching 1.2 pristine innings – not allowing a hit or a walk. In a league pretty much designed for offense, Tyler has done extremely well, and showcased improved command with his nasty stuff.
Tanner Bauman
1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K
Another zero for Tanner Bauman, as he worked around a walk to work a spotless innings. After a bit of a disastrous start to the AFL where he was being hit hard, Tanner has reined it in, exhibiting much improved command and executing his pitches significantly better. While he doesn’t have the stuff of a Tyler LaPorte, he’s tunneling well and executing the game plan.
Logan Samuels
2G, 2.1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K
A pair of strong outings for Logan Samuels who gave up just one hit across two outings. The former starting pitcher has done well adjusting to the bullpen, and while the stuff has improved a bit, it’s mainly been the execution that has helped him of late.
Owen Hackman
1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K
A surprising single inning of work for Owen Hackman who has taken to the bullpen role very well. The former starter took to the bullpen and had a strong 2026, continuing to show impressive strikeout rates without walking too many hitters. The biggest drawback has been the contact he’s given up, but Owen has done a solid job of limiting it in the AFL.
Briggs McKenzie
2.2IP 7H 6ER 2BB 3K
A frustrating start for Briggs McKenzie who got knocked around quickly – getting into the stretch by his second batter of the game. Briggs mechanics out of the stretch need some improvement, as his command lags well behind where it is out of the windup. It’s been a very weird AFL for Briggs who has looked like one of the best arms one start, and then struggles to get out of an inning his next. The biggest thing for him this period has been building up arm strength and just pitching, which to his credit he has done quite well with.
