The Cincinnati Reds once again find themselves as a provider of players for the Peoria Javelinas in this year’s Arizona Fall League. While not all of the work has come at their farm system’s expense, the Javelinas do find themselves atop the six-team standings at 14-10 at the moment, and that’s where they stood when the participants in Sunday’s AFL Fall Star Game were announced.
Three prospects off the Cincinnati farm were included on the roster for the National League side, including promising powerful
young outfielder Yerlin Confidan. He sits tied for 10th in the league with 20 hits to his name to date, and he’s hitting .339/.371/.627 (.998 OPS) through 59 PA in what’s become a showcase for his toolsy repertoire. He’s also going to participate in the AFL Home Run Derby on Saturday.
Joining Confidan is infielder Carlos Sanchez, who’s having an equally impressive run of form in AFL play so far. Through 17 games (58 PA) he has walked as many times (14) as he has struck out (14), and has popped 4 homers in route to a .259/.397/.534 line. Considering he’s still just 21 and mowed through High-A Dayton to the tune of .313/.409/.504 (.912 OPS) in 325 PA before a mid-season promotion to AA Chattanooga, I’m more and more believing the Reds may be on to something with him.
Righty Luke Holman is having his own breakout in AFL play so far. The oft-injured former 2nd round pick out of LSU has been stellar so far through 13.0 IP (5 G), allowing just a lone earned run while fanning 20 against just 7 walks. It’s great to see him not only back healthy, but also shining given a) his journey through surgeries and recoveries since being drafted in 2024 and b) how thin the pitching depth in the Reds system has become of late.
The game will be carried via MLB.com, with first pitch slated to be thrown shortly after 8 PM ET.
