The Chicago White Sox have finalized the group of players that will participate in Arizona Fall League (AFL) play after the season ends.
Jared Mitchell and Brandon Jacobs will now be joining Charles Leesman, Chris Bassitt, Micah Johnson, Marcus Semien, Kevin Vance and Stephen McCray on the roster of the Glendale Desert Dogs, per MLB.com’s White Sox beat writer Scott Merkin.
While the AFL is a great chance for all eight to refine their games and legitimize an invitation to spring training next year, five of them will help—or hurt—their standing within the organization the most.
A speed burner, a draft pick on the verge of being a washout and a newly acquired outfielder are among those who will be closely watched by the White Sox when the River Dogs begin the AFL season on October 8 against the Mesa Solar Sox.
Let’s start things off by looking at the three players who will not be featured, and why.