Record (as of 11/1) - 5-16 (L5), 6th in the AFL

Profile: The Peoria Javelinas have found themselves in a tight spot to make the Arizona Fall League playoffs, as their elimination number is just three. Offensively, the Javelinas have posted the league's worst team OPS (.765) and fewest home runs (19) in their 20 games. Infielder Juan Baez (MIL No. 27) has risen above his peers, batting .354/.466/.604 with two doubles, two triples, two homers and 12 RBIs. But despite Baez’s performances, Peoria has failed to produce a consistent offensive campaign.

A large contributor to the Javelinas' lackluster offense is where they are hitting the ball. Peoria has hit into the most ground outs in the league and the second-most double plays, an indicator that there’s an issue with their approach. If the Javelinas wind up clinching a playoff spot, it will be because they’ve alleviated this issue by elevating the baseball.

Adding insult to injury, the Javelinas also have the worst team ERA (9.65) in the league and have allowed 47 more runs than the next-worst team. Of their qualified pitchers, right-hander Brandon White (MIA) has succeeded the most at limiting runs, posting a 4.50 ERA in 14 innings with 14 strikeouts and a 1.14 WHIP. Apart from White, however, the pitching staff lacks control, as they lead the league in walks (128) as well.

Notable Players:

Ethan Salas, C (MLB No. 19, SD No. 1) - Despite turning just 18 years old this June, Salas has captured the attention of major league teams. While his numbers in the minors don’t jump off the page (.657 OPS across multiple levels), his maturity has made him a standout prospect and an intriguing name to watch in the coming years. His best tool is his arm, which has already prevented several AFL hitters from swiping second base so far, and his plus power has shown itself in Salas’ five doubles and two home runs. Salas is projected to make his major league debut in late 2026.

Colt Emerson, SS (MLB No. 27, SEA No. 1) - Emerson has been part of a unique draft class for Seattle that has prioritized high school talent over college athletes. The 2023 first-round pick has impressed in the minors so far, batting .290 with six homers and 27 doubles in 94 games between the Arizona Complex League and High-A Everett. His hit tool has shined in the AFL so far, helping him maintain a .370/.435/.537 slash with a league-leading nine doubles in 13 games. As his skills develop, the Mariners will have the difficult task of finding a spot on the field for Emerson, with Justin Crawford and Jorge Polanco heading the middle infield respectively.  

Isaac Gallegos, RHP (ATL) - Gallegos was drafted 489th overall in the 2023 draft, but on paper, it shows he should’ve been drafted much higher. Across three levels this past minor league season, Gallegos posted a 3.00 ERA in 27 innings with an impressive 13.33 K/9. In that same period, he’s only surrendered one home run, a testament to his ability to induce weak contact and keep it on the infield. His work in the minors this year has translated well to the AFL, as he’s posted a 2.45 ERA in five appearances with 13 strikeouts and no homers allowed. Gallegos is a name to look out for heading into the 2025 minor league season.

Recent Play: The Peoria Javelinas fell to the Surprise Saguaros 2-1 on Friday, November 1st.

Scoring began in the third inning when right fielder Quincy Hamilton (HOU) blasted a solo home run off the batter’s eye in center to give the Saguaros an early 1-0 lead. Hamilton’s fourth homer of the season shot off the bat at 106.2 MPH, traveling 448 feet in the process.

The Saguaros picked up an insurance run in the eighth following a two-out opposite-field RBI single from designated hitter Kody Huff (CLE), doubling their lead to make it 2-0 Surprise.

The Javelinas picked up their first hit in the eighth inning, a single up the middle by Luis Lara (MIL No. 17) after going hitless through the first seven frames. Leandro Lopez (TEX) and Josh Stephan (TEX No. 25) were perfect up to that point, surrendering no hits or free passes while striking out 12 batters.

A lead-off walk in the ninth led to Peoria’s first rally of the ballgame. With two on and two out, Baez singled to short and advanced to second on an error to give the Javelinas their first run. But the rally would come to a close, as David McCabe (ATL) struck out swinging to end the ballgame and give Surprise the 2-1 victory.

Peoria’s pitching staff was excellent, especially Ryan Bergert (SD No. 25) who pitched four innings of one-run ball, striking out seven and walking just two. The bullpen followed up

Bergert’s performance with five quality innings of their own.

Hitting was the obvious undoing for the Javelinas, as they went just 3-31 at the plate with 16 strikeouts in total. Of those strikeouts, five were looking.

Upcoming Games:

Saturday, November 2nd @ Surprise Saguaros

Monday, November 4th @ Scottsdale Scorpions

Tuesday, November 5th vs. Surprise Saguaros