The San Francisco Giants have announced their roster for the upcoming Arizona Fall League (AFL), showcasing a blend of promising young talent and a significant player on the comeback trail. This strategic deployment aims to provide crucial developmental opportunities for rising stars within the organization and facilitate the return of a key bullpen arm. The contingent includes a rehabbing closer poised for a 2027 return, along with several high-potential position players and pitchers who are making their way through the Giants' farm system. This initiative underscores the team's ongoing commitment to cultivating its talent pipeline and ensuring future success.
Among the most notable assignments is Randy Rodriguez, the Giants' closer who has been sidelined all season following Tommy John surgery last September. Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch for the Scottsdale Scorpions as part of his recovery process. In 2025, before his injury, the 27-year-old right-hander was a dominant force, consistently hitting 100 mph with his fastball and maintaining an impressive 1.78 ERA with a 2.40 FIP. His successful stint in the AFL is critical for him to be ready for the 2027 season, provided there are no further setbacks.
Joining Rodriguez in the AFL spotlight is Dakota Jordan, rated as the Giants' top prospect participating in the league. Jordan, an outfielder, demonstrated significant progress throughout 2026, advancing from High-A Eugene to Double-A Richmond. Across both levels, he posted a .283 batting average with an .843 OPS, contributing 19 home runs and 28 doubles over 102 games. His performance in the AFL will be a key indicator of his readiness for higher levels of competition. Additionally, the roster features recent trade acquisitions Miguel Mendez, a right-handed pitcher from the San Diego Padres, and infielder Kaeden Kent, son of Giants Hall of Famer Jeff Kent, who arrived from the New York Yankees. Kent had a strong 2026 season, batting .298/.350/.440 with 24 stolen bases across High-A affiliates before being promoted to Double-A Richmond for their playoff series.
The Giants are also sending a group of emerging pitching talents to the AFL, signaling a strong focus on bolstering their pitching depth. Alexander Fuentes, a 21-year-old right-hander signed in 2023, was recently assigned to Single-A San Jose. Another intriguing arm is Drake George, who missed the entire 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery but has reportedly seen his fastball touch 97 mph in recent live batting practice sessions. These young flamethrowers represent the future of the Giants' pitching staff. Infielder Dalton Wentz, a 2026 16th-round draft pick from Wake Forest, also makes the roster after a solid showing in High-A Eugene, where he slashed .265/.368/.429 with a .797 OPS over 13 games. Rounding out the pitching contingent is Darien Smith, a 26-year-old who moved from High-A to Triple-A this year, recording a 3.42 ERA across 14 appearances, including 10 starts.
The collective assignment of these players to the Arizona Fall League reflects the San Francisco Giants' comprehensive strategy for player development and rehabilitation. By providing high-level competition and dedicated coaching, the organization aims to accelerate the growth of its top prospects while ensuring a smooth and effective return for essential players like Randy Rodriguez. The experience gained in the AFL will be instrumental in shaping the future composition and competitiveness of the Giants' major league roster, as these talents continue their journey toward contributing at the highest level of professional baseball.
