Brewers Send Seven Prospects to Arizona Fall League
Seven Milwaukee Brewers prospects are heading to the desert for the 2026 Arizona Fall League, joining the Scottsdale Scorpions for a high-stakes autumn campaign.
The desert heat begins to shimmer over the dirt before the first pitch is even thrown. Seven Milwaukee Brewers prospects are packing their bags for the Arizona Fall League, where the air is dry and the stakes are high. They will join the Scottsdale Scorpions, a team built from the raw talent of the Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, and Detroit Tigers. The season kicks off on Saturday, October 3, setting the stage for a month of intense competition under the clear blue sky.
Outfielder Braylon Payne and corner infielder Eric Bitonti lead the charge. Payne, a speed-first outfielder selected 17th overall in 2024, is on the verge of breaking into the Top 100 rankings. Bitonti, a 6-foot-5 left-handed hitter, brings raw power and a developing eye at the plate. Alongside them are right-handers Ryan Birchard, Miqueas Mercedes, and Josh Quezada, left-hander Jose Meneses, and catcher Matthew Wood. Each player carries a distinct narrative, a mix of promise and performance that will be tested in the fall.
Speed and Power Take Center Stage
Payne’s journey has been a surge of kinetic energy. After hitting eight home runs in Single-A Carolina, he exploded this year with 28. His .277 average at both High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi, coupled with a combined OPS above .900 and 25 stolen bases, paints a picture of a player who can do it all. He is fast, he is dangerous, and he is ready for the next level. The desert will be the proving ground for his potential to develop the power that scouts have long anticipated.
Bitonti offers a different kind of threat. His strikeout rate remains high, sitting at 32.9% this season, but his walk rate has climbed to nearly 17%. His OPS jumped from .761 to .916, and his batting average rose to .270. In 111 games with High-A Wisconsin, he hit 25 home runs and drove in 88 runs. He is learning to manage his swing, to find the right balance between power and control. This fall will be crucial in determining where he fits in the Brewers' crowded infield.
Armed with Experience and Promise
The pitching staff brings a mix of veteran experience and fresh talent. Ryan Birchard has been to this desert before, pitching for the Peoria Javelinas in 2024 and earning a spot on the AFL Rising Stars team. This season, he posted a 4.68 ERA in 34 appearances with Double-A Biloxi. He knows the game, he knows the atmosphere, and he is ready to take on the challenge again. His presence adds a layer of stability to the group.
Miqueas Mercedes, a 20-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic, brings a polished command. He posted a 2.81 ERA in 73 2/3 innings at Single-A this season. Jose Meneses, a left-hander from Venezuela, operates as a high-leverage reliever. Despite his small frame, he posted a 2.21 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP, striking out 72 batters in 57 innings. Josh Quezada, a right-hander from Nicaragua, posted a 5.40 ERA in 45 innings with Single-A Wilson. Each pitcher brings a unique set of skills and a drive to succeed.
Catcher Wood Anchors the Group
Matthew Wood is the only catcher in the group, a distinction that adds depth to the roster. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022 out of Penn State, he is 25 years old and brings a mature approach to the game. In his first full season with Biloxi, he posted an .898 OPS with 18 home runs. His plate discipline is exceptional, with 71 walks against 52 strikeouts in 95 games. His wRC+ of 134 highlights his value to the team. He is a leader, a protector, and a key piece of the Brewers' future.
As the AFL season opens, these seven prospects will step onto the field with high hopes and even higher expectations. The desert will test their skills, their resilience, and their ability to adapt. The championship game is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at Peoria Stadium, and the Fall Stars Game will take place on November 8 at Salt River Fields. This is not just a fall league; it is a launchpad for the future. The Brewers are betting on these players, and the world will be watching. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the stage is set for a memorable autumn.
