Arizona Fall League announces new MLB affiliates for 2026

By Mark Carlisle
Mail | X: @mwcarlisle

After another round of musical chairs, all 30 MLB teams have found a new seat for the upcoming Arizona Fall League season.

Arizona Fall League features many top prospects from all 30 MLB, some of whom may break into the majors as early as next season. Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle won the 2025 Arizona Fall League MVP and this season was an MLB All-Star and is now the front-runner for American League Rookie of the Year.

Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle throws to first while playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions in 2025. McGonigle won the 2025 Arizona Fall League MVP and this season was an MLB All-Star and is now the front-runner for American League Rookie of the Year.

(Courtesy Arizona Fall League)

Each of the six teams in the Fall League fields prospects from five MLB teams, with most teams changing affiliations each year. The new affiliations for the 2026 season were announced on Monday, along with the league’s 2026 schedule.

Read more: The 2026 Arizona Fall League schedule is here

The 10 MLB teams that play spring training at one of the six Fall League stadiums remain consistent every year. The Chicago Cubs’ Sloan Park in Mesa is the home field for the Mesa Solar Sox, but the Athletics, who play in Mesa’s Hohokam Stadium, are also annually paired with the Solar Sox.

The other 19 MLB teams change affiliations each year.

2026 Arizona Fall League teams

(host MLB teams on the same team each year in bold)

Glendale Desert Dogs: Dodgers, White Sox, Braves, Marlins, Pirates

Mesa Solar Sox: Cubs, Athletics, Angels, Blue Jays, Red Sox

Peoria Javelinas: Mariners, Padres, Cardinals, Orioles, Reds

Salt River Rafters: Diamondbacks, Rockies, Nationals, Twins, Yankees

Scottsdale Scorpions: Giants, Astros, Brewers, Rays, Tigers

Surprise Saguaros: Rangers, Royals, Guardians, Mets, Phillies

This graphic shows which MLB teams are affiliated with each Arizona Fall League team for the 2026 season.

(Courtesy Arizona Fall League)

MLB teams are paired with an Arizona Fall League team to balance the team’s roster. Five MLB teams each wanting to send a catcher to play in the Fall League wouldn’t be placed on the same Fall League team, for example.

The reigning champion Surprise Saguaros keep three-fifths of their makeup from last season, with the Cleveland Guardians rejoining the host Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies were also on last year’s championship team.

The Saguaros have won three of the last four Fall League championships. Salt River last won in 2024, Mesa in 2021, Peoria in 2017 and Scottsdale in 2015. Glendale has the longest championship drought, last winning as the Phoenix Desert Dogs in 2008.

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Mark Carlisle
Associate Editor | Phoenix

mcarlisle@iniusa.org

Meet Mark

Mark Carlisle joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, covering Glendale. He has since moved to the Daily Independent team, primarily covering the city of Phoenix along with other topics affecting the Valley at-large.

Community: Mark enjoys taking his two young sons to parks, the Phoenix Zoo, the Phoenix Public Library  and other fun events around the Valley. He also participates in a local book club.

Education: Chapman University with a BA in English Journalism and one in Screenwriting.

Random Fact: Mark worked at a tuxedo shop in college. Just don’t ask him to tie a bowtie.

 Hobbies: Spending time with his wife, sons and dog, watching sports and TV shows, listening to audiobooks and occasionally writing fiction or designing a board game.