North Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas baseball fans will have plenty to cheer about as a group of native players, former Razorbacks, and several current and future Arkansas Travelers head west for Major League Baseball’s 2025 Arizona Fall League. The annual league, which features top MLB prospects, runs from Oct. 6 through Nov. 15 and includes a Home Run Derby on Nov. 8 and the Fall Stars Game on Nov. 9.
Among those representing the Natural State are three players with deep Arkansas roots. Tyler Cleveland, a pitcher from East End and a current member of the Arkansas Travelers, will suit up for the Peoria Javelinas. Maumelle native Connor McCullough is set to play for the Glendale Desert Dogs, while Conway’s James Hicks joins the Scottsdale Scorpions for the fall season. These players not only carry the pride of their hometowns but also showcase the growing talent pipeline from Arkansas to professional baseball’s next level.
Adding to the excitement, two former Razorbacks will participate in this year’s Arizona Fall League. Hagen Smith, currently a pitcher in the Chicago White Sox organization, will also play for the Glendale Desert Dogs, while Mark Adamiak, part of the Oakland Athletics’ system, will join the Mesa Solar Sox. Their participation underscores the continued presence of Arkansas-trained talent on the national stage, connecting collegiate success with professional development.
The Peoria Javelinas, one of the six AFL teams, will feature four current Arkansas Travelers as part of the Seattle Mariners’ contingent. Alongside Cleveland, pitchers Marcelo Perez and Stefan Raeth and infielder Brock Rodden are expected to bring their strong seasons to the Arizona desert. In addition, Travelers’ pitchers Christian Little and Brock Moore, as well as outfielder Jonny Farmelo, are likely to see action during the 2026 season, signaling that Arkansas players will continue to play a key role in the Mariners’ system in the near future.
This year’s Arizona Fall League also boasts a collection of other Texas League stars. Prospects such as Sebastian Walcott of the Texas Rangers, who appeared in North Little Rock twice during the 2025 season, and Ethan Salas from the Padres will join the league. Royals infielder Carson Roccaforte, Diamondbacks outfielder Yordin Chalas, and future Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula will also participate, providing fans with a showcase of some of the sport’s most promising young talent.
For Arkansas baseball fans, the Arizona Fall League presents an opportunity to see familiar faces from their local teams and college programs compete at a high level against some of the best prospects in professional baseball. The league not only highlights individual skill but also provides a glimpse into the future stars of MLB.
“The Arizona Fall League is a great stage for our players to gain experience and measure themselves against top prospects from across the country,” said an Arkansas Travelers spokesperson. “It’s exciting to see so many players with ties to Arkansas performing at this level and representing the state on a national stage.”
With the season set to start in early October, fans will be keeping an eye on Cleveland, McCullough, Hicks, Smith, and Adamiak, among others, as they take their talents to the desert and continue Arkansas’ tradition of producing professional baseball talent. For more information on the league or participating players, MLB.com provides full rosters and schedules for the 2025 Arizona Fall League.
