The Arizona Fall League will hold their Fall Stars Game tonight at 8:00 PM EST, putting the best participants from the league against each other. The Pittsburgh Pirates will have three prospects representing the National League squad, with Sammy Siani, Geovanny Planchart, and Derek Diamond all making the team.
Siani has been one of the best hitters in the league. The outfielder is batting .406/.472/.594 with three homers in 72 plate appearances. He’s also stolen four bases. Siani got a write-up recently at MLB.com, detailing what has been working for him in the second half of 2024. He’s adjusted his bat path, which is something Siani has been working on for a few seasons. With the sixth-best OPS in the AFL, it looks like the adjustments are working.
Planchart is hitting .345/.457/.586 with two homers and a double in 35 plate appearances across ten games behind the plate. He’s caught 72 innings, and while his defense saw some early uncharacteristic struggles, he’s remained consistent with his hitting. Planchart has been the opposite in pro ball, with solid defense and questions about his bat. This AFL performance is a good segue into Double-A in 2025. Planchart currently ranks fourth among league catchers in OPS.
Diamond has a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings pitched, making one start, but mostly pitching in relief. The right-hander has struck out 12 and walked two, showing his plus control and better swing and miss out of the bullpen. The Pirates have used Diamond as a starter in A-ball the last two seasons, and he could still get some starts in the upper levels. His best shot at the Majors is in the bullpen, and it’s encouraging Diamond is doing so well in that role this offseason. Only three other pitchers in the league have 10+ innings with a lower ERA.
The Fall Stars Game can be streamed on MLB.com and MLB.tv’s offseason package. The AFL has one week remaining, and will conclude with their championship game next Saturday.
