Arizona Diamondback Farm System: The Diamondbacks’ system is led by Ryan Waldschmidt and features a deep mix of athletic hitters, projectable arms, and developmental upside that could yield valuable fantasy contributors over time.
Summary
The Diamondbacks’ system features a compelling mix of athletic hitters, projectable arms, and polished college performers. Ryan Waldschmidt stands out as the clear top prospect, blending solid bat speed, zone control, and power-speed upside. Slade Caldwell and Tommy Troy offer complementary skill sets—Caldwell with twitchy leadoff traits and Troy with compact power and OBP skills..
Just behind them are several players with fantasy upside but more risk or developmental hurdles. Kristian Robinson still has power-speed traits and improved zone control, but durability and role uncertainty temper his ceiling. Druw Jones flashes elite tools, but his swing and approach remain raw. Patrick Forbes and Kayson Cunningham possess starter traits, but questions remain about their physicality and platoon splits.
It’s a deep system, and while not all will pan out, the system is rich with fantasy intrigue—especially for dynasty managers willing to bet on tools, development curves, and breakout potential.
AI-Assisted Fantasy Tiers: Methodology and Observations
AI has made significant strides in all aspects of our lives. Over the past four years, I have compiled 500,000 words of personal scouting narratives, which have formed the foundation for training my own AI assistant. This assistant now evaluates prospects and assigns fantasy tiers exclusively based on the insights and observations contained in my write-ups.
After requesting that my AI assistant generate fantasy tiers using this year’s reports, I found that the AI’s rankings generally align with my own assessments. However, there are some cases where the AI’s evaluations differ from my personal rankings. I am sharing those differences here for your consideration.
🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets
- Ryan Waldschmidt – Athletic, explosive bat speed, power/speed upside
- Slade Caldwell – Twitchy athlete with OBP skills, plus runner, leadoff potential
- Tommy Troy – First-round pedigree, compact swing, OBP/power blend
- Kristian Robinson – Power/speed blend, zone control returning, near MLB-ready
🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets
- Druw Jones – Tools intact, improved K-rate and stolen bases, but swing/approach still raw
- Mitch Bratt – Low-stuff, high-pitchability lefty finding success in Double-A
- Patrick Forbes – Big arm, plus slider, starter/closer ceiling; control and platoon risk
- Demetrio Cristantes – Bat-to-ball skills, speed, and improving power but needs to stay healthy
- Kayson Cunningham – Hit tool remains strong, but age/physicality/power ceiling temper upside
- JD Dix – Switch-hitter with speed, contact, and developing power
🥉 Tier 3: Outside of the Impact/Everyday Targets
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2026 Player Profiles
1. Ryan Waldschmidt (OF)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 OF
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Athletic, explosive bat speed, power/speed upside
Ryan Waldschmidt joined the Diamondbacks as a supplemental first-round pick in 2024, earned via Corbin Carroll’s Rookie of the Year bonus. Drafted out of Kentucky, Waldschmidt brought a mature offensive profile and a resilient athletic track record, having rebounded from a major knee injury to post standout production. His blend of plate discipline, bat speed, and basepath aggression made him a natural fit for Arizona’s developmental pipeline.
At the plate, Waldschmidt pairs a 16% walk rate with a 17.6% strikeout rate, underscoring his advanced zone control. He generates above-average bat speed and has the physicality to project 15–20 home run power. On the bases, he’s shown both intent and recovery—stealing 25 bags in his draft year, skipping running in 2024, and then swiping 29 bases on 39 attempts in 2025. That trajectory suggests a well-rounded offensive contributor with durability and adaptability.
Already a consensus top-100 prospect, Waldschmidt is relevant in mixed-league formats and trending upward. His .280 average, OBP skills, and 15–15 baseline give him category juice, and there’s room for more if the power continues to climb. Dynasty managers should treat him as a near-ready asset with everyday upside, especially in formats that reward walks and speed. He’s a strong bet to debut in 2026 and could quickly settle into a top-60 fantasy outfielder role.
2. Slade Caldwell (OF)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 45 OF
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Twitchy athlete with OBP skills, plus runner, leadoff potential
Slade Caldwell entered the Diamondbacks system with immediate comparisons to Corbin Carroll, and not just because of his stature. At 5-foot-7, Caldwell is undersized but explosive, showcasing elite speed and advanced zone control. His bat speed is a standout trait, and while his physicality may limit his ultimate power ceiling, he’s shown enough offensive polish to project as a dynamic top-of-the-order threat. Arizona’s track record with similar profiles adds optimism to his developmental arc.
Caldwell’s first full season came with growing pains. Across 114 games at Low and High-A, he posted a 27% strikeout rate, revealing some swing-and-miss risk. Still, his 17.6% walk rate reflects a disciplined approach and a strong understanding of the strike zone. That combination—high walks, high strikeouts—suggests a passive approach that could benefit from more aggression. Given his age (he won’t turn 20 until next June), there’s ample time for refinement, especially as he adjusts to pro-level velocity and sequencing.
From a fantasy perspective, Caldwell is a long-term play with category juice. His speed alone could yield 20+ steals annually, and if the hit tool stabilizes, he’ll offer a strong OBP foundation. Power may settle in the 6–10 HR range, but even modest pop paired with elite speed and on-base skills can drive value in deeper formats. Dynasty managers should monitor his contact gains closely—if he trims the strikeouts and maintains his walk rate, he could emerge as a Carroll-lite contributor with top-100 upside.
3. Tommy Troy (2B)
- Highest Level: Triple-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 2B
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: First-round pedigree, compact swing, OBP/power blend
Tommy Troy was the Diamondbacks’ first-round pick in 2023, and after an injury-marred 2024, he bounced back with a strong showing in 2025. Athletic and compact at 5-foot-10, Troy brings above-average bat speed and a well-rounded offensive foundation. While his frame suggests average power, his contact quality and swing decisions point to a hitter capable of driving the ball into gaps and producing steady doubles power.
In 2025, Troy began adding leverage to his swing, resulting in a career-high 12 home runs at Double-A before earning a promotion to Triple-A. There, he slashed .307/.388/.449, showcasing improved plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills. His BABIP remained modest, reinforcing the legitimacy of his gains. With continued refinement, Troy could push his power ceiling higher without sacrificing contact, making him one of the more intriguing breakout candidates heading into 2026.
For fantasy, Troy is trending toward everyday relevance with multi-category appeal. A .270–.280 average, 10–15 HR power, and solid OBP skills make him viable in deeper formats, especially if he earns a prominent lineup spot. If the swing path continues to evolve, he could push into 15–20 HR territory and become a mixed-league asset. Dynasty managers should treat him as a hold with upward mobility—he’s a strong breakout candidate for 2026 and could be a top-10 second base option within two years.
4. LuJames “Gino” Groover (3B)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 3B or Top 15 1B
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Corner bat with some pop; needs more impact
LuJames Groover was selected by the Diamondbacks in the second round of the 2023 draft and signed for slot value. After a solid but unspectacular 2024, he returned to Double-A in 2025 and showed encouraging signs of growth, particularly in his exit velocity. That improvement helped drive a .309 batting average, buoyed by a jump in BABIP. However, as with the previous season, his power output faded over time, finishing with a .434 slugging percentage. The underlying traits suggest more pop is coming, but it hasn’t consistently surfaced yet.
Defensively, Groover has settled in at third base after spending time at first in 2024. His arm strength and lateral mobility support the position, and his versatility could be a key asset as he approaches the majors. With Arizona’s big-league roster already crowded, a shift to a corner outfield spot might be the path to playing time. The organization has shown a willingness to move players around to get their bats in the lineup, and Groover’s profile fits that mold.
For fantasy, Groover projects as a batting average asset with latent power and multi-positional eligibility. If the power clicks, he could push toward Top 15 third base status, especially in formats that value contact and lineup flexibility. Dynasty managers should be patient—there’s enough here to justify a hold, and his proximity to the majors makes him a candidate for early 2026 impact.
5. Jansel Luis (SS/2B/3B)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 2B
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Athletic infielder with contact skills with potential power in the future
Jansel Luis may not jump off the stat sheet, but he’s a name that consistently draws praise from those familiar with the Diamondbacks system. A premium athlete with twitchy bat speed and plus running ability, Luis has the physical foundation to grow into a dynamic contributor. His swing is aggressive—he’s not shy about attacking early—but his hand-eye coordination allows him to make consistent, above-average contact despite the approach. As he continues to mature physically, there’s reason to believe the power will follow.
Luis has already shown strong instincts on the basepaths, with high success rates in stolen base attempts. His offensive game is still raw, but the tools are evident. The bat speed is real, and while the power hasn’t surfaced yet, evaluators believe it’s coming. His profile draws comparisons to Maikel Garcia, who took time to refine his plate discipline before unlocking more impact. Luis may follow a similar path, especially if he can temper the aggression and improve his swing decisions.
For fantasy, Luis is a long-view investment with athletic upside. He’s widely available in deeper dynasty formats and worth stashing for managers willing to be patient. The speed gives him a floor, and if the power develops as expected, he could become a multi-category contributor. His contact skills and physicality suggest a chance to outperform expectations once the approach tightens—making him a sneaky upside play for rebuilders or deep farm systems.
6. Demetrio Crisantes (2B)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2026-27 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 15 2B with upside
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Bat-to-ball skills, speed, and improving power but needs to stay healthy
Deometrio Crisantes was trending toward a breakout in 2025 before a mid-May shoulder injury derailed his season. Through 36 games, he slashed .252/.358/.415 with more walks than strikeouts (13.9% BB rate vs. 12.6% K rate), and his low .257 BABIP hinted at even more upside. The injury required season-ending surgery and marked his second major arm issue—he previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. Despite the setbacks, Crisantes showed enough in his abbreviated campaign to remain a high-priority developmental piece.
Crisantes brings a polished hit tool and sneaky strength, with the potential for average to above-average power. He’s not a burner, but his instincts and aggression on the bases are notable—he stole 30 bags in 2024 and was 6-for-7 before the injury in 2025. His swing decisions and zone control give him a strong OBP foundation, and his compact swing allows him to handle velocity and adjust to sequencing. While Franklin Arias is further along and currently healthy, Crisantes offers a similar offensive toolkit with a bit more physicality.
For fantasy purposes, Crisantes offers a strong blend of hit tool, OBP skills, and speed that should appeal to dynasty managers. His 15–15 baseline with batting average stability makes him a viable long-term asset, especially in formats that reward walks and stolen bases. If the shoulder heals cleanly and the power continues to develop, he could push into everyday lineup relevance. The offensive skill set is comparable to Franklin Arias, but with a touch more physicality—making Crisantes a worthwhile hold with upward mobility once healthy.
7. Kayson Cunningham (SS, #18)
- Highest Level: Low-A ETA: 2028-29 Fantasy Ceiling: Middle Infielder with upside
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Hit tool remains strong, but age/physicality/power ceiling temper upside
Kayson Cunningham was selected 18th overall by the Diamondbacks in the 2025 draft and signed for slot value. Regarded as one of the best pure hitters in the high school class, Cunningham entered pro ball with a reputation for elite contact skills and zone discipline. However, his first taste of Low-A ball was uneven—he hit .255 with 15 strikeouts in 11 games, showing more swing-and-miss than expected. While it’s a small sample, it highlighted the adjustment period ahead as he transitions from prep dominance to pro-level pitching.
Physically, Cunningham is compact at 5-foot-9 and not especially projectable, which limits his power ceiling. His swing plane and frame suggest average pop at best, likely settling into a gap-to-gap profile with high doubles totals rather than home run production. He is a plus runner and should retain his speed through the early stages of his career, giving him a chance to impact the game on the bases. Notably, he was one of the oldest high school players in the draft, turning 19 shortly after being selected—an outlier in a system that often prioritizes younger, more projectable talent.
From a fantasy standpoint, Cunningham is a long-term developmental piece with hit-tool driven upside. His contact ability and speed give him a foundation for future value, especially in formats that reward batting average and stolen bases. The lack of physicality may cap his ceiling, but if he refines his approach and maintains his speed, he could grow into a steady contributor. Dynasty managers should treat him as a slow-burn asset—one worth tracking closely but not yet ready to anchor a farm system.
8. Mitch Bratt (LHP)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 60 SP with upside
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Low-stuff, high-pitchability lefty finding success in Double-A.
Evaluating pitchability is one of the most challenging aspects of player development. For instance, if you possess a great change-up, you can succeed in the lower minor leagues because 18-year-olds haven’t encountered many good change-ups in their careers. If you can pitch to the black, you can exploit most poor hitters that populate A-Ball rosters. Finally, deception can wreak havoc at all levels. All of these pitching aspects are crucial, and when you have a 97 MPH fastball, you have ace potential. However, if you throw 90 MPH, it raises the question of whether you will be exposed in the upper levels of the minor leagues.
Mitch Bratt fits the definition of a low-stuff, high-pitchability pitcher. His fastball sits in the low 90s but has great backspin, allowing him to challenge hitters at the upper part of the zone. He hides the ball well and commands his pitches effectively. He pitched exceptionally well in A-Ball, striking out more than a batter per inning while keeping his walks low. Late in 2024, he was promoted to Double-A and started 2025 back at the same level, where he was dominant. At the trade deadline, he was traded to the Diamondbacks, where he finished the season in Double-A, posting a 3.98 ERA, striking out 12 per nine innings while only walking 1.4 per nine.
Fantasy managers should see Bratt as a reliable, high-floor, number four starter with upside. The outlook could improve if he gains more velocity. Given his proximity to Arizona, he should be considered in most Dynasty League formats at this time.
9. Kristian Robinson (OF)
- Highest Level: Double-A ETA: 2026 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 50 OF with contact risk
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Power/speed blend, zone control returning, near MLB-ready
Kristian Robinson’s journey back to relevance has been long and winding, but his 2025 campaign offered a compelling reminder of the talent that once made him one of the most hyped prospects in baseball. After hitting just .214 in his return season, Robinson rebounded with a .254/.371/.447 slash line across 116 games between Double and Triple-A. The power-speed combo reemerged—17 home runs and 34 stolen bases—and his 21% chase rate suggests he’s regained a solid feel for the zone.
Robinson’s physical tools have never been in question. He’s explosive, with plus raw power and above-average speed, and his bat-to-ball skills looked sharper in 2025 than they had in years. The swing decisions were more refined, and he showed the ability to adjust to upper-level pitching. While off-field issues and developmental rust delayed his path to the majors, he’s now positioned to compete for a role in 2026, especially if Arizona looks to inject athleticism into its outfield mix.
For fantasy, Robinson is firmly back on the radar. The speed and power with OBP skills give him category juice, and his proximity to the majors makes him a viable stash in dynasty formats. He’s also draftable in deeper seasonal leagues with bench depth or Draft and Hold structures. If the contact gains hold and he earns regular playing time, Robinson could quickly reestablish himself as a power-speed contributor with everyday upside.
10. Druw Jones (OF)
- Highest Level: High-A ETA: 2027 Fantasy Ceiling: Top 40 OF with risk
- Last Updated: 12/12/2025
- Tools Summary: Tools intact, improved K-rate and stolen bases, but swing/approach still raw
Druw Jones’s early professional career has been marked by frustration and inconsistency, much of it tied to injuries that disrupted his development. While the stat line hasn’t lived up to expectations, the underlying tools remain intact—his athleticism and bat speed still flash, and he continues to show glimpses of impact potential. That said, his contact skills and ability to elevate the ball remain areas of concern, and his approach has been tentative, with too much chase and not enough zone aggression.
In 2025, Jones made incremental progress. He lowered his strikeout rate from 28% to 23%, a meaningful step forward, and swiped 28 bases in 32 attempts, reaffirming his speed and instincts. However, a 51% ground ball rate and continued passivity at the plate suggest the swing and approach still need work. He’s not driving the ball consistently, and his reluctance to attack hittable pitches has limited his impact. These are fixable traits, but they require time, reps, and confidence—especially for a player whose development was delayed by injury.
For fantasy, Jones remains a hold in dynasty formats. The tools are too loud to ignore, and the recent gains in strikeout rate and stolen bases hint at a player beginning to turn the corner. The swing needs refinement, and the approach must evolve, but the upside is still considerable. Dynasty managers should stay patient for one more season—if the adjustments click, Jones could reemerge as a power-speed contributor with everyday upside.
