The Arizona Diamondbacks officially have their new farm system settled with Major League Baseball’s realignment of the minors. Each affiliate has signed a new ten year agreement with the Diamondbacks organization. Arizona has one of the top ranked farm systems in MLB so fans in each market with a Dbacks affiliate can expect to see some of the organization’s top prospects. MLB’s new realignment saw 42 teams cut from Minor League Baseball (MiLB) with MLB taking over full control of MiLB operations.
Changes also included the end of the Rookie-Advanced and Single-A Short Season levels. The number of minor league teams dropped from 162 to 120. Many teams that were cut either went the summer collegiate wood-bat or professional independent league route with a few teams folding up shop.
The Dbacks extended their affiliations with three franchises while welcoming a new one. Arizona extended their affiliations with the Reno Aces (AAA), Hillsboro Hops (High-A) and the Visalia Rawhide (Low-A). However, this saw the Rawhide drop from High-A to Low-A with the Hillsboro Hops going from Short Season-A to High-A. At the Double-A level, Arizona welcomed the Amarillo Sod Poodles. Arizona’s previous Double-A affiliate, the Jackson Generals were among the cuts in Minor League Baseball (MiLB).
High-A changes and more
The Hops will see an increase of 56 games as they make the jump to full season baseball. Hillsboro will now play 132 games instead of 76. Each minor league rebranded to a more regional based name. Previously known as the Northwest League, Hillsboro will now compete in a six team league known as the High-A West.
Fans in Hillsboro and other markets in the High-A West will have more opportunities to get out to the ballpark and see higher level baseball. The move also includes additional upgrades to ballparks around the league. It also means an earlier start to the season with the potential for rainouts and doubleheaders.
The Rawhide previously played in the California League which will now be known as the Low-A West. The Amarillo Sod Poodles were previously affiliated with the San Diego Padres for the 2019 season and were members of the Double-A Texas League which will now be known as the Double-A Central.
Corbin Carroll
With some of the top prospects in MLB, the Diamondbacks have an exciting future ahead. On MLB’s top prospects list, outfielder Corbin Carroll sits at 47. In 31 games in the AZL rookie league, Carroll batted .288 with six doubles, three triples, two home runs and 14 RBIs with a total of 32 hits. Carroll was then promoted to the Hillsboro Hops at Single-A Short Season level.
In Hillsboro, Carroll played in 11 games batting .326 with three doubles, four triples, and six RBIs with a total of 14 hits. However, for Carroll one thing to watch with him is his speed. He pulls triples out of what otherwise might be singles or doubles and collected 16 stolen bases in the AZL rookie league and two in Hillsboro. Expect Carroll to start the 2021 season with the Low-A Visalia Rawhide with the potential for him to quickly make his way back to Hillsboro at the High-A level.
Kristian Robinson
Kristian Robinson checks in at 55 on MLB’s top prospects list. In 2019 Robinson spent 44 games with Hillsboro at the Single-A Short Season level batting .319. This included ten doubles, one triple, nine home runs and 35 RBIs with a total of 52 hits. Robinson also collected 14 stolen bases with Hillsboro.
He was then promoted to the Kane County Cougars where he batted .217 including three doubles, one triple, five home runs and 16 RBIs with a total of 20 hits. He also collected three stolen bases during his time in Kane County. Expect Robinson to start the 2021 season with the Low-A Visalia Rawhide.
Geraldo Perdomo
Checking in at 79 on MLB’s top prospects list is Geraldo Perdomo. In 2019 Perdomo spent 90 games with Low-A Kane County. He batted .268 including 16 doubles, three triples, two home runs, 36 RBIs with a total of 84 hits. Perdomo also collected 20 stolen bases during his time with Kane County.
He was then promoted to High-A Visalia where he played 26 games. In 26 games with Visalia, Perdomo collected five doubles, one home run and 11 RBIs with a total of 28 hits. He also snagged six stolen bases with Visalia. Expect Perdomo to start the 2021 season with the High-A Hillsboro Hops.
