Arizona's AFL spotlight centers on Jansel Luis, Kyle Amendt and David Hagaman, the D-backs' trio for 2025 exposure. Luis brings elite speed and baserunning, hinting at a future leadoff profile even as power lags. Amendt, the oldest and highest-up the org ladder, carries a plus fastball and deceptive delivery that could lift him into a late-inning/rotation role by 2026. Hagaman, with a three-pitch mix and a live arm, shows starter potential despite a recent elbow brace; AFL duties should illuminate his durability and upside.

Bullpen volatility and matchup-driven usage are reshaping saves in September, with teams riding the hot hand more than fixed roles. Closer duties can flip in a heartbeat, and fantasy managers must chase late-inning opportunities as relievers swing between ninth-inning duties and earlier high-leverage innings.

Key teams under the microscope include Dodgers, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Pirates, Yankees, Twins, Athletics, Phillies and Marlins, each juggling roles and offering speculative value in holds and saves. Endgame chatter centers on Doval, Duran, Faucher, Hader and Romero as playoff races tighten, while sleeper setup men threaten to steal closer chances depending on late-inning matchups.

Bottom line: stay agile, track daily bullpen notes, and be ready for sudden shifts as the finish line approaches.

Arizona’s 2026 first base decision may hinge on a Smith-Locklear platoon, especially if injuries linger. Smith hits better vs righties, making Locklear the natural right-handed counter. Farm depth could surface if Hazen explores Tristin English, Ivan Melendez, or LuJames Groover as cheaper, controllable options, while free agency offers limited fits. A realistic path could keep Smith and Locklear, but the D-backs will also monitor Diaz, Arraez, Muncy and Dominic Smith as potential upgrades or trade fuel.

Hazem’s offseason priorities lean toward payroll discipline and strategic acquisitions rather than a blockbuster swap. Pete Alonso or Paul Goldschmidt reunions aren’t in the cards, while Yandy Díaz and Andrew Vaughn could be targeted if the price is right. In-house candidates like Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas provide fallback options, but the organization will likely balance risk and cost as they shape the 2026 lineup.

Six MLB home run props headline today’s slate: Colby Thomas, Corbin Carroll, Addison Barger, Matt Olson, Jorge Polanco, and Junior Caminero each carry strong power upside in favorable park and pitcher matchups. Thomas chases a lefty-friendly setup at Sutter Health Park with windy conditions; Carroll and Bargers’ cases hinge on elevated fly balls in hitter-friendly venues; Olson targets a Taillon-era breadcrumb trail for power; Polanco and Caminero bring switch-hitting power with solid plate discipline and favorable histories. Shop best odds and monitor pitcher announcements as weather factors loom.