David Hagaman Leads Big Day for D-backs Prospects in Arizona Fall League

In a rain-soaked day, David Hagaman and three D-backs hitter prospects all shined in a Rafters 10-9 loss.

Michael McDermott

09 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

Diamondbacks pitching prospect David Hagaman warms up for the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Fields.

SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Diamondbacks got a big day from their prospect contingent at Salt River Fields on Thursday. In a rain-soaked day, David Hagaman and three D-backs hitter prospects all shined in a Rafters 10-9 loss.

Hagaman was acquired by the D-backs, along with left-handers Kohl Drake and MItch Bratt, on July 31st in the Merrill Kelly deal. He finished the season strong with a 3.15 ERA, 35.5% strikeout rate, and 5.3% walk rate in five starts with High-A Hillsboro.

David Hagaman Shines in First Arizona Fall League Start

His first outing in the Arizona Fall League was excellent, throwing three scoreless innings with five strikeouts. He allowed just one baserunner, a two-out double in the first to Cubs' catcher Owen Ayers. He retired the final seven hitters, ringing up the final four.

"That guys throws really good," said catcher Kenny Castillo. "He's focused all the time when he comes to the mound.

Hagaman featured a curveball, slider, and a changeup. Here are the pitch shapes and velocities for the D-backs pitching prospect.

4-Seamer (18): 93.9 MPH, 16" iVB, 8" arm-side
Curveball (12): 83.9 MPH, -8" iVB, 6" glove-side
Slider (7): 87.2 MPH, 2" iVB, 0" horizontal
Changeup (6): 88.2 MPH, 9" iVB, 13" arm-side

Hagaman showcased good enough fastball command, sitting 92-96 MPH. While he only threw it in the zone 29% of the time, it set up his secondary stuff for devastating results.

Hagaman induced 10 whiffs on 15 swings (67%) between his curveball, slider, and changeup. It appeared that Mesa was sitting on his fastball, but both he and Castillo made a big adjustment. In his third and final inning, they called just five fastballs and nine breaking balls.

"I have a good connection with him. I worked with him 3-4 times in the season. I feel so good when he's pitching, we have good communication, and we have a good feeling when he comes to the mound."

Castillo revealed that he calls the pitches when he catches Hagaman, citing the trust the two have built over a short time.

D-backs Hitter Prospects Produce Big at the Plate

Jansel Luis, Kenny Castillo, and Jack Hurley were in the starting lineup for Salt River at third base, catcher, and left field. The trio combined for seven hits, three walks, drove in four, and scored three runs in 12 plate appearances.

Castillo had a great day overall. He successfully challenged a ball call on a slider that nipped the low-outside corner to Enmanuel Tejeda. On top of that, he went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and three RBI. All three hits today recorded an exit velocity of at least 100 MPH, with the home run clocking in at 105.4.

"I was looking for the fastball," said Castillo. "When I'm going to swing, I try to look for the best pitch."

Luis recorded his first three hits of the fall. All six batted balls had an exit velocity of at least 95 MPH, with the double being the first ball he hit in the air. He had a tough error charging in on a ball at third base, making it the second error in as many days.

Hurley struck out in his first two at-bats, but grinded out walks in his next three. He also stole a base and scored in the seventh. It was Hurley's first start of the fall.

Yordin Chalas Makes AFL Debut

D-backs reliever Yordin Chalas made his first appearance of the fall. The right-hander pitched a clean, efficient eighth in just 12 pitches. He sat 94-97 between his four-seamer and sinker, while mixing in one slider and splinker each. He recorded his only strikeout on a painted four-seamer on the outside edge.

Here are the pitch velocities and shapes for Chalas.