Jansel Luis Represents D-backs at Fall Stars Game Amid Ongoing Development
Arizona’s young infielder has struggled statistically in the Fall League, but improved contact quality and defensive versatility show signs of growth.
MESA — Jansel Luis is the sole player representing the Arizona Diamondbacks at the Arizona Fall League’s Fall Stars Game.
“It feels really great to be here,” said Luis, through interpreter Analis Castro. “I’m very thankful, and it’s also an exciting experience. I’m just happy to be here.”
In the Fall Stars Game, Luis took two trips to the plate. He drew a four-pitch walk in the seventh and struck out in the ninth.
Luis was one of eight D-backs prospects who played in the Arizona Fall League. He’s been Arizona’s priority hitter, leading the team in games played (23) and plate appearances (98).
“It’s been a good experience being able to play with different players that also have more experience than I do, and just taking it all in and learning.”
The D-backs infield prospect hasn’t put up strong numbers in the fall league, batting .202 with a .537 OPS. However, development might not always be accurately measured by bottom-line results.
Looking at his batted ball data, there are some polarizing aspects to it Luis has put 66 balls into play, with 31 of those batted balls (47.0%) classified as “hard-hit”(batted ball with a 95.0 MPH or higher exit velocity). That, in a vacuum, would be an excellent showing after considering the volume of at-bats he gets on a nightly basis.
Upon closer examination, it’s still showing the troubling trend of him hitting the top of the ball too much and beating it into the ground. Luis sports a ground ball rate of 62.9%, and 18 of his 31 hard-hit batted balls have a negative launch angle. However, he’s started hitting more line drives of late.
“I feel like I’ve developed a lot and been working on my role defensively, which I’ve improved on, and also offensively at the plate.”
While Luis had the most starts at second base during the regular season (51 starts with High-A Hillsboro), he’s played primarily third base and a little bit of shortstop in Arizona. He lined up for the final four innings of the Fall Stars Game at shortstop. He’s said he’s most comfortable playing second base.
Adding in the games played in the fall league with Hillsboro, Luis has played in a total of 127 games and 545 plate appearances to this point. Even after missing three weeks with an injury, he’s accumulated a full season’s worth of reps in 2025.
“I definitely feel like it’s going to help me. I’ve been focused and taking what I learned into next season.”
There is still a long road ahead for Luis to reach the major leagues. He’ll likely begin the 2026 campaign with Double-A Amarillo. He’ll turn 21 just before the regular season begins, so he’ll be a young for the level prospect with loud but inconsistent tools. While his fall league numbers weren’t great, it’s coming off a solid regular season performance in which he hit over .300 with solid strikeout and walk rates.
Luis is one of many infield prospects in the D-backs system facing a lot of uncertainty. It will be tough to project his future role with the club until they find homes for Jordan Lawlar, Blaze Alexander, Tommy Troy, LuJames Groover, and Cristofer Torin. How that process shakes out will determine if he’s an everyday starter, a utility infielder, or gets a better opportunity elsewhere in a deal that bolsters the D-backs roster.
For what Luis can control, it will come down to his 2026 performance. Continuing to grow, both offensively and defensively, could have him force his way into the team’s plans. He becomes Rule 5 eligible following the 2026 season, which is when the D-backs will have to decide if he’s part of their future or not.