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For any Major League Baseball organization, the ability to cultivate talent from within is just as vital as assembling a competitive roster at the highest level. Whether that talent eventually contributes in the majors or is used to acquire established players via trade, a robust farm system remains a cornerstone for sustained success.
In the Arizona Diamondbacks' organization, several young players are positioning themselves as names to watch. Among them, three stand out for their potential to rise quickly through the ranks and perhaps reach the big leagues sooner rather than later.
Carlos Virahonda, Catcher
Carlos Virahonda has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the Diamondbacks' system, currently ranked No. 5 on MLB Pipeline's list of Arizona's top prospects. While a 2027 arrival in the majors might seem ambitious, his rapid ascent from rookie ball to Double-A over the past two seasons makes it a distinct possibility. The 20-year-old backstop began 2026 with Class-A Visalia, where he slashed .273/.359/.508 with 10 home runs in just 48 games. He then moved to High-A Hillsboro, a league known for suppressing offense, and posted an .861 OPS with eight more homers. Although he played only four games at Double-A, he went 4-for-15 with two doubles and a home run in that brief stint. Virahonda will be an intriguing young hitter to follow in 2027 and could push for a promotion to Triple-A before long.
Demetrio Crisantes, Second Baseman
Demetrio Crisantes, ranked No. 1 in the system, is an obvious choice but his 2027 season carries plenty of intrigue. The 22-year-old Nogales, Arizona native returned from shoulder surgery in 2026 and jumped from Hillsboro to Reno. After hitting .319 with a .961 OPS at Double-A, his performance dipped to a .278/.343/.412 slash line and .755 OPS in Reno. While those numbers aren't unproductive, the Pacific Coast League's hitter-friendly environment meant his 82 wRC+ was 18% below average. Now crowned the top prospect after Ryan Waldschmidt graduated from prospect status, Crisantes will need to refine both his offense and defense—and stay healthy—to solidify his status as the clear-cut best prospect in the system.
David Hagaman, Right-Handed Pitcher
The Diamondbacks saw several pitching prospects reach the majors in 2026 with mostly underwhelming results. Following Daniel Eagen's departure in the Lars Nootbaar trade, David Hagaman emerges as the most promising arm in the upper minors. In 2026, Hagaman recorded a 3.03 ERA at Hillsboro before earning a promotion to Double-A, where he performed even better despite the more offense-friendly environment. He posted a 2.55 ERA over seven starts for Amarillo and is likely to see another promotion in 2027 if he continues on that trajectory.
Key Analysis
These three prospects represent different stages of development but share a common thread: each has demonstrated the ability to adjust and perform at higher levels. Virahonda's meteoric rise and offensive potential make him a candidate for a rapid ascent, while Crisantes faces the challenge of proving he can handle advanced pitching and stay on the field. Hagaman's consistent performance on the mound positions him as a potential rotation piece or trade chip. For the Diamondbacks, monitoring their progress in 2027 will be crucial as the organization seeks to build a sustainable contender.