Josue

Briceno

Briceño is the first prospect to launch double-digit homers in the AFL since Mike Olt accomplished the feat back in 2011. The 20-year-old backstop was limited to just 40 games last season at Low-A Lakeland and figures to open up next year back in the lower minors. His over-the-fence pop is unquestioned and he figures to hit for plenty of power once he arrives in the big leagues. That’s unlikely to happen in 2025, but he’s definitely increased his long-term dynasty appeal with his AFL performance.

Briceño has been among the hottest hitters in the AFL over the last few weeks as the five-hit effort raises his batting average to a surreal .439 mark to go along with an AFL-leading nine round-trippers. The 20-year-old catcher is still at least a year or two away from reaching the big leagues, but the over-the-fence pop has been extremely impressive in the fall showcase.

Briceño walloped his AFL-leading ninth round-tripper in the opening frame as he continues to build a compelling resume for AFL MVP honors. The 20-year-old backstop was limited to just 40 games this past season at Low-A Lakeland due to injury, but has certainly made up for lost time in the fall circuit. He’s a long ways off from the big leagues, but the over-the-fence pop is real and it’s spectacular.

It’s the first three-homer game since 2015 in the AFL. Briceño hit only two homers in 151 at-bats in 2024 with Low-A Lakeland, but he does possess above-average power in his left-handed bat. The 20-year-old is considered one of the top hitting prospects in the Detroit system, and while he’s at least a few years away, there’s enough offensive upside to suggest keeping him on dynasty/keeper radars right now.