Bleacher Report's Updated Farm System Rankings Entering 2016
While the hot stove continues to smolder and we wait on a number of key free-agent signings, now seems like a good time to take an updated look at how all 30 MLB farm systems stack up around the league.
The following factors helped determine the rankings of players and teams:
- Potential (Player): Potential trumps production a lot of the time, especially in the lower levels of the minors and with recent draft picks. Skill set and overall tools are often a better indication of what kind of future a player has.
- Talent (Player): As for guys in the higher levels of the minors who are close to breaking through at the big league level, production and current talent level are the determining factors, as they are viewed as a more complete product.
- Overall Depth (Team): Having one or two elite prospects is great, but having a deep farm system from top to bottom is the way to build a sustainable contender. The overall depth and level of talent was the biggest factor in ranking each team.
- High-End Talent (Team): That being said, there is a difference between a prospect who has a chance of making an impact at the big league level and a prospect who could be a star. Elite prospects served as a tiebreaker of sorts when two teams were close in the rankings.
An updated list of the top 10 prospects for each team has been provided, as well as some general analysis on top prospects, recent draft picks and the outlook of each farm system as a whole.
A player must not have passed the rookie eligibility limits (130 AB, 50 IP, 45 days on roster) to be eligible for inclusion in these rankings.
30. Los Angeles Angels
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Victor Alcantara | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 2. RHP Joe Gatto | 20 | A | 2018 |
| 3. OF Jahmai Jones | 18 | A | 2019 |
| 4. C Taylor Ward | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 5. LHP Nate Smith | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. 3B Kyle Kubitza | 25 | AAA | 2016 |
| 7. IF Roberto Baldoquin | 21 | A+ | 2017 |
| 8. RHP Jake Jewell | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 9. OF Chad Hinshaw | 25 | AAA | 2017 |
| 10. SS Julio Garcia | 18 | ROK | 2019 |
Overview
The Los Angeles Angels already had one of the thinnest farm systems in baseball before the offseason, and the move to acquire shortstop Andrelton Simmons has officially bumped them to the bottom of these rankings.
That trade cost them their consensus top prospect in left-hander Sean Newcomb, as well as another pitcher whom many considered to be their No. 2 prospect in right-hander Christopher Ellis.
With that, hard-throwing Victor Alcantara assumes the title of the team's top prospect, despite taking a step back in a full season at the High-A level after appearing in the Futures Game in 2014.
Catcher Taylor Ward hit .348/.457/.438 and reached Single-A after being taken with the No. 26 overall pick in June, while second-round selection Jahmai Jones swiped 16 bases and scored 28 runs in 40 games.
29. Baltimore Orioles
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Hunter Harvey | 21 | A+ | 2017 |
| 2. RHP Dylan Bundy | 23 | MLB | 2016 |
| 3. 3B Jomar Reyes | 18 | A+ | 2019 |
| 4. C Chance Sisco | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Mychal Givens | 25 | MLB | 2016 |
| 6. SS Ryan Mountcastle | 18 | A | 2019 |
| 7. 1B Trey Mancini | 23 | AAA | 2017 |
| 8. OF D.J. Stewart | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 9. RHP Mike Wright | 26 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. 1B Christian Walker | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in a tough position right now, as they do not appear to be clear contenders in the AL East in the short term and their long-term outlook is even worse due to having one of the league's worst farm systems.
Top prospects Hunter Harvey and Dylan Bundy both dealt with arm issues this past season, and we've arrived at a make-or-break season for Bundy, as the 23-year-old is out of minor league options. He had a 3.68 ERA and a ratio of five walks to 25 strikeouts in 22 innings after returning from Tommy John surgery this past season.
As far as the standout performer of 2015, that clearly goes to first baseman Trey Mancini, who hit .341/.375/.563 with 43 doubles and 21 home runs between High-A and Double-A and put himself ahead of Christian Walker on the organizational depth chart in the process.
The team's top pick in June was Florida State outfielder D.J. Stewart at No. 25 overall, and he hit .218/.288/.345 with 16 extra-base hits in 238 at-bats after jumping straight to Low-A ball. He has the advanced game and plus plate discipline to move quickly, despite that subpar debut.
28. Detroit Tigers
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Michael Fulmer | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. OF Derek Hill | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 3. RHP Beau Burrows | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 4. OF Steven Moya | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Spencer Turnbull | 23 | A+ | 2018 |
| 6. OF Christin Stewart | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 7. LHP Kevin Ziomek | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 8. SS JaCoby Jones | 23 | A+ | 2017 |
| 9. LHP Jairo Labourt | 21 | A+ | 2017 |
| 10. RHP Austin Kubitza | 24 | AA | 2017 |
Overview
Despite relatively disappointing seasons from outfielders Steven Moya and Derek Hill at the top of the system, and the fact that their big prospect pickup in Daniel Norris used up his rookie eligibility, the Detroit Tigers farm system is still better than it was a year ago.
Michael Fulmer, the prize of the Yoenis Cespedes trade, takes over as the team's top prospect after a fantastic season. He went 10-3 with a 2.24 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 124.2 innings while reaching Double-A. He should see the majors at some point in 2016.
While Moya has seen his stock start to slip after a rough season in Triple-A, the 20-year-old Hill is still ahead of the curve and has the potential to be a future leadoff hitter.
Right-hander Beau Burrows had a 1.61 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 28 innings in the rookie league after being taken No. 22 overall in June. Fellow first-round pick Christin Stewart hit .285/.372/.508 with 13 doubles and 10 home runs in 71 games while reaching Single-A after the outfielder went No. 34 overall.
27. Miami Marlins
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Tyler Kolek | 20 | A | 2018 |
| 2. 1B Josh Naylor | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 3. LHP Jarlin Garcia | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. RHP Kendry Flores | 24 | MLB | 2016 |
| 5. LHP Brett Lilek | 22 | A | 2018 |
| 6. 3B Brian Anderson | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. OF Stone Garrett | 20 | A | 2019 |
| 8. OF Isael Soto | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 9. OF Austin Dean | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. 2B Avery Romero | 22 | AA | 2017 |
Overview
After trading away the likes of Anthony DeSclafani and Andrew Heaney and promoting other arms in Justin Nicolino, Jose Urena and Adam Conley, as well as catcher J.T. Realmuto, the Miami Marlins system has taken a hit in terms of overall talent.
Throw in the fact that last year's No. 2 overall pick, Tyler Kolek, suffered through a disappointing full-season debut with a 4.56 ERA and a ratio of 61 walks to 81 strikeouts in 108.2 innings, and it should not come as a big surprise that the Marlins rank so low here.
Left-hander Jarlin Garcia was one bright spot in 2015; he represented the team in the Futures Game while again displaying good command and easy mechanics while reaching Double-A for the first time.
Miami took slugger Josh Naylor as something of a reach at No. 12 overall last June, but he was arguably the top power bat in the draft class. He hit .327/.352/.418 with four doubles and one home run in 25 games after signing.
26. Chicago White Sox
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Tim Anderson | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Carson Fulmer | 22 | A+ | 2017 |
| 3. RHP Spencer Adams | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 4. 3B Trey Michalczewski | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. OF Micker Adolfo | 19 | ROK | 2019 |
| 6. RHP Tyler Danish | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 7. LHP Jordan Guerrero | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 8. OF Jacob May | 23 | AAA | 2017 |
| 9. OF Adam Engel | 24 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. RHP Chris Beck | 25 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
The Chicago White Sox saw their already relatively thin farm system take a hit when they shipped Frankie Montas, Micah Johnson and Trayce Thompson to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the three-team deal that landed them Todd Frazier.
Shortstop Tim Anderson remains their prized prospect, though, after he hit .312/.350/.429 with 21 doubles, 12 triples, five home runs and 49 stolen bases in a full season at Double-A Birmingham. His glove is still a work in progress, but he's continued to make strides in that area as well.
Vanderbilt ace Carson Fulmer fell to the White Sox at No. 8 overall in last year's draft, and the team will give him every chance to stick as a starter. However, his violent mechanics lead some to believe his future is at the back of the bullpen. Either way, he's an impact arm.
Keep an eye on right-hander Spencer Adams as a prospect who could start to move quickly up league-wide rankings. The 19-year-old went 12-5 with a 2.99 ERA, 1.237 WHIP and 96 strikeouts in 126.1 innings while reaching High-A last season, and he still has plenty of projectability in his 6'3", 171-pound frame.
25. Kansas City Royals
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Raul A. Mondesi | 20 | AA | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Ashe Russell | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 3. RHP Kyle Zimmer | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 4. OF Bubba Starling | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Miguel Almonte | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. LHP Foster Griffin | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 7. C Chase Vallot | 19 | A+ | 2019 |
| 8. RHP Scott Blewett | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 9. OF Jorge Bonifacio | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. RHP Josh Staumont | 22 | A | 2018 |
Overview
Shortstop Raul A. Mondesi has moved aggressively through the Kansas City Royals system throughout his pro career, and that continued last October when he made his big league debut in the World Series.
He's still somewhat raw offensively after hitting .243/.279/.372 with 22 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases this past season, but he did that as a 19-year-old in Double-A. There is little question his glove is big league-ready.
Many considered Ashe Russell to be the top high school arm in last year's class, and the Royals happily scooped him up at No. 21 overall. He has the three-pitch arsenal and plus athleticism to be a future front-line starter.
The big question is what to expect from Kyle Zimmer, who returned strong from a lost season in 2014 to post a 2.39 ERA and 20 walks to 72 strikeouts in 64 innings of work last year. He could see the majors this coming season if he can avoid further arm issues.
24. Seattle Mariners
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Alex Jackson | 20 | A | 2018 |
| 2. RHP Edwin Diaz | 21 | AAA | 2017 |
| 3. OF Tyler O'Neill | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. LHP Luiz Gohara | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 5. OF Boog Powell | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. 1B D.J. Peterson | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 7. LHP Ryan Yarbrough | 24 | AA | 2017 |
| 8. OF Luis Liberato | 20 | A+ | 2019 |
| 9. RHP Nick Neidert | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 10. SS Drew Jackson | 22 | A | 2018 |
Overview
The Seattle Mariners farm system has fallen a long way from the days when Taijuan Walker, James Paxton and Danny Hultzen anchored what was arguably the best crop of minor league talent in all of baseball.
That being said, this group has the potential to climb up these rankings as the 2016 season progresses, thanks to the fact that six of the top 10 prospects are 21 years old or younger.
Alex Jackson, the No. 6 pick in the 2014 draft, is the top prospect despite a disappointing 2015 season that saw him hit just .207/.318/.365 with middling power numbers. His tremendous all-around potential is still enough to warrant that No. 1 spot, though.
Given their 2015 production and age relative to their level, right-hander Edwin Diaz (7-10, 3.82 ERA, 145 K, 141.1 IP) and outfielder Tyler O'Neill (.874 OPS, 21 2B, 32 HR, 16 SB) both have a case for being the team's top prospect as well.
23. San Diego Padres
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Manuel Margot | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 2. OF Hunter Renfroe | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. SS Javier Guerra | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 4. SS Jose Rondon | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Colin Rea | 25 | MLB | 2016 |
| 6. SS Ruddy Giron | 19 | A+ | 2019 |
| 7. OF Travis Jankowski | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 8. RHP Austin Smith | 19 | A- | 2019 |
| 9. LHP Logan Allen | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 10. OF Michael Gettys | 20 | A | 2018 |
Overview
After gutting the farm system last offseason, the San Diego Padres set to work rebuilding their young talent pool this offseason when they traded Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit.
The Kimbrel deal netted them a pair of highly regarded position-player prospects in center fielder Manuel Margot and shortstop Javier Guerra, as well as left-hander Logan Allen, who had a 1.11 ERA and threw one walk to 26 strikeouts in 24.1 innings of work after being taken in the eighth round last June.
Sandwiched between those two new bats in these rankings is outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who posted a .783 OPS with 27 doubles and 20 home runs in the upper minors this past season and could be ready to step into an everyday role at some point in 2016.
Right-hander Colin Rea and outfielder Travis Jankowski both reached the majors last season after breakout performances in the minors, and both have a realistic chance of breaking camp with the big league club in 2016.
22. San Francisco Giants
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Tyler Beede | 22 | AA | 2016 |
| 2. SS Christian Arroyo | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 3. RHP Phil Bickford | 20 | A | 2018 |
| 4. SS Lucius Fox | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 5. C Aramis Garcia | 23 | A+ | 2018 |
| 6. SS Jalen Miller | 19 | ROK | 2019 |
| 7. 1B Christopher Shaw | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 8. RHP Samuel Coonrod | 23 | A+ | 2017 |
| 9. RHP Kyle Crick | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. LHP Andrew Suarez | 23 | A+ | 2018 |
Overview
The San Francisco Giants once again received some unexpected contributions from the farm system this past season. Chris Heston emerged as a key member of the rotation, Kelby Tomlinson did a great job of filling in for the injured Joe Panik, and lefty Josh Osich pitched well out of the bullpen.
That could continue this coming season, but in the form of a more highly touted prospect in Tyler Beede. The former Vanderbilt star and No. 14 pick in the 2014 draft struggled to a 5.23 ERA in 13 starts after being promoted to Double-A, but so long as he can keep his walks under control, he should continue to move quickly.
Speaking of walks, former top prospect Kyle Crick continues to slide down the organizational rankings after issuing 66 free passes in 63 innings of work last year. He still has electric stuff, as he also struck out 73 batters, but it's looking more and more like his future will be in the bullpen.
On the other end of the spectrum, shortstop Christian Arroyo's stock is on the rise after he hit .304/.344/.459 with 28 doubles and nine home runs for High-A San Jose. The same goes for catcher Aramis Garcia, who had a .774 OPS with 19 doubles and 15 home runs while also reaching High-A.
21. Arizona Diamondbacks
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Archie Bradley | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Braden Shipley | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. IF Isan Diaz | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 4. IF Brandon Drury | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Yoan Lopez | 23 | AA | 2016 |
| 6. LHP Alex Young | 22 | A | 2018 |
| 7. IF Domingo Leyba | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 8. OF Marcus Wilson | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 9. RHP Wei-Chieh Huang | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 10. OF Socrates Brito | 23 | MLB | 2018 |
Overview
The Arizona Diamondbacks prospect pool took an obvious hit when they shipped Dansby Swanson and Aaron Blair to the Atlanta Braves along with outfielder Ender Inciarte in exchange for Shelby Miller.
Archie Bradley still has legitimate top-of-the-rotation potential—it's just a matter of whether or not he can stay healthy enough to realize it. He broke camp with a rotation spot last year and will battle for the No. 5 starter job once again this spring.
The name to watch in the organization is infielder Isan Diaz, a second-round pick in 2014 out of Puerto Rico who was signed away from a commitment to Vanderbilt. He crushed the Pioneer League in 2015 to the tune of a .360/.436/.640 line that included 25 doubles, six triples and 13 home runs in just 272 at-bats. He could shoot up prospect boards if he continues that production in his full-season debut.
The other fast-rising prospect to watch is right-hander Wei-Chieh Huang, who was signed out of Taiwan in 2014 and went 7-3 with a 2.00 ERA, 0.965 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 76.2 innings while beginning his pro career at the Single-A level.
20. Toronto Blue Jays
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Sean Reid-Foley | 20 | AA | 2018 |
| 2. OF Anthony Alford | 21 | AA | 2018 |
| 3. RHP Jonathan Harris | 22 | A | 2018 |
| 4. OF Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 16 | ROK | 2020 |
| 5. C Max Pentecost | 22 | A+ | 2019 |
| 6. SS Richard Urena | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 7. 1B Rowdy Tellez | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 8. RHP Conner Greene | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 9. 3B Mitch Nay | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. OF D.J. Davis | 21 | A+ | 2018 |
Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays have not been shy about trading away their top minor league talent to address the big league roster in recent years, and that continued this past season with the additions of David Price and Troy Tulowitzki in July.
Despite that fact, they still have some quality talent in the organization, though there is no clear-cut top prospect among them at this point.
Right-hander Sean-Reid Foley gets the nod here after posting a 4.22 ERA and striking out 125 batters in just 96 innings while reaching Single-A. He'll need to rein in his command to reach his full potential, though, as he also walked 67 batters for a 6.3 BB/9 rate.
Elite athlete Anthony Alford has also continued to progress as a baseball player after playing football at Southern Mississippi. He hit .298/.398/.421 with 36 extra-base hits and 27 steals while reaching High-A, but his 13.8 percent walk rate was perhaps the most promising statistical takeaway.
19. New York Yankees
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Aaron Judge | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. SS Jorge Mateo | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 3. RHP James Kaprielian | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 4. C Gary Sanchez | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Domingo Acevedo | 21 | A | 2019 |
| 6. SS Wilkerman Garcia | 17 | A- | 2019 |
| 7. RHP Drew Finley | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 8. 2B Rob Refsnyder | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 9. OF Dustin Fowler | 21 | A+ | 2017 |
| 10. RHP Brady Lail | 22 | AAA | 2017 |
Overview
After years of gutting the farm system in trades for high-priced veterans, the New York Yankees have committed to developing their own in-house talent in recent years and continue to climb the farm system rankings as a result.
At 6'7" and 275 pounds, Aaron Judge is an imposing figure when he steps into the batter's box. He had a .777 OPS with 26 doubles and 20 home runs this past season and is capable of even more as he continues to refine his approach.
Meanwhile, speedy Jorge Mateo is challenging him for the title of top prospect in the organization after hitting .278/.345/.392 and stealing 82 bases. Right-hander James Kaprielian could also find himself atop these rankings by midseason, as the No. 16 pick in last year's draft has legitimate front-line potential.
A somewhat forgotten name in the system is catcher Gary Sanchez, who has seemingly been around for decades at this point. He hit .274/.330/.485 with 23 doubles, 18 home runs and 62 RBI last season and should push Austin Romine for the backup catcher job this spring.
18. Milwaukee Brewers
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Orlando Arcia | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. OF Brett Phillips | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 3. OF Trent Clark | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 4. RHP Jorge Lopez | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Devin Williams | 21 | A+ | 2018 |
| 6. SS Gilbert Lara | 18 | ROK | 2019 |
| 7. OF Tyrone Taylor | 21 | AA | 2016 |
| 8. LHP Kodi Medeiros | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 9. OF Clint Coulter | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. LHP Josh Hader | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers have made some solid additions to the farm system since they began rebuilding at the deadline last season, trading off the likes of Carlos Gomez, Mike Fiers, Francisco Rodriguez and Adam Lind in the process.
However, their top prospect is still shortstop Orlando Arcia after he hit .307/.347/.453 with 52 extra-base hits and 25 steals in an offensive breakout at Double-A Biloxi this past season. Already an elite defender, his newfound production at the plate has made him one of the top prospects in all of baseball.
Brett Phillips, the prize of the deal that sent Gomez and Fiers to the Houston Astros at the deadline, also enjoyed a monster season at the plate. He hit .309/.374/.527 with 34 doubles, 14 triples, 16 home runs and 17 stolen bases.
Jorge Lopez and Devin Williams both have a chance to be key pieces of the rotation in the long term, but keep an eye on left-hander Josh Hader, who has continued to exceed expectations since being taken in the 19th round of the 2012 draft.
17. New York Mets
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Steven Matz | 24 | MLB | 2016 |
| 2. 1B Dominic Smith | 20 | AA | 2018 |
| 3. SS Amed Rosario | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. SS Gavin Cecchini | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. OF Brandon Nimmo | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. RHP Marcos Molina | 20 | AA | 2018 |
| 7. SS Luis Carpio | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 8. SS Milton Ramos | 20 | A | 2019 |
| 9. OF Desmond Lindsey | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 10. RHP Gabriel Ynoa | 22 | AAA | 2017 |
Overview
The New York farm system has some solid depth, but the Mets get a boost here from the fact that Steven Matz still holds rookie eligibility. The left-hander threw 35.2 innings during the regular season and then added another 14.2 over three postseason starts.
Once he graduates, the title of top prospect will fall to first baseman Dominic Smith or shortstop Amed Rosario.
Smith hit .305/.354/.417 with 33 doubles and six home runs while continuing to play Gold Glove-caliber defense at first, while Rosario struggled a bit with the jump to High-A but still hit a respectable .253/.302/.329 with 20 doubles.
Gavin Cecchini, the No. 12 pick in the 2012 draft, also re-emerged as a top prospect after seeing his stock drop considerably. He hit .317/.377/.442 with 37 extra-base hits in a full season at Double-A Binghamton.
16. Washington Nationals
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Lucas Giolito | 21 | AA | 2016 |
| 2. SS Trea Turner | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. OF Victor Robles | 18 | A | 2019 |
| 4. RHP Reynaldo Lopez | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Erick Fedde | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
| 6. RHP A.J. Cole | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 7. IF Wilmer Difo | 23 | AA | 2016 |
| 8. RHP Austin Voth | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 9. SS Osvaldo Abreu | 21 | A+ | 2018 |
| 10. OF Andrew Stevenson | 21 | A+ | 2018 |
Overview
In Lucas Giolito and Trea Turner, the Washington Nationals have arguably the best pitching prospect in all of baseball and a potential future All-Star at the shortstop position. Both will likely begin the year in the minors, but they could debut at some point in 2016.
Meanwhile, outfielder Victor Robles has shot up the organizational rankings after hitting .352/.445/.507 with 20 extra-base hits and 24 stolen bases while reaching Low-A in his age-18 season.
Reynaldo Lopez, Erick Fedde, A.J. Cole and Austin Voth all have the potential to emerge as future big league starters with middle-of-the-rotation upside, and that depth helps the Nationals' ranking here.
The Nationals didn't have a first-round pick in the 2015 draft, but Andrew Stevenson has a chance to outperform a number of players taken ahead of him after he went No. 58 overall. An elite defensive center fielder, he also has plenty of offensive potential and showed that by hitting .308/.363/.379 while reaching Single-A in his pro debut.
15. St. Louis Cardinals
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Alex Reyes | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 2. RHP Jack Flaherty | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 3. OF Nick Plummer | 19 | A- | 2019 |
| 4. RHP Luke Weaver | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. OF Magneuris Sierra | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 6. SS Edmundo Sosa | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 7. LHP Marco Gonzales | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 8. OF Charlie Tilson | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 9. RHP Junior Fernandez | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 10. RHP Ronnie Williams | 20 | A | 2018 |
Overview
How good was St. Louis Cardinals top prospect Alex Reyes in 2015?
The 20-year-old climbed three minor league levels to reach Double-A and in the process posted a 2.49 ERA, 1.174 WHIP and .197 opponent batting average while striking out 151 batters in 101.1 innings. However, he was slapped with a 50-game suspension in November after testing positive for marijuana.
Right behind Reyes is 2014 first-round pick Jack Flaherty, who had a terrific season in his own right with a 2.84 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 95 innings for Single-A Peoria.
While the Cardinals system has a number of polished prospects in the high minors, it's guys like shortstop Edmundo Sosa and outfielders Magneuris Sierra and Nick Plummer who have a chance to send the team into the top 10 in these rankings.
Luke Weaver, the No. 27 pick in the 2014 draft, also made a significant jump up the organizational rankings after going 8-5 with a 1.62 ERA and 19 walks to 88 strikeouts in 105.1 innings for High-A Palm Beach.
14. Oakland Athletics
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Franklin Barreto | 19 | AA | 2017 |
| 2. LHP Sean Manaea | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. 1B Matt Olson | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 4. SS Richie Martin | 21 | A | 2018 |
| 5. 3B Matt Chapman | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 6. C Jacob Nottingham | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Dakota Chalmers | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 8. SS Yairo Munoz | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 9. 3B Renato Nunez | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. SS Chad Pinder | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
Now that the Oakland Athletics have traded Brett Lawrie, it falls even more on shortstop prospect Franklin Barreto to justify the trade that sent Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays.
That won't be easy by any means, but Barreto was impressive this past season when he hit .302/.333/.500 with 22 doubles and 13 home runs for High-A Stockton in his age-19 season.
Barreto is not the only top prospect in the Oakland system who was acquired via trade either, as the team added left-hander Sean Manaea (Ben Zobrist trade) and catcher Jacob Nottingham (Scott Kazmir trade) at the deadline.
Matt Olson turned in a somewhat disappointing 2015 season after slugging 37 home runs in 2014, but he still tallied 37 doubles and 17 home runs while walking 105 times to post a .388 on-base percentage.
13. Texas Rangers
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Nomar Mazara | 20 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. OF Lewis Brinson | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Dillon Tate | 21 | A | 2017 |
| 4. RHP Luis Ortiz | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 5. 3B/OF Joey Gallo | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. OF Ryan Cordell | 23 | AA | 2016 |
| 7. LHP Yohander Mendez | 21 | A+ | 2018 |
| 8. OF Eric Jenkins | 18 | A | 2019 |
| 9. RHP Michael Matuella | 21 | A- | 2018 |
| 10. 3B Josh Morgan | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
Overview
The Cole Hamels trade cost the Texas Rangers a trio of top prospects in Jorge Alfaro, Nick Williams and Jake Thompson, as well as pitchers Jerad Eickhoff and Alec Asher, yet they still have enough talent on the farm to be on the fringe of cracking the top 10 in these rankings.
The team signed Nomar Mazara to a then-record $4.95 million bonus out of the Dominican Republic back in 2011, and he showed why this past season when he hit .296/.366/.443 with 26 doubles and 14 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in his age-20 season.
As good as those numbers were relative to his age, a case can be made for Lewis Brinson deserving that top-prospect spot after he climbed three levels to Triple-A and hit .332/.403/.601 with 31 doubles and 20 home runs in the process.
Heading the other direction is slugger Joey Gallo, who made his big league debut this past season but also recorded a staggering 57 strikeouts in 123 plate appearances in the majors while whiffing another 139 times in 374 plate appearances in the minors for a 39.4 percent strikeout rate overall.
12. Colorado Rockies
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Brendan Rodgers | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 2. RHP Jon Gray | 24 | MLB | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Jeff Hoffman | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. 3B Ryan McMahon | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. OF David Dahl | 21 | AAA | 2017 |
| 6. SS Trevor Story | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 7. LHP Kyle Freeland | 22 | A+ | 2017 |
| 8. C Tom Murphy | 24 | MLB | 2016 |
| 9. RHP Antonio Senzatela | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. 2B Forest Wall | 20 | A+ | 2017 |
Overview
While Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman went ahead of him in the 2015 draft and are more polished prospects, Brendan Rodgers has the higher ceiling thanks to his power potential. He may wind up being the best of the bunch.
Similar to the big league roster, the Colorado Rockies have no shortage of position-player talent at the minor league level right now but are somewhat lacking on impact arms.
Jon Gray got a taste of big league action last year and posted a 5.53 ERA in 40.2 innings of work over nine starts. Jeff Hoffman, the prize of the Troy Tulowitzki trade, may not be far behind in joining him in the big league rotation.
Meanwhile, former two-sport star Ryan McMahon has continued to improve since turning his focus to baseball, as he hit .300/.372/.520 with 43 doubles, 18 home runs and 75 RBI for High-A Modesto this past season. With Nolan Arenado entrenched at third base, McMahon could become a valuable trade chip in the search for pitching.
11. Cleveland Indians
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Bradley Zimmer | 23 | AA | 2016 |
| 2. OF Clint Frazier | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 3. 1B Bobby Bradley | 19 | A+ | 2019 |
| 4. LHP Rob Kaminsky | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. LHP Brady Aiken | 19 | ROK | 2018 |
| 6. LHP Justus Sheffield | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 7. C Francisco Mejia | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 8. OF Tyler Naquin | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 9. RHP Triston McKenzie | 18 | A | 2019 |
| 10. LHP Juan Hillman | 18 | A | 2019 |
Overview
The Cleveland Indians drafted outfielders with their first picks in 2012 (Tyler Naquin, 15th), 2013 (Clint Frazier, fifth) and 2014 (Bradley Zimmer, 21st), and all three have impressed to this point in their pro careers.
Zimmer and Frazier have the higher ceilings, but Naquin could be the first to reach the majors after hitting .300/.381/.446 with 33 extra-base hits between Double-A and Triple-A this past season.
Bobby Bradley, a third-round pick in 2014, has also shot up prospect rankings after posting an .875 OPS with 27 home runs and 92 RBI in full-season ball during his age-19 season.
The left-handed trio of Rob Kaminsky, Brady Aiken and Justus Sheffield gives Cleveland a trio of high-end pitching prospects, while 18-year-olds Triston McKenzie and Juan Hillman have a chance to join that group with strong 2016 performances.
10. Tampa Bay Rays
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Blake Snell | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. SS Willy Adames | 20 | AA | 2018 |
| 3. RHP Brent Honeywell | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. RHP Taylor Guerrieri | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. OF Garrett Whitley | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 6. 1B Jake Bauers | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Jacob Faria | 22 | AAA | 2017 |
| 8. 1B Casey Gillaspie | 22 | A+ | 2016 |
| 9. SS Daniel Robertson | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. C Justin O'Conner | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
With a fantastic performance over three levels, left-hander Blake Snell became the first pitcher to win Minor League Player of the Year honors since another Tampa Bay Rays farmhand in Jeremy Hellickson earned the distinction back in 2010.
Snell began the season with a 49-inning scoreless streak and finished 15-4 with a 1.41 ERA, 1.022 WHIP and 163 strikeouts in 134 innings. He'll likely begin the season in Triple-A, but don't be surprised if he's part of the big league rotation by midseason.
While Snell gets the No. 1 prospect spot based on performance, shortstop Willy Adames still has the higher ceiling. The prize of the David Price trade, Adames posted a respectable .721 OPS with 34 extra-base hits as a 20-year-old in High-A.
Snell was not the only breakout prospect either, as first baseman Jake Bauers (.272/.342/.418, 32 2B, 11 HR, 74 RBI) and right-hander Jacob Faria (17-4, 1.92 ERA, 159 K, 149.2 IP) both put themselves on the top-prospect map in 2015.
9. Minnesota Twins
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. CF Byron Buxton | 22 | MLB | 2016 |
| 2. SP Jose Berrios | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. OF Max Kepler | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 4. SS Nick Gordon | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 5. SS Jorge Polanco | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. LHP Tyler Jay | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Kohl Stewart | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 8. LHP Stephen Gonsalves | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 9. OF Adam Brett Walker | 24 | AAA | 2017 |
| 10. RHP Nick Burdi | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
Finally healthy to begin the 2015 season, Byron Buxton hit .305/.367/.500 with 30 extra-base hits and 22 steals in 72 games in the minors before joining the Minnesota Twins in June.
He hit just .209/.250/.326 in 129 at-bats before a thumb injury landed him on the disabled list, and health is the obvious question mark for the former No. 1 overall prospect, but he still has as high a ceiling as any player in the game.
Meanwhile, Jose Berrios established himself as an elite pitching prospect after going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA and 175 strikeouts in 166.1 innings. It's still something of a head-scratcher that the Twins didn't add him to the roster in September.
While the top-end talent is certainly there with Buxton and Berrios, the overall depth of the Twins system earns the team a spot inside the top 10. Beyond the 10 players listed above, pitchers Alex Meyer, J.T. Chargois and Taylor Rogers would also crack the list for most teams.
8. Cincinnati Reds
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Jesse Winker | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. 2B Jose Peraza | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Robert Stephenson | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 4. LHP Amir Garrett | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. LHP Cody Reed | 22 | AAA | 2018 |
| 6. C Tyler Stephenson | 19 | A | 2019 |
| 7. RHP Keury Mella | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 8. SS Alex Blandino | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 9. RHP Nick Travieso | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. 3B Eric Jagielo | 23 | AAA | 2017 |
Overview
As the Cincinnati Reds continue to rebuild, their farm system continues to improve, with the latest additions coming in blockbuster deals that sent Todd Frazier to the Chicago White Sox and Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees.
Despite all of those outside additions, Jesse Winker, Robert Stephenson and Amir Garrett, all homegrown players, still rank as three of the team's top four prospects, and 2015 first-round pick Tyler Stephenson is in the mix as well.
Speedy Jose Peraza, whom the Reds acquired as part of the Frazier deal, looks like the long-term replacement for Brandon Phillips at second base, and pairing him with Billy Hamilton could give the Reds their own version of what the Marlins had in Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo.
Left-hander Cody Reed, who was part of the package acquired from the Kansas City Royals for Johnny Cueto, is a name to watch as he put himself back on the top prospect map after going 13-9 with a 2.41 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 145.2 innings.
7. Chicago Cubs
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Gleyber Torres | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 2. C Willson Contreras | 23 | AAA | 2017 |
| 3. RHP Duane Underwood | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. OF Ian Happ | 21 | A+ | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Carl Edwards Jr. | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. OF Billy McKinney | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. OF Albert Almora | 21 | AAA | 2017 |
| 8. RHP Dylan Cease | 20 | A- | 2018 |
| 9. 3B Jeimer Candelario | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. OF Eloy Jimenez | 19 | A | 2018 |
Overview
Even with Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler graduating from the Chicago Cubs prospect list, the team still has a top-10 system and some terrific young talent on the verge of making a big league impact.
Shortstop Gleyber Torres has taken over as the headliner of the system after hitting .287/.346/.376 with 32 extra-base hits and 22 stolen bases while reaching High-A in his age-18 season.
Willson Contreras also shot up the organizational rankings after winning the Southern League batting title with a .333/.413/.478 line that included 34 doubles and eight home runs. His defensive game behind the plate is still a work in progress, but he has the potential to be a star.
Duane Underwood was slow to develop after signing for a $1.05 million bonus in 2012, but he took a big step forward in 2015. The same goes for infielder Jeimer Candelario, who had a .770 OPS with 35 doubles and 10 home runs during the regular season and then posted a .329/.371/.610 line with eight doubles and five home runs in the Arizona Fall League.
6. Philadelphia Phillies
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS J.P. Crawford | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. OF Nick Williams | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Mark Appel | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 4. RHP Jake Thompson | 21 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. OF Cornelius Randolph | 18 | A | 2019 |
| 6. C Andrew Knapp | 24 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. C/1B Jorge Alfaro | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 8. RHP Franklyn Kilome | 20 | A | 2019 |
| 9. OF Roman Quinn | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. RHP Ricardo Pinto | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies kicked their rebuilding efforts into gear when they acquired a five-player package from the Texas Rangers in exchange for ace Cole Hamels, and they continued to build up the system this winter when they sent closer Ken Giles to the Houston Astros.
Catcher Jorge Alfaro, shortstop J.P. Crawford, outfielders Nick Williams and Roman Quinn and pitchers Mark Appel and Jake Thompson could all see the majors at some point in 2016, so if nothing else the fanbase will get a serious glimpse of the future.
Don't sleep on outfielder Cornelius Randolph either, as the No. 10 pick in the 2015 draft hit .302/.425/.442 in 172 at-bats after signing last season and could move quickly thanks to his advanced hit tool.
Andrew Knapp has also emerged as a top prospect at the catcher position, albeit as an offensive-minded one. He hit .308/.385/.491 with 35 doubles, 13 home runs and 84 RBI between High-A and Double-A last season, and with legitimate question about whether or not Jorge Alfaro will stick behind the plate, Knapp could be the long-term catcher.
5. Houston Astros
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Alex Bregman | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 2. OF Kyle Tucker | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 3. OF Daz Cameron | 19 | A- | 2018 |
| 4. RHP Francis Martes | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 5. 1B A.J. Reed | 22 | AAA | 2017 |
| 6. RHP Michael Feliz | 22 | AA | 2016 |
| 7. OF Derek Fisher | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 8. RHP Joe Musgrove | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 9. 3B J.D. Davis | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 10. 2B Tony Kemp | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
Despite graduating Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers and Preston Tucker and trading away the likes of Mark Appel, Brett Phillips, Domingo Santana, Vincent Velasquez, Josh Hader and Thomas Eshelman, the Houston Astros still have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball.
Adding Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker with the No. 2 and No. 5 picks in last year's draft and then finding a way to sign Daz Cameron to an above-slot deal at No. 37 overall certainly helped restock the minor league ranks.
The emergence of Francis Martes (8-3, 2.04 ERA, 98 K, 101.2 IP) and Joe Musgrove (12-1, 1.88 ERA, 99 K, 100.2 IP) alongside the already highly regarded Michael Feliz also helped keep Houston's crop of pitching prospect looking strong.
Meanwhile, A.J. Reed was arguably the most impressive performer in the system in 2015, as he hit .340/.432/.612 with 30 doubles, 34 home runs and 127 RBI between High-A and Double-A. Suffice to say Jon Singleton no longer looks like the first baseman of the future.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Tyler Glasnow | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 2. OF Austin Meadows | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 3. 1B Josh Bell | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 4. RHP Jameson Taillon | 24 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. OF Harold Ramirez | 21 | AA | 2017 |
| 6. C Reese McGuire | 20 | AA | 2017 |
| 7. 2B Alen Hanson | 23 | MLB | 2016 |
| 8. SS Cole Tucker | 19 | A+ | 2019 |
| 9. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes | 18 | A- | 2019 |
| 10. SS Kevin Newman | 22 | A | 2018 |
Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates have gone from laughingstock to perennial contender on the strength of their ability to develop in-house talent, with guys like Andrew McCutchen, Gerrit Cole, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Neil Walker and Tony Watson all representing homegrown talent.
That trend appears likely to continue in the years to come, starting with one of the best pitching prospects in the game in Tyler Glasnow. A steal in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, the 6'8" right-hander has gone 28-16 with a 2.07 ERA, 1.059 WHIP and 501 strikeouts in 383.1 innings as a pro.
Second baseman Alen Hanson looks like the leading candidate to take over for the departed Walker, while Josh Bell could step in as the everyday first baseman in the near future as well.
As if the system wasn't already talented enough, a healthy Jameson Taillon once again ranks as a potentially elite prospect, and outfielder Harold Ramirez enjoyed a breakout season with a .337/.399/.458 line for High-A Bradenton.
3. Atlanta Braves
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Dansby Swanson | 21 | A | 2018 |
| 2. LHP Sean Newcomb | 22 | AA | 2017 |
| 3. SS Ozhaino Albies | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 4. RHP Aaron Blair | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Tyrell Jenkins | 23 | AAA | 2016 |
| 6. LHP Kolby Allard | 18 | ROK | 2019 |
| 7. RHP Touki Toussaint | 19 | A | 2018 |
| 8. 3B Austin Riley | 18 | ROK | 2019 |
| 9. OF Mallex Smith | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 10. LHP Max Fried | 22 | A+ | 2018 |
Overview
Of the 10 top prospects listed above, seven have been acquired by the Atlanta Braves via trade since the end of the 2014 season.
That includes Dansby Swanson, Aaron Blair and Sean Newcomb, as well as another pitching prospect who would rank inside of most teams' top 10 in Christopher Ellis. The Braves acquired them this offseason in the moves that sent Shelby Miller and Andrelton Simmons packing.
Ozhaino Albies is the top homegrown talent in the system, and he has a chance to be a good one after hitting .310/.368/.404 with 29 steals as an 18-year-old in Single-A.
Kolby Allard was the first high school arm off the board in June when the Braves took him with the No. 14 pick, and he's received plenty of attention, but don't sleep on third baseman Austin Riley, whom the team took at No. 41 overall. He hit .304/.389/.544 with 14 doubles and 12 home runs after signing.
2. Boston Red Sox
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. 2B Yoan Moncada | 20 | A+ | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Anderson Espinoza | 17 | A | 2019 |
| 3. 3B Rafael Devers | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 4. OF Andrew Benintendi | 21 | A+ | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Michael Kopech | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 6. LHP Brian Johnson | 25 | AAA | 2016 |
| 7. OF Luis Alexander Basabe | 19 | A- | 2018 |
| 8. 1B Sam Travis | 22 | AAA | 2017 |
| 9. 3B Michael Chavis | 20 | A+ | 2018 |
| 10. SS Deven Marrero | 25 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
The Boston Red Sox farm system takes a bit of a hit with Henry Owens, Eduardo Rodriguez, Blake Swihart, Rusney Castillo, Travis Shaw and Steven Wright exiting the prospect ranks and both Manuel Margot and Javier Guerra being sent to the San Diego Padres in the Craig Kimbrel deal.
There is still plenty more high-end young talent on the way, though.
Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada tops that list, as the 20-year-old hit .278/.380/.438 with 19 doubles, eight home runs and 38 RBI in 81 games for Single-A Greenville. He could take a huge leap forward in his second professional season.
Anderson Espinoza has also emerged as one of the highest-ceiling pitching prospect in the game. He owned Gulf Coast League hitters with a 0.68 ERA, 0.825 WHIP and a ratio of nine walks to 40 strikeouts in 40 innings at the age of 17.
Thrown in Rafael Devers (who may well be the heir to David Ortiz in the middle of the lineup), Andrew Benintendi (who continued to rake after tearing up the college ranks) and Michael Kopech (who posted a 2.63 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 65 innings as a 19-year-old in Single-A), and the system is still stacked.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Corey Seager | 21 | MLB | 2016 |
| 2. LHP Julio Urias | 19 | AAA | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Jose De Leon | 23 | AA | 2017 |
| 4. RHP Grant Holmes | 19 | A+ | 2018 |
| 5. 1B/OF Cody Bellinger | 20 | AA | 2018 |
| 6. OF Alex Verdugo | 19 | AA | 2018 |
| 7. RHP Frankie Montas | 22 | AAA | 2016 |
| 8. RHP Jharel Cotton | 24 | AAA | 2017 |
| 9. RHP Yadier Alvarez | 19 | ROK | 2019 |
| 10. C/2B Austin Barnes | 26 | AAA | 2016 |
Overview
The team's decision to wait on promoting Corey Seager means he'll maintain his rookie eligibility heading into 2016, and that clinches the No. 1 farm system for the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the season.
Seager hit .337/.425/.561 with 13 extra-base hits in 98 at-bats after being promoted, as he took over as the team's starting shortstop spot down the stretch and into the postseason. He'll be the NL Rookie of the Year front-runner.
Not to be outdone, 19-year-old phenom Julio Urias continued his rapid ascent by reaching Triple-A, and he figures to challenge for a rotation spot at some point in the near future.
Jose De Leon (6-7, 2.99 ERA, 163 K, 114.1 IP) and Grant Holmes (6-4, 3.14 ERA, 117 K, 103.1 IP) are also high-end pitching prospects, and Frankie Montas, whom the team acquired from the Chicago White Sox, should make an impact in some capacity in 2016 whether it's as a starter or a late-inning reliever.
Add to that Cody Bellinger (.873 OPS, 33 2B, 30 HR, 103 RBI) and Alex Verdugo (.311 BA, 32 2B, 9 HR, 61 RBI), who have both annihilated low-minors pitching, and recent high-profile international signings such as Yadier Alvarez, Yusniel Diaz and Starling Heredia, and the Dodgers farm system is in a league of its own at this point.
Note: MLB.com's Prospect Watch served as the baseline for each team's list of top 10 prospects and each prospect's ETA, while Roster Resource provided projections for where each prospect would begin the 2016 season. However, changes were made to both along the way to reflect my own opinion.
It's also worth mentioning that guys like Kenta Maeda, Byung-ho Park, Hyun-soo Kim and Hector Olivera were not considered prospects for the sake of these rankings due to their past experience playing professionally.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com, unless otherwise noted.
