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Re-Ranking All 30 MLB Farm Systems at the End of 2017's MiLB Season

Joel ReuterSep 13, 2017

The 2017 MiLB regular season is over, and each league's respective postseason is already underway.

With that in mind, it seems like the perfect time for one final look at where all 30 MLB farm systems rank, as well as an updated look at each team's top 10 prospects.

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 player a guy will be.
  • 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 are the determining factors, as these players are viewed as more complete products.
  • 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 were the biggest factors 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.

We've incorporated a tier system to help differentiate between levels of talent. Here's a quick explanation: 

  • Tier 1: Prospects who have an elite skill set and legitimate All-Star potential. These are the guys who would receive consideration for a spot on leaguewide top-100 prospect lists.
  • Tier 2: Prospects who have a good chance of becoming at least a contributor at the MLB level. This is where most prospects on the following list will fall.
  • Tier 3: Prospects who profile as fringe MLB contributors or young prospects who are still too raw to project any higher. Having one of these players ranked among your top 10 prospects is a good indication of a thin system.

We capped that with a quick rundown of each farm system and each team's MiLB Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.

Note: Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Rhys Hoskins (114 AB), Cleveland Indians third baseman Yandy Diaz (123 AB) and New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith (109 AB) and shortstop Amed Rosario (117 AB) are technically still prospects, but since all four are in line to exceed the rookie-eligibility limit of 130 at-bats before the season is over, they were excluded from these rankings.

The graduated/traded section refers to players who have departed the organizational list since the rankings were last updated Aug. 1.

30. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 30)

1 of 30
Matt Thaiss
Matt Thaiss

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Jahmai JonesA+2
2. OF Jo AdellROK2
3. 1B Matt ThaissAA2
4. RHP Griffin CanningROK2
5. RHP Jaime BarriaAAA2
6. OF Brandon MarshROK2
7. C Taylor WardAA2
8. RHP Jesus CastilloAA2
9. RHP Chris RodriguezA3
10. OF Jacob PearsonROK3

Graduated/Traded: RHP Grayson Long

                                 

Farm System Update

Slowly but surely, the Los Angeles Angels are using the draft to build what has long been one of the league's worst farm systems.

Toolsy outfielder Jo Adell and polished collegiate right-hander Griffin Canning headlined this year's draft haul, and they join 2015 top picks Taylor Ward and Jahmai Jones and 2016 top picks Matt Thaiss and Brandon Marsh to give the organization intriguing top-end talent.

The front office also did well to add Justin Upton and Brandon Phillips in August without mortgaging much in the way of prospect talent.

       

MiLB Player of the Year: CF Jahmai Jones, A/A+ (Age: 20)

127.282/.348/.44650 (14)478627

               

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jaime Barria, A+/AA/AAA (Age: 21)

267-92.801.0731117141.2

29. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 29)

2 of 30
Foster Griffin
Foster Griffin

Top 10 Prospects

1. 1B Nick PrattoROK2
2. OF Khalil LeeA2
3. LHP Foster GriffinAA2
4. RHP Josh StaumontAA2
5. 3B Hunter DozierAAA2
6. LHP Eric SkoglundMLB2
7. SS Nicky LopezAA2
8. C M.J. MelendezROK2
9. OF Seuly MatiasROK3
10. RHP Scott BlewettA+3

Graduated/Traded: RHP Jake Junis

                   

Farm System Update

The decision to hang on to upcoming free agents Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain and Jason Vargas at the trade deadline is one that could come back to haunt the Kansas City Royals.

They could still pick up draft-pick compensation if one or more of those guys is extended a qualifying offer, but they left a sizable prospect haul on the table in hopes of making one last playoff run with this core.

Khalil Lee has significant offensive upside and enjoyed a breakout season in Single-A after going in the third round of the 2016 draft. He joins 2017 first-round pick Nick Pratto and Futures Game participant Foster Griffin as the headliners of a thin system.     

             

MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Emmanuel Rivera, A (Age: 21)

122.310/.364/.46844 (12)72608

                

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Foster Griffin, A+/AA (Age: 22)

2815-73.351.2754141161.1

28. Miami Marlins (Previous: 28)

3 of 30
Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson

Top 10 Prospects

1. LHP Braxton GarrettINJ1
2. LHP Trevor RogersROK2
3. 3B Brian AndersonMLB2
4. LHP Dillon PetersMLB2
5. 3B James NelsonA2
6. RHP Tyler KolekROK2
7. OF Brian MillerA2
8. RHP Merandy GonzalezA+2
9. OF Brayan HernandezA-2
10. 3B Joe DunandA-3

Graduated/Traded: None

                                         

Farm System Update

The Miami Marlins haven't had the best luck with top-prospect health in recent years as Tyler Kolek (2014 draft, No. 2 overall) and Braxton Garrett (2016 draft, No. 7 overall) both underwent Tommy John surgery.

With the development of those two potentially elite prospects stalled, slugging third baseman Brian Anderson and left-hander Dillon Peters have taken over as the team's top performing prospects. They could both step into key roles with the MLB club next season.

Adding right-hander Merandy Gonzalez (for AJ Ramos) and outfielder Brayan Hernandez (for David Phelps) in July trades added further depth to the system. The team also brought in a nice haul of talent in this year's draft.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Brian Anderson, AA/AAA (Age: 24)

120.275/.361/.49246 (22)81741

         

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Trevor Richards, A+/AA (Age: 24)

27/2512-112.531.0330158146.0

TOP NEWS

Washington Nationals v Los Angeles Angels
New York Yankees v. Chicago Cubs

27. New York Mets (Previous: 20)

4 of 30
Tomas Nido
Tomas Nido

Top 10 Prospects

1. LHP David PetersonA-2
2. SS Andres GimenezA2
3. RHP Justin DunnA+2
4. LHP Thomas SzapuckiINJ2
5. C Tomas NidoAA2
6. OF Desmond LindsayA2
7. RHP Chris FlexenMLB2
8. RHP Jordan HumphreysINJ2
9. RHP Marcos MolinaAA2
10. 3B Mark VientosROK2

Graduated/Traded: *SS Amed Rosario, *1B Dominic Smith

                                 

Farm System Update

With shortstop Amed Rosario and first baseman Dominic Smith each on his way to exceeding rookie eligibility limits, the New York Mets farm system is now without a top-tier prospect.

Left-hander David Peterson has a chance to make that leap after going No. 20 overall in this year's draft. The same goes for fellow southpaw Thomas Szapucki if he can stay healthy, and 2016 first-round pick Justin Dunn if he can harness his power stuff.

For now, they drop toward the bottom of the farm system totem pole. There's decent pitching depth throughout the organization, and catcher Tomas Nido looks like a potential future starter, but they're sorely lacking in high-end talent.

              

MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Dominic Smith, AAA (Age: 22)

114.330/.386/.51952 (16)76771

                

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jordan Humphreys, A/A+ (Age: 21)

1310-11.790.87128380.2

26. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 26)

5 of 30
Christian Arroyo
Christian Arroyo

Top 10 Prospects

1. IF Christian ArroyoAAA1
2. 1B/OF Chris ShawAAA2
3. OF Bryan ReynoldsA+2
4. OF Heliot RamosROK2
5. RHP Tyler BeedeAAA2
6. OF Sandro FabianA2
7. C/1B Aramis GarciaA+2
8. OF Austin SlaterMLB2
9. OF Steven DuggarA+2
10. OF Heath QuinnA+2

Graduated/Traded: None

                          

Farm System Update

An already thin San Francisco Giants farm system has seen a disappointing season from Tyler Beede and an injury-plagued campaign from Christian Arroyo take a further bite out of their long-term outlook.

However, slugger Chris Shaw has been a bright spot. He should be ready to push for the starting left field job next season after raking against upper-level pitching this year.

High-ceiling 18-year-old outfielder Heliot Ramos and 19-year-old Sandro Fabian both have significant upside, but the organization is lacking in pitching talent and MLB-ready impact talent in general beyond Shaw.

                

MiLB Player of the Year: 1B/OF Chris Shaw, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

125.292/.346/.52560 (24)79580

                        

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Garrett Williams A/A+ (Age: 22)

18/166-52.321.26359697.0

25. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 25)

6 of 30
Victor Caratini
Victor Caratini

Top 10 Prospects

1. RHP Oscar De La CruzA+1
2. RHP Jose AlbertosA-2
3. RHP Adbert AlzolayAA2
4. RHP Alex LangeROK2
5. RHP Thomas HatchA+2
6. C Victor CaratiniMLB2
7. SS Aramis AdemanA-2
8. LHP Brendon LittleA-2
9. OF Mark ZagunisAAA2
10. RHP Jen-Ho TsengAAA2

Graduated/Traded: None

                         

Farm System Update

The Chicago Cubs traded several prospects to acquire controllable pitchers Jose Quintana and Justin Wilson this summer—most notably Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, Jeimer Candelario and Isaac Paredes.

There's still plenty of talent in the system, but the bulk of it is in the form of lower-level arms that are still at least a few years from making a pro impact.

Catcher Victor Caratini should step into the backup catcher job behind Willson Contreras next season, and right-hander Adbert Alzolay could push for a promotion after an uptick in his stuff led to a breakout season and allowed him to reach Double-A.

                

MiLB Player of the Year: C Victor Caratini, AAA (Age: 24)

83.342/.393/.55840 (10)61501

               

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jen-Ho Tseng, AA/AAA (Age: 22)

2413-42.541.1438122145.1

24. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 27)

7 of 30
Anthony Banda
Anthony Banda

Top 10 Prospects

1. 1B Pavin SmithA-1
2. RHP Jon DuplantierA+1
3. RHP Taylor ClarkeAAA2
4. OF Marcus WilsonA2
5. LHP Anthony BandaAAA2
6. IF Domingo LeybaAA2
7. SS Jasrado ChisholmA2
8. 3B Drew EllisA-2
9. C Daulton VarshoA-2
10. RHP Matt TaborROK2

Graduated/Traded: None

                           

Farm System Update

Thanks in large part to 2016 third-round pick Jon Duplantier's emergence as a top-tier prospect, the Arizona Diamondbacks climbed three spots in the rankings.

It will be interesting to see what the team does with Anthony Banda and Taylor Clarke, as both pitchers have the stuff to start in the majors and little left to prove in the minors. However, the MLB rotation is crowded with controllable arms, so one or both could wind up as trade chips.

Focusing on college bats in this year's draft gave the system a trio of newcomers to the organizational top 10—Pavin Smith, Drew Ellis and Daulton Varsho—and if the early returns are any indication they could all move quickly.

           

MiLB Player of the Year: 1B/OF Christian Walker, AAA (Age: 26)

133.309/.382/.59775 (32)1141045

             

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jon Duplantier, A/A+ (Age: 23)

2412-31.390.9842165136.0

23. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 22)

8 of 30
Sam Travis
Sam Travis

Top 10 Prospects

1. LHP Jay GroomeA1
2. 3B Michael ChavisAA1
3. 1B Sam TravisMLB2
4. RHP Bryan MataA2
5. RHP Mike ShawarynA+2
6. 1B Josh OckimeyAA2
7. RHP Tanner HouckA-2
8. RHP Alex ScherffROK2
9. RHP Roniel RaudesA+2
10. C Daniel FloresROK2

Graduated/Traded: 3B Rafael Devers

                   

Farm System Update

With Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech traded in the Chris Sale deal and both Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers graduating to the big leagues, there's not much left at the top of the Boston Red Sox system.

A breakout season from 2014 first-round pick Michael Chavis gives them a new top position-player prospect. Sam Travis is not far behind, as he could challenge for the starting first base job next spring with Mitch Moreland headed for free agency.

The development of a number of lower-level arms will determine how quickly this system climbs back up the rankings. Jay Groome, Bryan Mata, Mike Shawaryn, Roniel Raudes and 2016 draft picks Tanner Houck and Alex Scherff all have top-tier upside. 

               

MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Michael Chavis, A+/AA (Age: 22)

126.282/.347/.56368 (31)94892

          

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Dedgar Jimenez, A+/AA (Age: 21)

2515-33.021.2541118146.0

22. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 23)

9 of 30
Thyago Vieira
Thyago Vieira

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Kyle LewisA+1
2. 1B Evan WhiteA-1
3. RHP Nick NeidertAA2
4. RHP Andrew MooreAAA2
5. RHP Sam CarlsonROK2
6. OF Braden BishopAA2
7. RP Thyago VieiraAAA2
8. 1B Dan VogelbachAAA2
9. SS Christopher TorresA-2
10. OF Julio RodriguezROK2

Graduated/Traded: None

                      

Farm System Update

Looking back at our preseason farm system rankings, the Seattle Mariners have since traded Tyler O'Neill (No. 1 prospect), Luiz Gohara (No. 3), Drew Jackson (No. 9) and Brayan Hernandez (No. 10) while also graduating Mitch Haniger (No. 5) to the majors.

That's a lot of turnover at the top of the system, but they did well to restock with the additions of Evan White and Sam Carlson through the draft and Julio Rodriguez on the international market. A breakout season from Braden Bishop and another step forward by Nick Neidert also helped.

General manager Jerry Dipoto is not shy when it comes to the trade market, so another busy offseason wouldn't be the least bit surprising, especially if a postseason drought that stretches back to 2001 continues.

           

MiLB Player of the Year: CF Braden Bishop, A+/AA (Age: 24)

119.306/.393/.41341 (3)438922

                          

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Nick Neidert, A+/AA (Age: 20)

2511-63.451.1722122127.2

21. Texas Rangers (Previous: 21)

10 of 30
Yohander Mendez
Yohander Mendez

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Leody TaverasA1
2. 2B Willie CalhounMLB1
3. LHP Yohander MendezMLB1
4. 1B Ronald GuzmanAAA2
5. OF Bubba ThompsonROK2
6. LHP Cole RagansA-2
7. 1B/OF Yanio PerezA+2
8. RHP Hans CrouseROK2
9. RHP Ariel JuradoAA2
10. SS Chris SeiseA-2

Graduated/Traded: None

                     

Farm System Update

After selling off significant prospect talent in recent years to acquire the likes of Cole Hamels and Jonathan Lucroy, the Texas Rangers were on the other end of the trade market this summer.

Flipping Yu Darvish to the Los Angeles Dodgers netted the club a potential big bat in Willie Calhoun and two other prospects, including right-hander in A.J. Alexy, who just missed the top-10 cut.

Calhoun earned a September call-up just two months after joining the organization. He'll likely push for a spot on the Opening Day roster next spring, as will first baseman Ronald Guzman and starter Yohander Mendez.

            

MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Ronald Guzman, AAA (Age: 22)

125.298/.372/.43437 (12)62784

                

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Kyle Cody, A/A+ (Age: 23)

239-62.641.1543136126.0

20. Cleveland Indians (Previous: 19)

11 of 30
Francisco Mejia
Francisco Mejia

Top 10 Prospects

1. C Francisco MejiaMLB1
2. RHP Triston McKenzieA+1
3. 1B Bobby BradleyAA1
4. SS Yu-Cheng ChangAA2
5. 3B Nolan JonesA-2
6. OF Quentin HolmesROK2
7. SS Willi CastroA+2
8. RHP Shane BieberAA2
9. RHP Aaron CivaleA+2
10. OF Will BensonA-2

Graduated/Traded: *3B Yandy Diaz

                         

Farm System Update

The Cleveland Indians system is not loaded with top-tier talent, but it has two elite prospects in catcher Francisco Mejia and right-hander Triston McKenzie.

Slugger Bobby Bradley also earns a Tier 1 grade, as he's launched 79 home runs over the past three seasons, and shortstop Yu-Cheng Chang opened eyes this season with a .774 OPS and 24 home runs in Double-A.

With a big league team that's built to win now, someone such as Chang, who's blocked in the majors, and any pitching prospect outside of McKenzie could be used as trade chips to further bolster the team's title chances in the short term.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: C Eric Haase, AA/AAA (Age: 24)

97.260/.352/.57849 (27)61604

            

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Triston McKenzie, A+ (Age: 20)

2512-63.461.0545186143.0

19. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 18)

12 of 30
Ryan McMahon
Ryan McMahon

Top 10 Prospects

1. SS Brendan RodgersA+1
2. 3B Ryan McMahonMLB1
3. RHP Riley PintA1
4. 3B Colton WelkerA2
5. RHP Peter LambertA+2
6. 3B Ryan ViladeROK2
7. SS Garrett HampsonA+2
8. RHP Ryan CastellaniAA2
9. RHP Yency AlmonteAAA2
10. LHP Sam HowardAAA2

Graduated/Traded: None

                            

Farm System Update

All signs point to Brendan Rodgers' becoming a future star for the Colorado Rockies. A monster season from Ryan McMahon in the upper levels of the minors has significantly improved his long-term outlook as well.

However, with DJ LeMahieu, Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado seemingly entrenched at three of the starting infield spots, the team will have decisions to make once those two promising young bats are deemed MLB-ready.

Meanwhile, the pitching side of the system was thinned this year with Jeff Hoffman, German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland all stepping into key roles on the big league staff.

             

MiLB Player of the Year: IF Ryan McMahon, AA/AAA (Age: 22)

119.355/.403/.58363 (20)887411

              

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Yency Almonte, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

218-42.911.365293111.1

18. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 14)

13 of 30
Austin Meadows
Austin Meadows

Top 10 Prospects

1. RHP Mitch KellerAA1
2. OF Austin MeadowsAAA1
3. RHP Shane BazROK1
4. 3B Ke'Bryan HayesA+2
5. SS Cole TuckerAA2
6. LHP Taylor HearnA+2
7. 3B Will CraigA+2
8. SS Kevin NewmanAAA2
9. 2B Kevin KramerAA2
10. RHP Steven JenningsROK2

Graduated/Traded: None

                             

Farm System Update

The Pittsburgh Pirates began the year with the No. 6 farm system in our preseason rankings, so they've fallen quite a ways in nine months.

While part of that was a result of Josh Bell's and Tyler Glasnow's lost prospect status, disappointing seasons from Austin Meadows and Kevin Newman also played a role.

Having four picks in the first 72 of this year's draft allowed the front office to add right-handers Shane Baz and Steven Jennings to the organizational top 10, as well as outfielders Conner Uselton and Calvin Mitchell, who were right on the fringe.

There's plenty of potential for it to climb back up, but for now, this isn't a top-tier system.

              

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Jordan Luplow, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

117.302/.381/.52756 (23)56745

       

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Steven Brault, AAA (Age: 25)

2010-51.941.0744109120.1

17. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 24)

14 of 30
Beau Burrows
Beau Burrows

Top 10 Prospects

1. RHP Franklin PerezAA1
2. RHP Matt ManningA1
3. RHP Beau BurrowsAA1
4. RHP Alex FaedoROK2
5. OF Christin StewartAA2
6. 3B Jeimer CandelarioMLB2
7. SS Isaac ParedesA2
8. RHP Kyle FunkhouserA+2
9. C Jake RogersA+2
10. OF Daz CameronA2

Graduated/Traded: None

                 

Farm System Update

The Detroit Tigers have finally begun a long-overdue rebuild as the last two months saw them trade away Justin Verlander (Astros), Justin Upton (Angels), Justin Wilson (Cubs) and Alex Avila (Cubs).

Those moves brought an impressive prospect haul that included Franklin Perez, Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes, Jake Rogers and Daz Cameron as newcomers in the organizational top 10 as well as right-hander Grayson Long, who just missed the cut.

Pairing Perez with 2016 first-round pick Matt Manning gives the team two pitching prospects with ace-caliber upside atop the system. In addition 2017 top pick Alex Faedo will have that same kind of potential once he gets his pro career started.

With a seven-spot climb, the Tigers are the biggest risers in our final farm system update.

           

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Christin Stewart, AA (Age: 23)

136.256/.335/.50160 (28)86673

                 

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Austin Sodders, A+/AA (Age: 22)

2311-51.810.9630122139.0

16. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 17)

15 of 30
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Top 10 Prospects

1. 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.A+1
2. SS Bo BichetteA+1
3. OF Anthony AlfordAAA1
4. SS Logan WarmothA-2
5. RHP Sean Reid-FoleyAA2
6. RHP T.J. ZeuchA+2
7. C Danny JansenAAA2
8. RHP Nate PearsonA-2
9. OF Teoscar HernandezMLB2
10. IF/OF Lourdes GurrielAA2

Graduated/Traded: None

            

Farm System Update

The Toronto Blue Jays have two of the game's most dynamic offensive prospects in teenagers Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (18) and Bo Bichette (19) and both saw their stock soar this season as they crushed older competition in their full-season debuts.

While guys such as Rowdy Tellez, Sean Reid-Foley, Richard Urena and Jon Harris all turned in disappointing seasons, others such as Danny Jansen, Ryan Borucki and deadline-addition Thomas Pannone (acquired from Cleveland) enjoyed breakout performances.

That, coupled with the acquisition of top draft picks Logan Warmoth and Nate Pearson, makes for a significantly different looking top-10 list than we saw heading into the season.

There's plenty of talent here. Now those breakout prospects have to back up their performances and some of the more highly regarded pitching prospects must deliver on their potential for this system to make the jump into the top 10.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: SS Bo Bichette, A/A+ (Age: 19)

110.362/.423/.56559 (14)748822

                      

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Ryan Borucki, A+/AA/AAA (Age: 23)

268-82.931.1236157150.1

15. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 16)

16 of 30
Chance Sisco
Chance Sisco

Top 10 Prospects

1. C Chance SiscoMLB1
2. OF Austin HaysMLB1
3. SS Ryan MountcastleAA1
4. LHP D.L. HallROK1
5. LHP Tanner ScottAA2
6. OF Cedric MullinsAA2
7. RHP Hunter HarveyA2
8. LHP Keegan AkinA+2
9. LHP Zac LowtherA-2
10. LHP Alex WellsA2

Graduated/Traded: None

                                 

Farm System Update

It's been a good year for the Baltimore Orioles as far as the farm system is concerned. They've climbed 10 spots since checking in at the No. 25 spot in our preseason rankings.

Austin Hays, Ryan Mountcastle and Cedric Mullins turned in breakout seasons at the plate. Tanner Scott and Alex Wells did the same on the mound. In addition, the front office landed what many considered to be one of the biggest steals of the draft in left-hander D.L. Hall at No. 21 overall.

Throw in another solid step forward from catcher of the future Chance Sisco and a strong late-season return to the mound from the oft-injured Hunter Harvey and there's a lot to like about the Baltimore system.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Austin Hays, A+/AA (Age: 22)

128.329/.365/.59369 (32)95815

             

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Alex Wells, A (Age: 20)

2511-52.380.9110113140.0

14. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 15)

17 of 30
Royce Lewis
Royce Lewis

Top 10 Prospects

1. SS Nick GordonAA1
2. SS/CF Royce LewisROK1
3. LHP Stephen GonsalvesAA1
4. RHP Fernando RomeroAA1
5. SS Wander JavierROK2
6. RHP Brusdar GraterolROK2
7. OF Alex KirilloffINJ2
8. RHP Blayne EnlowROK2
9. OF Brent RookerA+2
10. C Mitch GarverMLB2

Graduated/Traded: None

                          

Farm System Update

Nick Gordon, Stephen Gonsalves and Fernando Romero could all be ready to make an impact at the MLB level next season, and there's plenty of intriguing young talent on the rise ready to take their place atop the system.

That includes this year's No. 1 overall pick, Royce Lewis, shortstop Wander Javier—who landed a club-record $4 million bonus as part of the 2015 international free-agent class and impressed in his stateside debut this year—and No. 35 overall pick this year Brent Rooker, who posted a .930 OPS with 18 home runs in 62 games while reaching High-A after signing.

The one to watch is 19-year-old Brusdar Graterol, who is finally healthy after Tommy John surgery delayed his U.S. debut and "might have the highest ceiling of any arm in the system" as MLB.com wrote.

              

MiLB Player of the Year: SS Jermaine Palacios, A/A+ (Age: 21)

124.296/.333/.45444 (13)678220

            

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Clark Beeker, A/A+ (Age: 24)

2312-42.631.062393143.2

13. Houston Astros (Previous: 10)

18 of 30
Derek Fisher
Derek Fisher

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Kyle TuckerAA1
2. RHP Forrest WhitleyAA1
3. RHP J.B. BukauskasA-1
4. OF Derek FisherMLB1
5. 1B/OF Yordan AlvarezA+2
6. RHP Hector PerezA+2
7. LHP Cionel PerezAA2
8. 3B Colin MoranAAA2
9. 3B J.D. DavisMLB2
10. RHP David PaulinoSUS2

Graduated/Traded: RHP Franklin Perez, C Jake Rogers, OF Daz Cameron

                    

Farm System Update

The Justin Verlander trade cost the Houston Astros three top prospects and three spots in the rankings as Franklin Perez, Jake Rogers and Daz Cameron went to the Detroit Tigers.

This is still a deep system, though.

Kyle Tucker has the offensive tools to be a star, Forrest Whitley had as good a season as any pitching prospect in the league and Yordan Alvarez looks like one to watch after coming over from the Los Angeles Dodgers last August in exchange for reliever Josh Fields.

The development of 2017 first-round pick J.B. Bukauskas and touted international signing Cionel Perez could be what pushes this system back into the top 10.

                  

MiLB Player of the Year: 1B A.J. Reed, AAA (Age: 24)

127.261/.358/.52558 (34)104890

             

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Rogelio Armenteros, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

24/2010-42.041.0438146123.2

12. Washington Nationals (Previous: 13)

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Victor Robles
Victor Robles

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Victor RoblesMLB1
2. OF Juan SotoA1
3. SS Carter KieboomA1
4. RHP Erick FeddeMLB1
5. OF Daniel JohnsonA+2
6. LHP Seth RomeroA-2
7. RHP Wil CroweA-2
8. OF Yasel AntunaROK2
9. SS Luis GarciaROK2
10. OF Andrew StevensonAAA2

Graduated/Traded: None

                           

Farm System Update

The Washington Nationals have four elite prospects, including a player who looks to have all the makings of a future superstar in Victor Robles.

Beyond those four there's a significant drop-off, but the rest of the organization still has intriguing pieces.

Outfielder Daniel Johnson put together a 20/20 season with an .861 OPS in his full-season debut. Left-hander Seth Romero would have been off the board long before the Nats took him at No. 25 overall if not for off-field concerns. And 2016 international signings Yasel Antuna and Luis Garcia are already showing signs of living up to their combined $5.2 million bonus price tag.

            

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Victor Robles, A+/AA (Age: 20)

114.300/.382/.49355 (10)477327

             

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jaron Long, AA/AAA (Age: 26)

269-123.611.2131114164.1

11. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 11)

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Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty

Top 10 Prospects

1. RHP Alex ReyesINJ1
2. C Carson KellyMLB1
3. RHP Jack FlahertyMLB1
4. OF Tyler O'NeillAAA1
5. OF Harrison BaderMLB2
6. OF Magneuris SierraAAA2
7. RHP Sandy AlcantaraMLB2
8. RHP Dakota HudsonAAA2
9. SS Delvin PerezROK2
10. RHP Zac GallenAAA2

Graduated/Traded: RHP Luke Weaver

                       

Farm System Update

Few teams are better at dipping into the farm system for immediate help than the St. Louis Cardinals. We've seen that once again this season as Paul DeJong has been one of the team's most productive hitters and a number of others have emerged as role players.

It will be interesting to see how the team handles the starting-rotation and outfield situations.

With Mike Leake traded to Seattle and Lance Lynn headed for free agency, there will be two rotation spots open for Luke Weaver, Alex Reyes and Jack Flaherty.  

As for the outfield, Dexter Fowler and Stephen Piscotty are signed long-term, Tommy Pham has put together a breakout season and Randal Grichuk still flashes intriguing potential. But waiting in the wings is Harrison Bader, Tyler O'Neill and Magneuris Sierra, who are all MLB-ready.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Patrick Wisdom, AAA (Age: 26)

127.243/.310/.50757 (31)89682

               

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jack Flaherty, AA/AAA (Age: 21)

2514-42.181.0435147148.2

10. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 9)

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Nick Senzel
Nick Senzel

Top 10 Prospects

1. 3B Nick SenzelAA1
2. RHP Hunter GreeneROK1
3. OF Taylor TrammellA1
4. RHP Tyler MahleMLB1
5. OF Jesse WinkerMLB2
6. RHP Vladimir GutierrezA+2
7. 2B Shed LongAA2
8. SS Jeter DownsROK2
9. C Tyler StephensonA2
10. OF Jose SiriA2

Graduated/Traded: SP Luis Castillo

               

Farm System Update

The Cincinnati Reds immediately became one of the biggest winners in this year's draft when Hunter Greene was still on the board at No. 2 overall. They followed that by adding two intriguing bats in Jeter Downs and Stuart Fairchild.

Meanwhile, 2015 first-round pick Tyler Stephenson and 2016's No. 35 overall pick, Taylor Trammell, both took a step forward in their development. No. 1 prospect Nick Senzel also backed up his standing as one of the top prospects in baseball.

The biggest questions for the Reds as they continue rebuilding are on the pitching side. The emergence of Luis Castillo and a breakout season from Tyler Mahle help, but the long-term outlook of the rotation is still cloudy at best.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Nick Senzel, A+/AA (Age: 22)

119.321/.391/.51457 (14)658114

                

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Tyler Mahle, AA/AAA (Age: 22)

2410-72.060.9630138144.1

9. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 12)

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Alex Verdugo
Alex Verdugo

Top 10 Prospects

1. RHP Walker BuehlerMLB1
2. OF Alex VerdugoMLB1
3. RHP Yadier AlvarezAA1
4. OF Yusniel DiazAA1
5. OF Jeren KendallA2
6. RHP Mitchell WhiteAA2
7. C Keibert RuizA+2
8. RHP Jordan SheffieldA+2
9. C Will SmithAA2
10. OF Starling HerediaA2

Graduated/Traded: None

                                 

Farm System Update

The Los Angeles Dodgers climb three spots thanks to the continued rise of Walker Buehler and strong seasons from big-ticket international signings Yusniel Diaz and Starling Heredia—among other things.

Keibert Ruiz was also one of the biggest breakout prospects of 2017 as he hit .316 with an .813 OPS and 33 extra-base hits as a 19-year-old while reaching High-A. With Francisco Mejia, Chance Sisco and Carson Kelly all ready to make the jump to the majors, he could quickly take over as the top catching prospect in baseball.

The fact that the Dodgers graduated Cody Bellinger from the prospect ranks this year and still hold on to a spot inside the top 10 speaks to the depth of high-ceiling talent within the organization.

                    

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Alex Verdugo, AAA (Age: 21)

117.314/.389/.43637 (6)62679

      

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Caleb Ferguson, A+ (Age: 21)

249-42.871.3755140122.1

8. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 8)

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Franklin Barreto
Franklin Barreto

Top 10 Prospects

1. SS Franklin BarretoMLB1
2. LHP A.J. PukAA1
3. OF Austin BeckROK1
4. LHP Jesus LuzardoA-1
5. IF/OF Jorge MateoAA2
6. RHP James KaprielianINJ2
7. C Sean MurphyAA2
8. RHP Logan ShoreA+2
9. OF Lazaro ArmenterosROK2
10. RHP Grant HolmesAA2

Graduated/Traded: 3B Matt Chapman, SP Daniel Gossett

                        

Farm System Update

The Oakland Athletics were as busy as any seller at this year's trade deadline, pulling off a pair of major deals to turn Sonny Gray, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson into prospects.

The haul from those deals included 19-year-old Jesus Luzardo, who was dominant in short-season ball, speedy Jorge Mateo and a pair of injury returnees who could turn into significant long-term pieces in right-hander James Kaprielian and outfielder Dustin Fowler.

Catcher Sean Murphy also looks like a prospect worth keeping an eye on as the 2016 third-round pick has flashed intriguing offensive tools to go along with the stellar defensive work that was his calling card at Wright State.

With team president Billy Beane openly committing to a "full rebuild," this farm system will be under close scrutiny in the upcoming years.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Brett Siddall, A+ (Age: 22)

117.300/.365/.49544 (21)68783

       

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Dalton Sawyer, A/A+/AAA (Age: 23)

27/219-93.581.2247140130.2

7. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 6)

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Scott Kingery
Scott Kingery

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Mickey MoniakA1
2. RHP Sixto SanchezA+1
3. OF Adam HaseleyA1
4. 2B Scott KingeryAAA1
5. SS J.P. CrawfordMLB1
6. RHP Franklyn KilomeAA2
7. RHP Adonis MedinaA2
8. C Jorge AlfaroMLB2
9. LHP JoJo RomeroA+2
10. LHP Ranger SuarezA+2

Graduated/Traded: OF Nick Williams, *LF Rhys Hoskins

                         

Farm System Update

It's been an interesting year for the Philadelphia Phillies farm system, to say the least.

Prospects such as J.P. Crawford, Jorge Alfaro, Jake Thompson and Roman Quinn, who were expected to be a big part of the team's rebuilding efforts at the MLB level by now, have been non-factors.

However, slugger Rhys Hoskins has taken the league by storm, and other breakout prospects have made a name for themselves down on the farm. Scott Kingery and Sixto Sanchez are now top-100 prospects, per Baseball America, and others such as Franklyn Kilome and Adonis Medina are trending up.

If you collect enough good, young talent, things have a way of working themselves out. Things might not be going how the front office expected, but there's still plenty of reasons for optimism in Philadelphia.

               

MiLB Player of the Year: 2B Scott Kingery, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

132.304/.359/.53063 (26)6510329

                     

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP JoJo Romero, A/A+ (Age: 21)

2310-32.161.0936128129.0

6. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 5)

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Willy Adames
Willy Adames

Top 10 Prospects

1. RHP Brent HoneywellAAA1
2. SS Willy AdamesAAA1
3. 1B/LHP Brendan McKayA-1
4. OF Jesus SanchezA1
5. 1B/OF Jake BauersAAA1
6. RHP Jose De LeonAAA1
7. OF Joshua LoweA2
8. SS Wander FrancoROK2
9. OF Garrett WhitleyA2
10. SS Lucius FoxA+2

Graduated/Traded: None

                           

Farm System Update

The Tampa Bay Rays system will take a hit once Brent Honeywell, Willy Adames and Jake Bauers move on to the majors—presumably early next season.

For now, that trio is a key part of a system that is knocking on the door for a spot inside the top five.

Two-way standout Brendan McKay and breakout teenager Jesus Sanchez give the team two more of Baseball America's top-100 prospects. If Jose De Leon could ever find a way to stay healthy, he still has legitimate No. 2 starter upside.

Shortstop Wander Franco will be one to watch as he signed for a $3.825 million bonus in July after MLB.com ranked him as the No. 1 international prospect in this year's class.

               

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Jesus Sanchez, A (Age: 19)

117.305/.348/.47848 (15)82817

         

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Yonny Chirinos, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

2613-52.730.9726141168.1

5. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 4)

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Lewis Brinson
Lewis Brinson

Top 10 Prospects

1. CF Lewis BrinsonAAA1
2. OF Corey RayA+1
3. 2B/OF Keston HiuraA1
4. RHP Luis OrtizAA1
5. IF Isan DiazA+1
6. RHP Brandon WoodruffMLB1
7. RHP Corbin BurnesAA1
8. RHP Freddy PeraltaAA2
9. OF Tristen LutzROK2
10. OF Brett PhillipsMLB2

Graduated/Traded: None

                      

Farm System Update

The Milwaukee Brewers resisted the urge to sell the farm for a better chance at contending this season and despite that, they're still in the NL Central and NL wild-card races.

Lewis Brinson struggled in his first taste of MLB action (.106 batting average in 21 games) and didn't make the impact this year that many expected him to, but he still has the potential to be a five-tool threat in center field.

Luis Ortiz, Brandon Woodruff and breakout prospect Corbin Burnes should all factor into the big league rotation in the near future, and Freddy Peralta has pushed his way into that conversation as well.

The Brewers don't have the same elite-level talent of the organizations still to come in these rankings, but their prospect depth is as good as any in the league.

      

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Brett Phillips, AAA (Age: 23)

105.305/.377/.56752 (19)78799

               

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Corbin Burnes, A+/AA (Age: 22)

268-31.670.9536140145.2

4. San Diego Padres (Previous: 7)

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Cal Quantrill
Cal Quantrill

Top 10 Prospects

1. LHP MacKenzie GoreROK1
2. RHP Cal QuantrillAA1
3. SS Fernando Tatis Jr.AA1
4. RHP Anderson EspinozaINJ1
5. 2B Luis UriasAA1
6. RHP Michel BaezA1
7. LHP Adrian MorejonA1
8. LHP Eric LauerAA2
9. 1B Josh NaylorAA2
10. LHP Joey LucchesiAA2

Graduated/Traded: None

               

Farm System Update

Despite graduating Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe to the MLB ranks and losing Anderson Espinosa for the year to Tommy John surgery, the San Diego Padres have climbed nine spots from their preseason ranking.

Adding MacKenzie Gore in the draft helped, but the rise of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Michel Baez from fringe top-10 prospects in the organization to legitimate top-100 prospects leaguewide has played an even bigger role. A strong first full season back from Tommy John surgery for Cal Quantrill has also elevated his stock considerably.

When preseason top-100 prospect lists go out next season, it wouldn't be surprising to see as many as seven Padres included.

             

MiLB Player of the Year: SS Fernando Tatis Jr., A/AA (Age: 18)

131.278/.379/.49856 (22)758432

                    

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Joey Lucchesi, A+/AA (Age: 24)

2311-72.200.9733148139.0

3. New York Yankees (Previous: 3)

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Estevan Florial
Estevan Florial

Top 10 Prospects

1. SS Gleyber TorresINJ1
2. OF Clint FrazierMLB1
3. RHP Chance AdamsAAA1
4. OF Estevan FlorialAA1
5. LHP Justus SheffieldAA1
6. 3B Miguel AndujarAAA1
7. RHP Domingo AcevedoAAA1
8. RHP Albert AbreuA+2
9. RHP Freicer PerezA2
10. 2B Nick SolakAA2

Graduated/Traded: IF Tyler Wade

                         

Farm System Update

The New York Yankees had the No. 1 farm system in our preseason rankings.

Despite trading away Blake Rutherford, Jorge Mateo, James Kaprielian and Dustin Fowler and graduating Aaron Judge from that preseason list, they still hold on to the No. 3 spot.

Chance Adams has backed up his 2016 breakout performance to emerge as one of the league's top pitching prospects, and Estevan Florial was the out-of-nowhere breakout prospect of 2017, helping to offset the aforementioned departures.

Players such as Jorge Guzman, Nick Solak, Dillon Tate, Taylor Widener and 2017 draft picks Clarke Schmidt and Matt Sauer just missed the cut but would easily crack the top 10 for several other teams.

        

MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Miguel Andujar, AA/AAA (Age: 22)

125.315/.352/.49854 (16)82665

       

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Chance Adams, AA/AAA (Age: 23)

2715-52.451.0858135150.1

2. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 1)

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Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Eloy JimenezAA1
2. RHP Michael KopechAAA1
3. OF Luis RobertROK1
4. OF Blake RutherfordA1
5. RHP Dylan CeaseA1
6. RHP Lucas GiolitoMLB1
7. RHP Alec HansenAA1
8. RHP Dane DunningA+2
9. C Zack CollinsAA2
10. 3B Jake BurgerA2

Graduated/Traded: 2B Yoan Moncada, SP Reynaldo Lopez

                      

Farm System Update

The Chicago White Sox staked claim to the No. 1 spot last time we updated our rankings immediately following the non-waiver trade deadline, but they've since seen Yoan Moncada and Reynaldo Lopez exhaust their prospect status.

It speaks to the depth of this system that subtracting Moncada from the equation—a player many considered to be the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball—only cost them one spot in the rankings.

Michael Kopech, Alec Hansen and Dane Dunning all had terrific seasons in the minors, and Lucas Giolito has looked sharp with a 2.84 ERA in four starts since joining the big league rotation.

Add Lopez to that group along with guys such as Carson Fulmer, Jordan Stephens, Jordan Guerrero, Ian Clarkin and A.J. Puckett, and there's no shortage of future rotation candidates.

We might see Eloy Jimenez and Kopech as the highest-ranking prospect duo in the league to start next season.

       

MiLB Player of the Year: C Seby Zavala, A/A+ (Age: 24)

107.282/.353/.49942 (21)72631

         

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Alec Hansen, A/A+/AA (Age: 22)

2611-82.801.1751191141.1

1. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 2)

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Ronald Acuna
Ronald Acuna

Top 10 Prospects

1. OF Ronald AcunaAAA1
2. LHP Kolby AllardAA1
3. RHP Mike SorokaAA1
4. RHP Kyle WrightA+1
5. SS Kevin MaitanROK1
6. RHP Ian AndersonA1
7. LHP Luiz GoharaMLB1
8. LHP Joey WentzA2
9. OF Cristian PacheA2
10. 3B Austin RileyAA2

Graduated/Traded: 2B Ozzie Albies

                                

Farm System Update

Even with Ozzie Albies' move to the majors, the Atlanta Braves still managed to jump the Chicago White Sox to close out the season as our No. 1-ranked farm system.

There wasn't a more impressive player in the minors this season than Ronald Acuna; forget the fact that he's still only 19 years old. He might not break camp with the team next spring, but all signs point to his arrival in the majors at some point in 2018.

Behind him, the organization is stacked with pitching prospects.

Kolby Allard, Mike Soroka, Kyle Wright and Ian Anderson are all Baseball America top-100 arms, with Luiz Gohara and Joey Wentz in that conversation as well.

Not to be forgotten, the teenage duo of Kevin Maitan, 17, and Cristian Pache, 18, might not have put up the same numbers Acuna did, but they both have considerable ceilings.

Gohara became the latest top prospect to make the leap to Atlanta when rosters expanded, and there figures to be a steady wave of young talent arriving in the majors in the years to come.

             

MiLB Player of the Year: OF Ronald Acuna, A+/AA/AAA (Age: 19)

139.325/.374/.52260 (21)828844

         

MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Joey Wentz, A (Age: 19)

268-32.601.1046152131.2

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and accurate through Monday's games.

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