Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent

All 30 MLB teams put a different emphasis on building from within and cultivating homegrown talent.

A lot of that has to do with payroll.

Small-market teams are inevitably forced to rely heavily on cost-controlled, young assets, while big-market clubs can afford to trade prospects when the opportunity arises and then plug the holes with free-agent signings.

Still, homegrown talent is a necessity for even the most free-spending teams if they hope to win a title.

With that in mind, what follows is a look at all 30 MLB franchises ranked from worst to first on homegrown talent ahead of the 2018 season.

Note: The 2017 version of these rankings is referenced throughout the following article. That piece can be found here.

Methodology

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

A lot needs to be established before we dive into the rankings, so let's get that out of the way here:

• Who qualifies as homegrown? To be considered "homegrown," a player must have been drafted by an organization or signed by it as an amateur free agent and subsequently developed in its minor league system.

• What about international free agents? International players who entered the league with significant professional experience were not included. That means players such as Masahiro Tanaka, Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig, Yuli Gurriel, Raisel Iglesias, Kenta Maeda and Shohei Ohtani did not help their respective team's ranking.

Now let's explain what's included on each slide.

• Homegrown Players Chart: At the top of each slide is a chart listing each team's homegrown players who are projected to make the Opening Day roster. Roster projections are pulled from Roster Resource, so my opinion on who will be in the 25-man squad was taken out of the equation. Alongside each player is a look at when they were either drafted or signed and their 2017 WAR.

• Homegrown Breakdown: Below that chart is a quick rundown of how many of the homegrown players from the table are everyday position players or starting pitchers/closers, as well as a final count on how many of the 25-man roster are homegrown. The quantity of talent in the everyday player and starting pitcher/closer categories was one of the biggest factors in determining where teams ranked.

• Homegrown Top 100 Prospects: That is followed by a brief list of any homegrown prospects ranked in the top 100 leaguewide by Baseball America. This was simply meant as a look to the future and did not factor into the rankings.

Finally, we need to explain exactly what went into ranking the teams.

To start off with, the teams were ordered by the 2017 WAR total posted by their homegrown players projected to be part of the Opening Day roster.

That was simply a starting point, though, as not all rosters are created equal and teams were shuffled from there based on side-by-side comparisons of homegrown roster talent.

30. Detroit Tigers (2017 Rank: 24)

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

James McCann

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
C James McCann	2-2011	1.4
RF Nicholas Castellanos	1-2010	0.7
RHP Warwick Saupold	AFA-2012	0.3
RHP Drew VerHagen	4-2012	0.0
RHP Buck Farmer	5-2013	-0.4
2B Dixon Machado	AFA-2008	-0.5
RHP Joe Jimenez	UFA-2013	-1.1
		0.4

Totals
Starting Position Players: 3/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 0/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 7/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Alex Faedo (50), RHP Matt Manning (78)

Notes

• Moving to right field should help Nicholas Castellanos become a more valuable all-around player. The 25-year-old posted a 110 OPS+ with 72 extra-base hits and 101 RBI last season. However, he was a 0.7 WAR player due to his defensive shortcomings (-14 DRS, -9.0 UZR/150) at third base.

• James McCann rebounded from a brutal 69 OPS+ during the 2016 season to post a 92 OPS+ with 13 home runs and 49 RBI. His defensive skills took a step backward, though. The Tigers might need to consider bringing in a veteran backstop to anchor their rebuild.

• While Alex Faedo and Matt Manning are the top homegrown prospects in the system, keep an eye on outfielder Christin Stewart. The 2015 first-round pick had an .836 OPS with 28 home runs in Double-A last season and could be ready to contribute in 2018.

29. San Diego Padres (2017 Rank: 30)

Orlando Ramirez/Associated Press

Austin Hedges

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
C Austin Hedges	2-2011	0.9
RF Hunter Renfroe	1-2013	0.8
RHP Dinelson Lamet	AFA-2014	0.6
UT Cory Spangenberg	1-2011	-0.1
C Rocky Gale	24-2010	-0.1
		2.1

Totals
Starting Position Players: 2/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 1/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 5/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

LHP MacKenzie Gore (26), RHP Michel Baez (28), 2B Luis Urias (32), RHP Cal Quantrill (52), LHP Adrian Morejon (66)

Notes

• Slugger Hunter Renfroe struggled to a .231/.284/.467 line with a 29.2 percent strikeout rate as a rookie. The 26-year-old will need to make more consistent contact to reach his ceiling, but he still has the tools to be a middle-of-the-order run producer.

• Dinelson Lamet struck out 139 batters in 114.1 innings as a rookie while posting a 4.57 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 21 starts. He's emerged as a popular breakout pick for the upcoming season.

• Catcher Austin Hedges was as good as advertised defensively, throwing out 37 percent of base-stealers and grading out as one of the best pitch-framers in the league, per Stat Corner. He also popped 18 home runs, though he hit just .214 with a 74 OPS+ in the process.

28. Chicago White Sox (2017 Rank: 28)

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Yolmer Sanchez

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
IF Yolmer Sanchez	AFA-2009	3.5
SS Tim Anderson	1-2013	0.9
RHP Carson Fulmer	1-2015	0.5
UT Tyler Saladino	7-2010	-0.9
LHP Carlos Rodon	1-2014	1.2
RHP Nate Jones	5-2007	0.4
		5.6

Totals
Starting Position Players: 2/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 1/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 4/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Alec Hansen (57), OF Luis Robert (58)

Notes

• Expected to be little more than a bench piece, Yolmer Sanchez instead emerged as the most surprising 3-WAR player of 2017. He posted a 96 OPS+ with 12 home runs while playing stellar defense at second base (8 DRS, 9.4 UZR/150) and third base (8 DRS, 16.7 UZR/150).

• It looks like the White Sox found MLB contributors with their first-round picks in 2013 (Tim Anderson, No. 17), 2014 (Carlos Rodon, No. 3) and 2015 (Carson Fulmer, No. 8), as those three could all be part of the next contending team on the South Side.

• Nerve repositioning surgery ended Nate Jones' season in July, but he's expected to be ready for the start of spring training. During the 2016 season, he posted a 2.29 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and an 80-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 70.2 innings.

27. Miami Marlins (2017 Rank: 14)

Rich Schultz/Associated Press

J.T. Realmuto

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
C J.T. Realmuto	3-2010	3.6
RHP Jose Urena	AFA-2008	2.1
SS JT Riddle	13-2013	0.7
RHP Drew Steckenrider	8-2012	0.6
LHP Dillon Peters	10-2014	0.1
RHP Nick Wittgren	9-2012	0.1
3B Brian Anderson	3-2014	-0.1
LHP Jarlin Garcia	AFA-2010	-0.2
		6.9

Totals
Starting Position Players: 3/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

None

Notes

• The Marlins traded a trio of homegrown stars this offseason in Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich. Those three accounted for 58.8 percent of the team's home runs and 45.4 percent of their RBI last season.

• Rookies Dillon Peters and Brian Anderson should both step into significant roles this season. Peters looks like a safe bet to win a rotation spot, while Anderson has a clear path to the starting third base job after posting an .853 OPS with 22 home runs and 81 RBI in the upper minors.

• Jose Urena went 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA last season, but he looks like one of the biggest regression candidates in baseball with a 5.20 FIP and an unsustainable .249 BABIP allowed.

26. Oakland Athletics (2017 Rank: 27)

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Matt Chapman

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
3B Matt Chapman	1-2014	3.6
1B Matt Olson	1-2012	2.8
UT Chad Pinder	2-2013	1.0
C Bruce Maxwell	2-2012	0.0
IF/OF Renato Nunez	AFA-2010	0.0
		7.4

Totals
Starting Position Players: 3/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 0/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 5/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

LHP A.J. Puk (30)

Notes

• Matt Olson and Matt Chapman both emerged as core pieces for the rebuilding A's last season. Olson should be a steady force in the middle of the lineup, while Chapman has 30-homer power and the defensive skills to be a Gold Glove contender at third base.

• Chad Pinder played five different positions last season and posted a 100 OPS+ with 15 doubles and 15 home runs in 309 plate appearances. With a crowded middle infield situation, he's carving out a role as a valuable two-way utility player.

• Longtime prospect Renato Nunez is out of minor league options and will need to win a bench spot this spring after posting an .837 OPS with 27 doubles and 32 home runs in Triple-A last season.

25. Milwaukee Brewers (2017 Rank: 29)

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

Orlando Arcia

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
SS Orlando Arcia	AFA-2010	2.6
LHP Brent Suter	31-2012	1.7
LF Ryan Braun	1-2005	1.2
RHP Jacob Barnes	14-2011	0.4
RHP Jimmy Nelson	2-2010	3.3
		9.2

Totals
Starting Position Players: 2/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 0/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 4/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

2B Keston Hiura (47), RHP Brandon Woodruff (61), RHP Corbin Burnes (74)

Notes

• Shortstop Orlando Arcia enjoyed a breakout second season offensively, hitting .277/.324/.407 with 17 doubles, 15 home runs, 53 RBI and 14 stolen bases. He also showed well defensively at shortstop (6 DRS) and was viewed as a future Gold Glove-caliber defender during his time as a prospect.

• Left-hander Brent Suter was a pleasant surprise last season, posting a 3.42 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 81.2 innings spanning 14 starts and eight relief appearances. He'll compete for one of the open spots in the rotation and has already made good as 31st-round pick in 2012.

• Jimmy Nelson doesn't technically count toward the Opening Day roster totals since he's slated to open the season on the disabled list as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. He has a chance to give the Brewers a homegrown ace if he can build on last season, though.

24. Kansas City Royals (2017 Rank: 8)

Orlin Wagner/Associated Press

Whit Merrifield

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
2B Whit Merrifield	9-2010	3.9
LHP Danny Duffy	3-2007	3.2
C Salvador Perez	AFA-2006	2.5
RHP Jake Junis	29-2011	1.3
RF Jorge Bonifacio	AFA-2009	0.5
RHP Kelvin Herrera	AFA-2006	0.2
LF Alex Gordon	1-2005	0.1
IF/OF Hunter Dozier	1-2013	0.0
3B Cheslor Cuthbert	AFA-2009	-0.5
SS Raul Mondesi	AFA-2011	-0.7
		10.5

Totals
Starting Position Players: 6/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 10/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

None

Notes

• The Royals slide several spots down the rankings following the departures of Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas in free agency. That said, there's still a strong collection of homegrown talent for them to build around going forward.

• Whit Merrifield was a pleasant surprise as a 27-year-old rookie in 2016, and he built on that with a breakout 2017 campaign. The late bloomer posted a 105 OPS+ with 32 doubles, 19 home runs, 78 RBI, 80 runs scored and an AL-leading 34 stolen bases.

• Still owed $40 million over the next two years, Alex Gordon will look to rebound from a disastrous season offensively that saw him post a 62 OPS+ that ranked dead last among 144 qualified hitters.

23. Tampa Bay Rays (2017 Rank: 21)

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Kevin Kiermaier

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
CF Kevin Kiermaier	31-2010	5.1
RHP Jacob Faria	10-2011	1.4
LHP Blake Snell	1-2011	1.0
RHP Alex Colome	AFA-2007	0.7
LHP Jose Alvarado	AFA-2012	0.3
RHP Austin Pruitt	9-2013	-0.9
		7.6

Totals
Starting Position Players: 1/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Brent Honeywell (14), 1B/LHP Brendan McKay (39), OF Jesus Sanchez (49), SS Wander Franco (96)

Notes

• The No. 3 pick in the 2006 draft, Evan Longoria leaves the Rays organization as the franchise leader in WAR (50.0), doubles (338), home runs (261), RBI (892) and total bases (2,630).

• Blake Snell (first round) and Jacob Faria (10th round) were both selected in the 2011 draft—a year that saw the Rays make 10 selections in the first 60 and whiff on a number of them.

• While the Rays tend to trade homegrown talent before it becomes too expensive, Kevin Kiermaier will be around for the long haul after signing a six-year, $53.5 million extension last March. The defensive standout made good as a 31st-round pick in 2010.
  

22. Texas Rangers (2017 Rank: 23)

Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Joey Gallo

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
1B Joey Gallo	1-2012	3.2
LHP Alex Claudio	27-2010	2.8
RHP Keone Kela	12-2012	1.2
RHP Jose Leclerc	AFA-2010	0.7
LF Nomar Mazara	AFA-2011	0.1
UT Jurickson Profar	AFA-2009	0.0
RHP Ricky Rodriguez	AFA-2010	-0.1
2B Rougned Odor	AFA-2011	-0.2
UT Ryan Rua	17-2011	-0.2
LHP Martin Perez	AFA-2007	2.1
		9.6

Totals
Starting Position Players: 3/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 1/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Leody Taveras (51)

Notes

• The Rangers have traded a good deal of prospect talent in recent seasons to acquire the likes of Cole Hamels, Jonathan Lucroy, Carlos Beltran and others. As a result, they're thinner on homegrown talent than they have been in years past.

• Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara combined for 61 home runs and 181 RBI last season. Once Adrian Beltre finally retires, these two will be counted on to anchor the middle of the lineup for the foreseeable future.

• Alex Claudio (70 G, 11 SV, 2.50 ERA), Jose Leclerc (47 G, 10 HLD, 3.94 ERA) and Keone Kela (39 G, 11 HLD, 2.79 ERA) will all be key members of the bullpen in 2018. Claudio converted 10 of 12 save chances after taking over the closer's role in the second half.

21. Pittsburgh Pirates (2017 Rank: 7)

Benny Sieu/Associated Press

Adam Frazier

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
OF Adam Frazier	6-2013	1.8
1B Josh Bell	2-2011	1.7
RHP Chad Kuhl	9-2013	1.6
CF Starling Marte	AFA-2007	1.4
RHP Jameson Taillon	1-2010	1.3
SS Jordy Mercer	3-2008	1.2
IF Max Moroff	16-2012	0.7
RF Gregory Polanco	AFA-2009	0.0
C Elias Diaz	AFA-2008	-0.1
OF Jordan Luplow	3-2014	-0.5
		9.1

Totals
Starting Position Players: 5/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 10/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Mitch Keller (12), OF Austin Meadows (44)

Notes

• Who would have guessed that Adam Frazier would be the top homegrown player left standing—at least in terms of 2017 WAR—following the trades of Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen?

• Josh Bell posted a 108 OPS+ with 26 doubles, 26 home runs and 90 RBI to finish third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. The 25-year-old might just be scratching the surface of his offensive potential and figures to occupy a middle-of-the-order slot for the foreseeable future.

• The Pirates will be counting on Jameson Taillon to step into the role of staff ace now that Cole is gone. A breakout season from former top prospect Tyler Glasnow and continued progression from current top prospect Mitch Keller would also go a long way.

20. Atlanta Braves (2017 Rank: 26)

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Freddie Freeman

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
1B Freddie Freeman	2-2007	4.5
RHP Julio Teheran	AFA-2007	1.6
2B Ozzie Albies	AFA-2013	1.4
3B Johan Camargo	AFA-2010	1.1
LHP A.J. Minter	2-2015	0.3
OF Ronald Acuna	AFA-2014	0.0
		8.9

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 1/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Ronald Acuna (1), RHP Mike Soroka (27), RHP Kyle Wright (34), RHP Ian Anderson (42), 3B Austin Riley (54), LHP Kolby Allard (65)

Notes

• Freddie Freeman has hit .304/.401/.576 with a 157 OPS+ over the past two seasons, emerging as one of the game's truly elite offensive players in the process. He's owed a reasonable $86 million over the next four years and will continue to be the cornerstone of the team's rebuilding efforts.

• Not a hyped international prospect by any means, Ronald Acuna received a modest $100,000 signing bonus in 2014. He's since emerged as arguably the top prospect in all of baseball, and the Matt Kemp trade gives him a clear path to a starting gig in 2018.

• Expect the Braves to steadily climb these rankings in the years to come. They have the six homegrown top-100 prospects listed above, while others like Joey Wentz, Kyle Muller, Bryse Wilson, Patrick Weigel and Cristian Pache are also highly regarded in prospect circles.

19. Seattle Mariners (2017 Rank: 16)

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

James Paxton

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
LHP James Paxton	4-2010	3.9
C Mike Zunino	1-2012	3.3
3B Kyle Seager	3-2009	2.5
RHP Edwin Diaz	3-2012	0.9
RHP Felix Hernandez	AFA-2002	0.8
		11.4

Totals
Starting Position Players: 2/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 5/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Kyle Lewis (67)

Notes

• The Mariners are a prime example of quality winning out over quantity in some cases in these rankings. They have just five homegrown players on the projected Opening Day roster, but all five figure to fill key roles.

• James Paxton looked like a Cy Young candidate before injuries cost him significant time once again. The 29-year-old went 12-5 with a 2.98 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 156 strikeouts in 136 innings over 24 starts.

• Will 2018 finally be the season when everything clicks for 2012 No. 3 overall pick Mike Zunino? After a brief demotion to the minors in May, he returned to post a .921 OPS with 25 home runs in 355 plate appearances the rest of the way.

18. Los Angeles Angels (2017 Rank: 15)

Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Mike Trout

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
CF Mike Trout	1-2009	6.7
RF Kole Calhoun	8-2010	2.1
RHP Garrett Richards	1-2009	1.1
1B C.J. Cron	1-2011	0.8
RHP Matt Shoemaker	UFA-2008	0.7
RHP Keynan Middleton	3-2013	0.7
OF Michael Hermosillo	28-2013	0.0
RHP Cam Bedrosian	1-2010	-0.3
		11.8

Totals
Starting Position Players: 2/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Jo Adell (46), OF Jahmai Jones (89)

Notes

• There were 21 different teams who passed on Mike Trout in the 2009 draft. The Brewers, Cubs, Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Rays, Red Sox and Yankees can at least take solace in the fact that they didn't have a chance.

• Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker will need to be healthy, productive members of the starting rotation if the Angels are going to contend. Those two combined for just 20 starts in 2017.

• Playing in Trout's shadow, Kole Calhoun remains one of the most underrated outfielders in the game. In his four seasons as an everyday player, he's posted a 109 OPS+ while averaging 28 doubles, 20 home runs, 72 RBI and 3.2 WAR.

17. Cincinnati Reds (2017 Rank: 22)

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Joey Votto

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
1B Joey Votto	2-2002	7.5
C Tucker Barnhart	10-2009	3.4
CF Billy Hamilton	2-2009	1.0
LHP Wandy Peralta	AFA-2009	0.7
LF Jesse Winker	1-2012	0.5
RHP Michael Lorenzen	1-2013	0.1
C Devin Mesoraco	1-2007	0.1
OF Phillip Ervin	1-2013	0.1
RHP Robert Stephenson	1-2011	-0.2
RHP Homer Bailey	1-2004	-0.9
LHP Amir Garrett	22-2011	-1.6
		10.7

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 11/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

3B Nick Senzel (7), RHP Hunter Greene (29), OF Taylor Trammell (48), RHP Tyler Mahle (90), OF Jesse Winker (98)

Notes

• A second-round pick in 2002, Joey Votto is entering his 12th season with the Reds and coming off arguably the best offensive season of his career. The 34-year-old hit .320/.454/.578 with 34 doubles, 36 home runs and 100 RBI while leading the NL in walks (134), OPS (1.032) and OPS+ (168).

• Tucker Barnhart successfully overtook the oft-injured Devin Mesoraco for the starting catcher job last season. The 27-year-old took home Gold Glove honors as he threw out an NL-high 44 percent of base-stealers and tallied an eye-popping 21 DRS behind the plate.

• Keep an eye on right-hander Tony Santillan, the team's second-round pick in 2015. The 20-year-old has an electric fastball/slider combination and after striking out a batter an inning in Single-A last season, he could be one of the breakout prospects of 2018.

16. Toronto Blue Jays (2017 Rank: 19)

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Marcus Stroman

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
RHP Marcus Stroman	1-2012	5.8
CF Kevin Pillar	32-2011	2.8
RHP Roberto Osuna	IFA-2011	1.5
RHP Danny Barnes	35-2010	1.4
RHP Ryan Tepera	19-2009	1.2
LHP Aaron Loup	9-2009	0.9
RHP Carlos Ramirez	AFA-2009	0.5
LHP Matt Dermody	28-2013	0.1
RHP Aaron Sanchez	1-2010	0.0
LHP Ryan Borucki	15-2012	0.0
		14.2

Totals
Starting Position Players: 1/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 4/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 10/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3), SS Bo Bichette (8), OF Anthony Alford (60), RHP Nate Pearson (91)

Notes

• After a down season from Roberto Osuna (10 blown saves) and an injury-riddled campaign from Aaron Sanchez (36 IP), the Blue Jays will be counting on both young pitchers to bounce back.

• On the flip side, Marcus Stroman finally delivered on his ace potential, going 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 201 innings. He finished eighth in Cy Young voting after ranking as one of the biggest All-Star Game snubs.

• With a fairly anonymous group of relievers beyond Osuna, the Blue Jays relied heavily on Ryan Tepera (73 G, 17 HLD, 3.59 ERA), Danny Barnes (60 G, 11 HLD, 3.55 ERA) and Aaron Loup (70 G, 6 HLD, 3.75 ERA) to stabilize the bullpen.

15. New York Mets (2017 Rank: 9)

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Jacob deGrom

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
RHP Jacob deGrom	9-2010	4.4
OF Juan Lagares	AFA-2006	1.8
OF Brandon Nimmo	1-2011	0.9
RHP Seth Lugo	34-2011	0.9
C Kevin Plawecki	1-2012	0.7
SS Amed Rosario	AFA-2012	0.2
RHP Paul Sewald	10-2012	0.2
RHP Hansel Robles	AFA-2008	0.2
RHP Rafael Montero	AFA-2011	0.2
RHP Jeurys Familia	AFA-2007	0.0
IF Wilmer Flores	AFA-2007	-0.2
UT Matt Reynolds	2-2012	-0.3
IF Gavin Cecchini	1-2012	-0.7
RHP Matt Harvey	1-2010	-0.9
OF Michael Conforto	1-2014	3.6
LHP Steven Matz	2-2009	0.6
IF T.J. Rivera	UFA-2011	0.4
3B David Wright	1-2001	0.0
		12.0

Totals
Starting Position Players: 3/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 4/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 14/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

SS Andres Gimenez (94)

Notes

• With 14 players projected for the Opening Day roster and four more slated to start the season on the disabled list, the Mets have the largest collection of relevant homegrown talent in the league. That said, impact players are few and far between on that list.

• Amid a rash of injuries to the pitching staff, Jacob deGrom enjoyed another terrific season, going 15-10 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 239 strikeouts in 201.1 innings. With little movement in extension talks, he could become a trade candidate in the not-too-distant future.

• Along with deGrom, shortstop Amed Rosario and outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto—once he returns from shoulder surgery—look like core pieces for the Mets going forward.

14. Philadelphia Phillies (2017 Rank: 25)

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Aaron Nola

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
RHP Aaron Nola	1-2014	4.5
2B Cesar Hernandez	AFA-2006	3.1
LF Rhys Hoskins	5-2014	2.0
RHP Hector Neris	AFA-2010	2.0
OF Aaron Altherr	9-2009	1.7
C Cameron Rupp	3-2010	1.0
SS J.P. Crawford	1-2013	0.9
LHP Adam Morgan	3-2011	0.6
RHP Mark Leiter	22-2013	-0.1
3B Maikel Franco	AFA-2010	-0.2
		15.5

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 10/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

SS J.P. Crawford (16), RHP Sixto Sanchez (25), 2B Scott Kingery (31), RHP Adonis Medina (84), OF Adam Haseley (100)

Notes

• Aaron Nola was quietly one of the best starters in the NL last season, going 12-11 with a 3.54 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 184 strikeouts in 168 innings. Viewed as a high-floor college arm who could move quickly when he went No. 7 overall in 2014, he now looks like a staff ace.

• Rhys Hoskins probably isn't going to maintain the home run pace he showed as a rookie—it would translate to about 51 homers over 600 plate appearances—but there's no reason to think he can't be a solid middle-of-the-order run producer for years to come.

• Closer Hector Neris might be the most overlooked bullpen star in the game. The 28-year-old converted 26 saves in 29 chances while posting a 3.01 ERA and striking out 86 batters in 74.2 innings.
  

13. Chicago Cubs (2017 Rank: 13)

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Kris Bryant

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
3B Kris Bryant	1-2013	6.1
C Willson Contreras	AFA-2009	3.9
IF Javier Baez	1-2011	2.9
IF/OF Ian Happ	1-2015	1.8
CF Albert Almora Jr.	1-2012	1.0
LF Kyle Schwarber	1-2014	0.0
		15.7

Totals
Starting Position Players: 5/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 0/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

None

Notes

• Need a case for targeting bats early in the draft? Just look at the haul of talent the Cubs were able to acquire by using five consecutive first-round picks on hitters.

• Willson Contreras gets a lot of attention for his bat, but he's been equally impressive with his glove since breaking into the majors. In terms of overall defensive value, he trailed only Tucker Barnhart among all MLB backstops last season, according to the DEF metric from FanGraphs.

• Kris Bryant didn't post the same gaudy power numbers we saw during his MVP season. However, he had a higher OPS (.939 to .946) thanks in part to his ever-improving walk rate, which climbed from 10.7 to 14.3 percent and led to a .409 on-base percentage—good for fourth in the NL.

12. Arizona Diamondbacks (2017 Rank: 18)

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Paul Goldschmidt

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
1B Paul Goldschmidt	8-2009	5.8
RHP Archie Bradley	1-2011	3.7
CF A.J. Pollock	1-2009	2.9
3B Jake Lamb	6-2012	1.4
LHP Andrew Chafin	1-2011	1.0
2B Chris Owings	1-2009	0.7
RHP Jimmie Sherfy	10-2013	0.6
OF Socrates Brito	AFA-2010	0.0
		16.1

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 1/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Jon Duplantier (73)

Notes

• Not a bad draft haul for the D-backs in 2009 when they grabbed A.J. Pollock and Chris Owings in the first round and then took Paul Goldschmidt in the eighth round. They also drafted Keon Broxton (third round) and Chase Anderson (ninth round) who have gone on to success in Milwaukee.

• Archie Bradley didn't develop into the staff ace he was expected to be when he went No. 7 overall, but he emerged as one of the most valuable bullpen arms in the league last year. Now he'll get a crack at closing after Fernando Rodney departed in free agency.

• Jake Lamb has averaged 30 doubles, 30 home runs and 98 RBI the past two seasons, and he showed an improved approach last year, raising his walk rate (10.8 to 13.7 percent) and lowering his strikeout rate (25.9 to 23.9 percent).

11. San Francisco Giants (2017 Rank: 2)

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Buster Posey

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
C Buster Posey	1-2008	4.0
1B Brandon Belt	5-2009	3.0
LHP Madison Bumgarner	1-2007	2.9
SS Brandon Crawford	4-2008	2.1
LHP Ty Blach	5-2012	1.4
2B Joe Panik	1-2011	1.3
RHP Chris Stratton	1-2012	1.2
OF Jarrett Parker	2-2010	0.6
IF Kelby Tomlinson	12-2011	0.3
RHP Derek Law	9-2011	0.0
LHP Steven Okert	4-2012	-0.3
		16.5

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 11/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Heliot Ramos (79)

Notes

• Heliot Ramos has shot up prospect rankings thanks in large part to his plus raw power. That led me to wonder who the last homegrown player was to post a 30-homer season for the Giants. The answer: Matt Williams in 1994.

• The homegrown core of Brandon Crawford (31), Buster Posey (30), Brandon Belt (29) and Madison Bumgarner (28) are all still in their respective primes. They'll be counted on to lead the turnaround after a disastrous 2017 season.

• Unless they make a late move to add another starter, it looks like Ty Blach (34 G, 24 GS, 8-12, 4.78 ERA) and Chris Stratton (13 G, 10 GS, 4-4, 3.68 ERA) will both have spots in the Opening Day rotation.

10. Los Angeles Dodgers (2017 Rank: 11)

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Corey Seager

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
SS Corey Seager	1-2012	5.6
LHP Clayton Kershaw	1-2006	4.6
1B Cody Bellinger	4-2013	4.2
RHP Kenley Jansen	AFA-2004	2.9
RHP Pedro Baez	AFA-2007	0.6
RHP Ross Stripling	5-2012	0.5
LF Joc Pederson	11-2010	-0.4
LHP Julio Urias	AFA-2012	-0.3
		17.7

Totals
Starting Position Players: 3/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 7/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Walker Buehler (13), OF Alex Verdugo (37), C Keibert Ruiz (40), RHP Mitchell White (69)

Notes

• Kenley Jansen was originally signed out of Curacao as a catcher for a $80,000 bonus. He's since developed into one of the most dominant bullpen arms in the game and an integral part in the Dodgers' push for a title.

• While he was the first high school pitcher taken in the 2006 draft at No. 7 overall, Clayton Kershaw was the sixth pitcher selected—Luke Hochevar (KC, No. 1), Greg Reynolds (COL, No. 2), Brad Lincoln (PIT, No. 4), Brandon Morrow (SEA, No. 5) and Andrew Miller (DET, No. 6) were taken before him.

• The Dodgers have an impressive history of stringing together Rookie of the Year winners. They won four in a row from 1979 to 1982 (Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Howe, Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Sax) and then five in a row from 1992 to 1996 (Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi, Hideo Nomo and Todd Hollandsworth). Could someone like Walker Buehler or Alex Verdugo make it three in a row on the heels of Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger taking home the award the past two seasons?

9. Boston Red Sox (2017 Rank: 4)

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Mookie Betts

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
RF Mookie Betts	5-2011	6.4
CF Jackie Bradley Jr.	1-2011	2.8
LF Andrew Benintendi	1-2015	2.6
SS Xander Bogaerts	AFA-2009	2.2
3B Rafael Devers	AFA-2013	1.3
C Christian Vazquez	9-2008	1.1
RHP Matt Barnes	1-2011	0.7
IF Deven Marrero	1-2012	0.5
LHP Brian Johnson	1-2012	0.2
C/1B Blake Swihart	1-2011	0.0
OF Bryce Brentz	1-2010	0.0
2B Dustin Pedroia	2-2004	1.5
		19.3

Totals
Starting Position Players: 6/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 0/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 11/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

LHP Jay Groome (83), 3B Michael Chavis (85)

Notes

• Andrew Benintendi (658 PA, 103 OPS+, 47 XBH) and Rafael Devers (240 PA, 112 OPS+, 24 XBH) joined what was already an impressive collection of homegrown talent in Boston, and those two are just beginning to tap into their tremendous offensive potential.

• While they've done an exceptional job cultivating position-player talent, the Red Sox have not had the same success on the pitching side of things. That could change with guys like Jay Groome, Bryan Mata, Tanner Houck, Mike Shawaryn, Jalen Beeks and Alex Scherff headlining the farm system.

• It might be time to get serious about extension talks with Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts, who are slated to hit free agency after the 2020 and 2019 seasons, respectively.

8. Baltimore Orioles (2017 Rank: 12)

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Jonathan Schoop

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
2B Jonathan Schoop	AFA-2008	5.1
3B Manny Machado	1-2010	3.5
RHP Dylan Bundy	1-2011	2.7
RHP Mychal Givens	2-2009	2.3
LF Trey Mancini	8-2013	2.2
RHP Kevin Gausman	1-2012	1.9
C Caleb Joseph	7-2008	1.6
LHP Donnie Hart	27-2013	0.6
C Chance Sisco	2-2013	0.4
RHP Mike Wright	3-2011	-0.1
RF Austin Hays	3-2016	-0.5
LHP Zach Britton	3-2006	1.0
		19.7

Totals
Starting Position Players: 5/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 11/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Austin Hays (21), C Chance Sisco (68), 3B Ryan Mountcastle (71)

Notes

• With Manny Machado set to move back to his natural position of shortstop, the Orioles now have one of the best homegrown middle infields in baseball. The edge still goes to Houston, but it's close.

• Prospects Austin Hays and Chance Sisco join 2017 rookie standout Trey Mancini as the future for the O's offensively. All three players will be asked to fill significant roles during the upcoming season, with Sisco, in particular, being counted on to replace Welington Castillo as the starting catcher and leader of a suspect pitching staff.

• Keep an eye on Hunter Harvey, who was the No. 22 pick in the 2013 draft and was once ranked as the No. 68 prospect in baseball before injuries took a toll. Still just 23, he posted a 0.96 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 18.2 innings in his return to the mound last season and could quickly regain his top-prospect status now that he's healthy.

7. St. Louis Cardinals (2017 Rank: 3)

Orlando Ramirez/Associated Press

Tommy Pham

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
CF Tommy Pham	16-2006	6.4
RHP Carlos Martinez	AFA-2010	2.9
3B Matt Carpenter	13-2009	2.9
SS Paul DeJong	4-2015	2.7
C Yadier Molina	4-2000	2.0
2B Kolten Wong	1-2011	1.9
RHP Michael Wacha	1-2012	1.5
LHP Tyler Lyons	9-2010	1.2
RHP Luke Weaver	1-2014	0.8
RHP Sam Tuivailala	3-2010	0.8
IF Greg Garcia	7-2010	0.7
OF Harrison Bader	3-2015	0.1
C Carson Kelly	2-2012	-0.4
		23.5

Totals
Starting Position Players: 5/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 13/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Alex Reyes (17), RHP Jack Flaherty (53), C Carson Kelly (55)

Notes

• The Cardinals got unexpected breakouts from Tommy Pham, Paul DeJong and Tyler Lyons in 2017. Pham finished 11th in NL MVP voting after starting the season in the minors, DeJong replaced struggling Aledmys Diaz at shortstop and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and Lyons returned from knee surgery to record three saves and 15 holds while posting a 2.83 ERA and 11.3 K/9 in 50 appearances.

• As he gets set to enter his 15th season, Yadier Molina is still going strong on both sides of the ball. His 18 home runs last year were the second-highest total of his career and his 82 RBI were a new personal best.

• Don't sleep on Alex Reyes as a potential option to close games before the 2018 season is over. The Cardinals will want to limit his innings in his return from Tommy John surgery, and Reyes showed well out of the bullpen when he first broke into the big leagues in 2016.

6. Washington Nationals (2017 Rank: 17)

Adam Hunger/Associated Press

Stephen Strasburg

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
RHP Stephen Strasburg	1-2009	6.5
3B Anthony Rendon	1-2011	5.9
RF Bryce Harper	1-2010	4.7
1B Ryan Zimmerman	1-2005	2.7
CF Michael Taylor	6-2009	2.6
IF Wilmer Difo	AFA-2010	1.9
LHP Matt Grace	8-2010	0.4
OF Brian Goodwin	1-2011	0.3
C Pedro Severino	AFA-2010	-0.3
RHP Erick Fedde	1-2014	-0.5
		24.2

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 10/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Victor Robles (5), OF Juan Soto (56)

Notes

• The Nationals can count Bryce Harper among their homegrown talent for at least one more season, but free agency is waiting next winter. The star outfielder is a good bet to leave town for a massive payday.

• Top prospects Victor Robles and Juan Soto will be counted on to help ease Harper's loss once that time comes. Robles got a taste of MLB action down the stretch last season and has a chance to be a five-tool star. As for Soto, with a 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power, he has a chance to make just as big of an impact at the plate, albeit with quieter secondary tools than Robles.

• While the roster is loaded with star power, the Nationals also did a nice job of getting valuable contributions from homegrown complementary pieces such as Wilmer Difo, Michael A. Taylor and Brian Goodwin last season.

5. Houston Astros (2017 Rank: 5)

Gail Burton/Associated Press

Jose Altuve

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
2B Jose Altuve	AFA-2007	8.3
SS Carlos Correa	1-2012	6.3
CF George Springer	1-2011	5.0
3B Alex Bregman	1-2015	4.1
LHP Dallas Keuchel	7-2009	3.9
RHP Lance McCullers Jr.	1-2012	0.9
IF Tyler White	33-2013	0.2
		28.7

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 7/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

RHP Forrest Whitley (10), OF Kyle Tucker (15), RHP J.B. Bukauskas (76)

Notes

• Deciding where to rank the Astros was tough. They only have seven homegrown players on the projected Opening Day roster, but six of them played a major role in helping the team to a World Series title. While the lack of quantity was enough to keep them out of the No. 1 spot, it didn't drop them out of the top five.

• Alex Bregman would be the talk of the town in almost any other organization. The former No. 2 overall pick posted a 128 OPS+ with 39 doubles, 19 home runs, 71 RBI and 17 stolen bases last season and he won't turn 24 until March. Make no mistake, the LSU product has superstar upside.

• Forrest Whitley has emerged as arguably the top pitching prospect in baseball after a dominant 2017 season. The No. 17 pick in the 2016 draft went 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 143 strikeouts in 92.1 innings, making his Double-A debut before his 20th birthday. The rich get richer.

4. New York Yankees (2017 Rank: 20)

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

Aaron Judge

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
RF Aaron Judge	1-2013	8.1
RHP Luis Severino	AFA-2011	5.3
LF Brett Gardner	3-2005	4.9
C Gary Sanchez	AFA-2009	4.1
LHP Jordan Montgomery	4-2014	2.9
RHP David Robertson	17-2006	2.9
RHP Dellin Betances	8-2006	1.5
3B Miguel Andujar	AFA-2011	0.2
1B Greg Bird	5-2011	0.0
1B/OF Tyler Austin	13-2010	-0.2
IF Tyler Wade	4-2013	-0.5
C Austin Romine	2-2007	-0.8
		28.4

Totals
Starting Position Players: 5/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

OF Estevan Florial (38), 3B Miguel Andujar (59), RHP Chance Adams (81)

Notes

• The trio of Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Luis Severino were a big reason why what was supposed to be a retooling season for the Yankees ended with a trip to the ALCS. After swinging a trade for Giancarlo Stanton this winter, New York will be adding more high-profile talent in the upcoming years, but those three will still be at the center of everything.

• Jordan Montgomery was a pleasant surprise as a rookie. The 25-year-old never even ranked as a top-10 prospect within the organization, but that didn't stop him from going 9-7 with a 3.88 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 144 strikeouts in 155.1 innings to finish sixth in Rookie of the Year voting.

• While he's never been a star, Brett Gardner has quietly piled up 35.2 WAR during his 10 seasons with the Yankees. That's good for 24th all-time among Yankees position players, which is no small feat considering the wide array of talent that's donned the pinstripes over the years.

3. Cleveland Indians (2017 Rank: 1)

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Jose Ramirez

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
3B Jose Ramirez	AFA-2009	6.9
SS Francisco Lindor	1-2011	5.5
RHP Cody Allen	23-2011	1.7
CF Bradley Zimmer	1-2014	1.5
RHP Danny Salazar	AFA-2006	1.3
RF Lonnie Chisenhall	1-2008	1.2
RHP Josh Tomlin	19-2006	1.0
C Roberto Perez	33-2008	0.8
LHP Ryan Merritt	16-2011	0.7
2B Jason Kipnis	2-2009	0.4
IF Erik Gonzalez	AFA-2008	0.3
3B Giovanny Urshela	AFA-2008	-0.6
		20.7

Totals
Starting Position Players: 6/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 2/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

C Francisco Mejia (20), RHP Triston McKenzie (33)

Notes

• In Jose Ramirez (6.9, seventh) and Francisco Lindor (5.5, 20th), the Indians had two homegrown players who ranked among the top 20 in WAR among all position players. That duo also finished third and fifth in AL MVP voting, respectively.

• While Cody Allen is not often named among the league's elite closers, he has converted 120 of 135 save chances with a 2.62 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 12.1 K/9 over the past four seasons. That's elite bullpen work.

• Bradley Zimmer proved to be a dynamic addition on both sides of the ball after he was called up in May. The 25-year-old racked up 25 extra-base hits and 18 stolen bases in 332 plate appearances, while also tallying 4 DRS and an 8.4 UZR/150 in center field.

2. Colorado Rockies (2017 Rank: 6)

Michael Owen Baker/Associated Press

Nolan Arenado

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
3B Nolan Arenado	2-2009	7.2
CF Charlie Blackmon	2-2008	6.0
LHP Kyle Freeland	1-2014	3.3
RHP Jon Gray	1-2013	3.1
SS Trevor Story	1-2011	2.6
LHP Tyler Anderson	1-2011	1.3
RHP Chad Bettis	2-2010	0.6
UT Pat Valaika	9-2013	0.4
RHP Scott Oberg	15-2012	0.2
1B Ryan McMahon	2-2013	-0.1
OF Mike Tauchman	10-2013	-0.3
OF Raimel Tapia	AFA-2010	-0.7
		23.6

Totals
Starting Position Players: 4/8
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 4/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

SS Brendan Rodgers (22), 1B Ryan McMahon (63), RHP Riley Pint (99)

Notes

• Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arenado were taken in the second round of consecutive drafts in 2008 and 2009. The team's first-round selections those years? Pitchers Christian Friedrich and Tyler Matzek. If that's not a good enough reason to pay attention to the players your team selects after Day 1 of the draft, nothing will be.

• Jon Gray, Chad Bettis, Kyle Freeland and Tyler Anderson should all have spots in the rotation when the Rockies break camp. That's four early-round pitching selections the Rockies have developed into MLB starters. That bodes well for top prospect Riley Pint and others still working their way through the system.

• Remember David Dahl? The 2012 first-round pick hit .315/.359/.500 with 23 extra-base hits in 237 plate appearances as a rookie in 2016 then missed the entire 2017 season with a stress reaction injury to his ribs. He'll be a wild card for the Rockies this coming season and will need to play his way onto the roster.

1. Minnesota Twins (2017 Rank: 10)

Colin E. Braley/Associated Press

Byron Buxton

Homegrown Players

Player	Acquired	WAR
CF Byron Buxton	1-2012	5.1
2B Brian Dozier	8-2009	4.4
1B Joe Mauer	1-2001	3.4
3B Miguel Sano	AFA-2009	2.5
SS Jorge Polanco	AFA-2009	2.1
RF Max Kepler	AFA-2009	2.1
RHP Jose Berrios	1-2012	1.7
LF Eddie Rosario	4-2010	1.7
LHP Taylor Rogers	11-2012	1.1
RHP Trevor Hildenberger	22-2014	0.8
1B Kennys Vargas	UFA-2009	0.7
RHP Kyle Gibson	1-2009	0.2
C Mitch Garver	9-2013	0.1
RHP Aaron Slegers	5-2013	-0.3
		25.6

Totals
Starting Position Players: 7/9
Starting Pitchers/Closer: 3/6
Projected 25-Man Roster: 14/25

Homegrown Top 100 Prospects

SS Royce Lewis (24), OF Brent Rooker (92), SS Nick Gordon (93), SS Wander Javier (95), LHP Stephen Gonsalves (97)

Notes

• The Twins ranked seventh in the majors in runs scored last season, and no team has more of a homegrown presence in its starting lineup. Among regulars, only catcher Jason Castro (free agent, 2017) and third baseman Eduardo Escobar (trade, 2012) came from outside the organization.

• Jose Berrios took a big step forward last season after a disappointing 2016 debut. The 23-year-old went 14-8 with a 3.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 139 strikeouts in 145.2 innings and should overtake Ervin Santana as the staff ace in short order.

• The Twins are still in the market to add an impact starting pitcher in free agency, but they could also get an in-house boost from prospects Stephen Gonsalves and Fernando Romero, who should both be ready to make the jump to the majors at some point in 2018.

• As a small-market team, the Twins are as reliant on homegrown talent as anyone, and they were able to reach the postseason thanks in large part to a core they developed in-house. With 10 of the 15 key players on the roster of the homegrown variety, they claim the No. 1 spot in these rankings.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.