Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent
The success rate for any given draft class in the MLB is incredibly low, as most teams consider themselves lucky if they can get two or three big-league contributors out of their 50-plus draft picks.
Some teams are simply better at scouting prospects than others and are able to establish a good base of homegrown talent that gives them a chance at long-term success.
Some teams are forced to rely on their homegrown talent due to a low payroll, while others use their high-end prospects as trade bait more times than not.
So, here is a look at how I rank all 30 MLB teams on their current level of homegrown talent in the major leagues.
*Included with each player are the round and year they were drafted, or year they were signed if they were amateur free agents.
30. Cleveland Indians
1 of 30Summary
The Indians have had a busy offseason, signing a number of key veterans to give the team a real shot at contention in 2013.
They've used mostly trades and free agency to build their team over the past decade, and with a thin farm system, that could continue moving forward.
Second baseman Jason Kipnis had a breakout season last year, and Vinnie Pestano has been fantastic in the eighth-inning role the past two years. Aside from those two, though, there's not much to speak of.
Homegrown All-Stars
None
Other Notable Homegrown Players
2B Jason Kipnis (2-2009), RP Vinnie Pestano (20-2006), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (1-2008), P David Huff (1-2006), RP Cody Allen (23-2011)
29. San Diego Padres
2 of 30Summary
Chase Headley saves this group from being in last place here, after he turned in a huge season last year and led the NL in RBI while posting a .286 average with 31 home runs and 15 RBI.
Brad Brach stepped up as a key reliever last season with a 3.78 ERA in 67 appearances as another in a line of good Padres relievers.
Will Venable and Logan Forsythe are expected to be everyday players to kick off the season, and Nick Hundley will step in for the suspended Yasmani Grandal behind the plate.
Homegrown All-Stars
None
Other Notable Homegrown Players
3B Chase Headley (2-2005), OF Will Venable (7-2005), RP Brad Brach (42-2008), P Anthony Bass (5-2008), 2B Logan Forsythe (1-2008), SP Tim Stauffer (1-2003), C Nick Hundley (2-2005)
28. Houston Astros
3 of 30Summary
For a rebuilding team, the Astros don't have much in the way of homegrown talent at the big-league level entering the 2013 season.
Jose Altuve was the lone offensive bright spot last season, and Bud Norris will likely be the team's Opening Day starter, but he could be trade bait by midseason.
Prospects like George Springer and Carlos Correa have bright futures as homegrown players, but for now they will continue to field a roster of other team's castoffs.
Homegrown All-Stars
2B Jose Altuve (AFA-2007)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Bud Norris (6-2006), SP Jordan Lyles (1-2008), C Jason Castro (1-2008), OF J.D. Martinez (20-2009), SP Dallas Keuchel (7-2009)
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27. Toronto Blue Jays
4 of 30Summary
Entering last season, Ricky Romero was coming off of a 15-win season with a 2.92 ERA and looked to be on his way to being a star. Instead, he fell on his face with a 5.77 ERA and 14 losses, and he'll be the team's fifth starter this season.
Adam Lind has also taken a few steps back after what was his breakout season, but he will once again serve as the team's DH and be given a chance to redeem himself.
Casey Janssen was handed the closer's job last year after Sergio Santos hit the disabled list, and the job will be his once again this season after he saved 22 games with 9.5 K/9.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Ricky Romero (1-2005)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
DH Adam Lind (3-2004), RP Casey Janssen (4-2004), C J.P. Arencibia (1-2007), P Brett Cecil (1-2007), SP Drew Hutchinson (15-2009)
26. Miami Marlins
5 of 30Summary
With 93 home runs under his belt before his 23rd birthday, it is safe to say that Giancarlo Stanton is a special player.
Following the team's offseason fire sale, he is also essentially all that is left in Miami, and he's under team control through 2016.
Logan Morrison should be a solid run producer in the middle of what's left of the Marlins lineup, and Steve Cishek took over for Heath Bell when he struggled in the closer's role and put up solid numbers with 15 saves and a 2.69 ERA.
Homegrown All-Stars
RF Giancarlo Stanton (2-2007)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
1B/OF Logan Morrison (22-2005), RP Steve Cishek (5-2007), RP Dan Jennings (9-2008), RP Chris Hatcher (5-2006)
25. Seattle Mariners
6 of 30Summary
One of the best pitchers in all of baseball, Felix Hernandez signed with the Mariners out of Venezuela as soon as he turned 16 and was just locked up on a huge seven-year, $175 million extension.
Dustin Ackley has yet to fulfill his potential after being taken second overall in the 2009 draft, while Kyle Seager enjoyed a breakout season of sorts last year with team-bests of 20 home runs and 86 RBI.
Plenty more help is one the way, as homegrown prospects Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, Nick Franklin and Mike Zunino could all make a significant impact in 2013.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Felix Hernandez (AFA-2002), OF Raul Ibanez (36-1992)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
2B Dustin Ackley (1-2009), 3B Kyle Seager (3-2009), OF Michael Saunders (11-2004), SP Hisashi Iwakuma (AFA-2012), RP Stephen Pryor (5-2010), RP Carter Capps (3-2011)
24. Chicago Cubs
7 of 30Summary
A major leaguer by the age of 20, Castro is the face of the Cubs franchise and their rebuilding efforts, and he already has 529 hits to his credit entering his age-23 season and is a two-time All-Star.
Jeff Samardzija was signed to a hefty bonus to forgo his football career, and he finally started to prove worth it last season with a breakout year that could make him the team's ace moving forward.
Carlos Marmol and James Russell are key bullpen members, and Darwin Barney showed his worth in winning the Gold Glove at second base last season.
Homegrown All-Stars
SS Starlin Castro (AFA-2006), RP Carlos Marmol (AFA-1999)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Jeff Samardzija (5-2006), 2B Darwin Barney (4-2007), RP James Russell (14-2007), CF Brett Jackson (1-2009), 3B Josh Vitters (1-2007), C Steve Clevenger (7-2006), C Welington Castillo (AFA-2004)
23. Oakland Athletics
8 of 30Summary
Though they don't have a homegrown All-Star, the A's very well could have last season in Cuban import Yoenis Cespedes, who finished his rookie season with 23 home runs and 82 RBI.
Pitchers A.J. Griffin (7-1, 3.06 ERA) and Dan Straily (2-1, 3.89 ERA) both played key roles in the team's rotation, and Sean Doolittle (44 G, 11.4 K/9) was a key reliever.
With their low payroll, the A's will continue to rely on young talent and low-cost journeymen, and their farm system is still fairly deep, so more are on the way.
Homegrown All-Stars
None
Other Notable Homegrown Players
OF Yoenis Cespedes (AFA-2012), SS Hiroyuki Nakajima (AFA-2013), SP Dan Straily (24-2009), SP A.J. Griffin (13-2010), RP Sean Doolittle (1-2007), 2B Jemile Weeks (1-2008)
22. Minnesota Twins
9 of 30Summary
More than a few eyebrows were raised when the Twins passed on college pitching stud Mark Prior in favor of hometown hero Joe Mauer. Looks like they made the right call, as Mauer already ranks as one of the greatest catchers of all time.
Justin Morneau been hit hard by injuries the past three seasons, but he was a four-time All-Star and AL MVP in 2006. He's a free agent at season's end.
Glen Perkins is a rock at the back end of the Twins bullpen, and Trevor Plouffe finally made an impact last year with 24 home runs in 119 games.
Homegrown All-Stars
C Joe Mauer (1-2001), 1B Justin Morneau (3-1999)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
RP Glen Perkins (1-2004), 3B Trevor Plouffe (1-2004), SP Liam Hendriks (AFA-2007), RP Brian Duensing (3-2005), RP Alex Burnett (12-2005), 1B/OF Chris Parmelee (1-2006), SP Nick Blackburn (29-2001)
21. Chicago White Sox
10 of 30Summary
It took left-hander Chris Sale all of 11 minor-league appearances after being drafted to make his major-league debut, and after two years as a dominant setup man, he thrived in his transition to the rotation last year. He is the ace of the staff moving forward.
Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo are both Cuban defectors who have stepped into key roles with the White Sox and have shown solid offensive skills.
Addison Reed is one of the best young relievers in the game, while Gordon Beckham is still looking to get back to his 2009 form after struggling offensively the past three seasons.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Chris Sale (1-2010)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SS Alexei Ramirez (AFA-2008), OF Dayan Viciedo (AFA-2008), RP Addison Reed (3-2010), P Hector Santiago (30-2006), 2B Gordon Beckham (1-2008), 3B Brent Morel (3-2008)
20. Pittsburgh Pirates
11 of 30Summary
Andrew McCutchen is a legitimate superstar at this point, and he was the driving force behind a subpar Pirates offense last season. Entering his age-26 season, there is still room for him to get better in the next couple of years.
Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez both got off to slow starts last season, but they are capable of being solid secondary pieces alongside McCutchen.
The rotation will soon be bolstered by a pair of homegrown arms in Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon, and they are not the only young players expected to make an impact soon.
Homegrown All-Stars
CF Andrew McCutchen (1-2005)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
2B Neil Walker (1-2004), 3B Pedro Alvarez (1-2008), RP Jared Hughes (4-2006), RP Tony Watson (9-2007), OF Starling Marte (AFA-2007), OF Alex Presley (8-2006), SP Kyle McPherson (14-2007)
19. Arizona Diamondbacks
12 of 30Summary
The Diamondbacks dealt perhaps their top homegrown talent in Justin Upton this offseason, moving him to the Braves for a package of players built around Martin Prado and Randall Delgado.
Still, they have a franchise catcher in Miguel Montero, who they signed out of Venezuela, and a future lineup anchor in Paul Goldschmidt at first base.
Wade Miley surprised with an All-Star appearance in his rookie season, while Adam Eaton is expected to be one of this season's impact rookies taking over in center field and atop the lineup.
Homegrown All-Stars
C Miguel Montero (AFA-2001), SP Wade Miley (1-2008)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
1B Paul Goldschmidt (8-2009), OF Gerardo Parra (AFA-2004), CF Adam Eaton (19-2010), P Josh Collmenter (15-2007)
18. Detroit Tigers
13 of 30Summary
Arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Justin Verlander was taken second overall (1. Matt Bush, SD) in the 2004 draft and he has fronted the Tigers staff since the 2006 season.
Alex Avila struggled last season after a breakout year in 2011, but he remains the franchise catcher moving forward and is still capable of being a plus offensive player.
Rick Porcello has been part of the Tigers rotation since the age of 20, and entering his age-24 season, he already has 48 major-league wins under his belt and could be in line for a breakout season.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Justin Verlander (1-2004), C Alex Avila (5-2008), 2B Omar Infante (AFA-1999)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Rick Porcello (1-2007), SP Drew Smyly (2-2010), OF Andy Dirks (8-2008), RP Brayan Villarreal (AFA-2005), OF Brennan Boesch (3-2006), RP Duane Below (19-2006)
17. Colorado Rockies
14 of 30Summary
The Rockies offense was dealt a blow last season when injuries limited Troy Tulowitzki to just 47 games, but he should be back to full strength and leading the lineup once again in 2013.
Todd Helton is wrapping up what could be a Hall of Fame career, entering his 17th season in Colorado with a .320 average, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBI in his career.
Jhoulys Chacin and Juan Nicasio will play major roles in the rotation this coming season, while youngsters Josh Rutledge and Wilin Rosario represent the future of the Colorado lineup.
Homegrown All-Stars
SS Troy Tulowitzki (1-2005), 1B Todd Helton (1-1995)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
CF Dexter Fowler (14-2004), C Wilin Rosario (AFA-2006), SP Jhoulys Chacin (AFA-2004), SP Juan Nicasio (AFA-2006), 2B Josh Rutledge (3-2010), RP Rex Brothers (1-2009), 3B Jordan Pacheco (9-2007), IF Chris Nelson (1-2004), OF Eric Young (30-2003)
16. Texas Rangers
15 of 30Summary
Ian Kinsler has been a consistent 20/20 threat since becoming an everyday player, and he will continue to be a key factor atop the Rangers lineup.
Yu Darvish was as good as advertised in his first season in the States, going 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and 221 strikeouts over 191.1 innings of work last season.
Top prospects Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt should make an impact at some point this coming season, and how quickly they adjust to life in the big leagues could go a long way in determining the Rangers' success this coming season.
Homegrown All-Stars
2B Ian Kinsler (17-2003), SP Yu Darvish (AFA-2012)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Colby Lewis (1-1999), SP Derek Holland (25-2006), SS Jurickson Profar (AFA-2009), 1B Mitch Moreland (17-2007), 3B Mike Olt (1-2010), OF Leonys Martin (AFA-2011), OF Craig Gentry (10-2006), SP Martin Perez (AFA-2007), RP Robbie Ross (2-2008), RP Tanner Scheppers (1-2009)
15. New York Mets
16 of 30Summary
The Mets had a busy offseason, but their biggest move may not have been adding or subtracting anyone, but locking up third baseman David Wright with a seven-year, $122 million extension, as he'll likely spend his entire career with the Mets now.
Matt Harvey was impressive in his debut last season, and he represents just a piece of what should be a bright future in the Mets rotation once fellow prospects Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard, both of whom were outside acquisitions, reach the majors.
Ike Davis has terrific power and could emerge as a star, shortstop Ruben Tejada showed flashes of being a plus offensive player last year, and the Mets will once again rely heavily on a young core this year.
Homegrown All-Stars
3B David Wright (1-2001)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Matt Harvey (1-2010), SP Jon Niese (7-2005), 1B Ike Davis (1-2008), RP Bobby Parnell (9-2005), RP Josh Edgin (30-2010), SS Ruben Tejada (AFA-2006), OF Lucas Duda (7-2007), 2B Daniel Murphy (13-2006), SP Dillon Gee (21-2007), OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis (3-2008)
14. Boston Red Sox
17 of 30Summary
The Red Sox spent big this offseason to add a bevy of mid-level veterans, but they still have a decent collection of established, homegrown players.
Dustin Pedroia is the face of the franchise and one of the most productive second basemen in all of baseball, while Will Middlebrooks represents the future in Boston, at least for now.
Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz will once again lead the staff, while Jacoby Ellsbury may well be entering his final year in Boston, as he's set to hit free agency at the end of the season. He will be looking for a major payday.
Homegrown All-Stars
2B Dustin Pedroia (2-2004), SP Jon Lester (2-2002), CF Jacoby Ellsbury (1-2005), SP Clay Buchholz (1-2005)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
3B Will Middlebrooks (5-2007), SP Felix Doubront (AFA-2005), OF Ryan Kalish (9-2006), OF Daniel Nava (AFA-2008), RP Daniel Bard (1-2006), RP Junichi Tazawa (AFA-2008)
13. Los Angeles Dodgers
18 of 30Summary
Much of the Dodgers' current core of superstars was acquired within the past eight months, but their two best players in Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp were both homegrown talent.
A.J. Ellis locked up the catcher position last season while showing terrific on-base skills with a .373 on-base percentage.
Kenley Jansen has one of the best arms in the majors, while starter Chad Billingsley will be looking to return to frontline form upon his return from an elbow injury.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Clayton Kershaw (1-2006), CF Matt Kemp (6-2003), SP Chad Billingsley (1-2003)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
C A.J. Ellis (18-2003), RP Kenley Jansen (AFA-2004), RP Javy Guerra (4-2004), RP Scott Elbert (1-2004), RP Shawn Tolleson (30-2010), SS Dee Gordon (4-2008)
12. Baltimore Orioles
19 of 30Summary
The Orioles have been patient in building their team from the ground up, resisting the urge to spend big in free agency and making wise choices with what have been consistently high draft choices.
Jim Johnson has been in the majors since 2006, and after serving in a number of different bullpen roles, he assumed closer duties from the get-go last season and wound up saving 51 games with a 2.49 ERA.
Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado represent the next wave of impact, homegrown talent in Baltimore, and they'll join young catching star Matt Wieters and a number of other homegrown players on an up-and-coming Baltimore roster.
Homegrown All-Stars
C Matt Wieters (1-2007), RP Jim Johnson (5-2001), 2B Brian Roberts (1-1999)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
RF Nick Markakis (1-2003), SP Dylan Bundy (1-2011), 3B Manny Machado (1-2010) , SP Wei-Yin Chen (AFA-2012), RP Brian Matusz (1-2008), OF Nolan Reimold (2-2005), SP Jake Arrieta (5-2007), SP Zach Britton (3-2006)
11. Milwaukee Brewers
20 of 30Summary
One of the most dynamic offensive players in the game, Ryan Braun is coming off of back-to-back 30/30 seasons and should continue to drive the Brewers offense in the years ahead.
Yovani Gallardo will front a young staff made up of a number of homegrown pitchers who have just scratched the surface of their big-league careers.
Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart and Jonathan Lucroy are all capable of ranking among the most productive players at their positions.
Homegrown All-Stars
LF Ryan Braun (1-2005), SP Yovani Gallardo (2-2004), 2B Rickie Weeks (1-2003), 1B/OF Corey Hart (11-2000)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
C Jonathan Lucroy (3-2007), SP Tyler Thornburg (3-2010), SP Mark Rogers (1-2004), SP Michael Fiers (22-2009), SP Wily Peralta (AFA-2005), RP Manny Parra (26-2001), RP Tim Dillard (34-2002)
10. Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30Summary
The offensive trio of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins have been staples in the Phillies offense for years now, and they were at the heart of the team's 2008 World Series championship.
If they are going to get back there, though, it may be up to the pitching staff to get them there, and after signing Cole Hamels to a six-year, $144 million extension, their homegrown ace will be around for the foreseeable future.
Kyle Kendrick will take on a bigger role this season and has been a valuable swingman for several years now, while Antonio Bastardo has been a key setup man.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Cole Hamels (1-2002), SS Jimmy Rollins (2-1996), 1B Ryan Howard (5-2001), 2B Chase Utley (1-2000), C Carlos Ruiz (AFA-1998)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Kyle Kendrick (7-2003), RP Antonio Bastardo (AFA-2005), RP Michael Schwimer (14-2008), 1B/OF Darin Ruf (20-2009), OF Domonic Brown (20-2006), IF Freddy Galvis (AFA-2006), SP Tyler Cloyd (18-2008)
9. New York Yankees
22 of 30Summary
The trio of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte have been key cogs for the Yankees dating back to 1995, and they're all back together for at least one more season in 2013.
Signed out of the Dominican Republic, Robinson Cano is one of the best hitters in all of baseball, and at 30 years old, he's the youngster of the lineup.
Starters Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova have both shown frontline stuff at times, though they are still far from the most consistent starters in the game. David Robertson was a steal in the 17th round as one of the best setup relievers in all of baseball.
Homegrown All-Stars
2B Robinson Cano (AFA-2001), SS Derek Jeter (1-1992), RP Mariano Rivera (AFA-1990), SP Andy Pettitte (22-1990), SP Phil Hughes (1-2004), RP David Robertson (17-2006)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Ivan Nova (AFA-2004), LF Brett Gardner (3-2005), P David Phelps (14-2008), IF Eduardo Nunez (AFA-2004), RP Joba Chamberlain (1-2006), C Francisco Cervelli (AFA-2003)
8. Kansas City Royals
23 of 30Summary
Though they have had trouble developing pitching, the Royals have put together a terrific core of homegrown position players.
Billy Butler took a step forward last season as an elite slugger, and former first-round picks Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer are all key contributors now.
Catcher Salvador Perez may be in for a breakout season this year, and he could quickly be among the best offensive catchers in all of baseball. Trading Wil Myers hurts this list moving forward, but the core is certainly there.
Homegrown All-Stars
DH Billy Butler (1-2004), RP Aaron Crow (1-2009)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
C Salvador Perez (AFA-2006), LF Alex Gordon (1-2005), 3B Mike Moustakas (1-2007), 1B Eric Hosmer (1-2008), RP Greg Holland (10-2007), RP Kelvin Herrera (AFA-2006), SP Luke Hochevar (1-2006), 2B Johnny Giavotella (2-2008), OF Jarrod Dyson (50-2006)
7. St. Louis Cardinals
24 of 30Summary
Much of the Cardinals' top-end talent has come via trade and free agency, but the sheer quantity of homegrown players making a big-league impact is impressive.
Yadier Molina emerged as the best all-around catcher in baseball last year with a breakout offensive season, and he is a legitimate star at this point.
Allen Craig has 100-RBI potential, Jaime Garcia and Lance Lynn will be important starters and the duo of Mitchell Boggs and Jason Motte have led the Cardinals bullpen the past few seasons.
Homegrown All-Stars
C Yadier Molina (4-2000), SP Lance Lynn (1-2008)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
1B Allen Craig (8-2006), SP Jaime Garcia (22-2005), RP Mitchell Boggs (5-2005), CF Jon Jay (2-2006), UT Matt Carpenter (13-2009), 2B Daniel Descalso (3-2007), RP Jason Motte (19-2003), SP Shelby Miller (1-2009), SP Joe Kelly (3-2009), P Trevor Rosenthal (21-2009), SS Pete Kozma (1-2007), OF Shane Robinson (5-2006)
6. Atlanta Braves
25 of 30Summary
The one-two punch of Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters has made the Braves bullpen one of baseball's best over the past two seasons.
Young sluggers Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman have only scratched the surface of their immense potential, and they could anchor the Braves lineup for the next decade.
Kris Medlen showed ace stuff last year, and Andrelton Simmons has the tools to be one of the better shortstops on baseball.
Homegrown All-Stars
RP Craig Kimbrel (3-2008), RF Jason Heyward (1-2007), RP Jonny Venters (30-2003), C Brian McCann (2-2002)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Kris Medlen (10-2006), SP Mike Minor (1-2009), 1B Freddie Freeman (2-2007), SS Andrelton Simmons (2-2010), SP Brandon Beachy (AFA-2008), SP Julio Teheran (AFA-2007), RP Cory Gearrin (4-2007)
5. Los Angeles Angels
26 of 30Summary
Mike Trout put himself on the map as one of baseball's top players with perhaps the best rookie season of all time last year, and Jered Weaver continues to rank among the game's best pitchers.
Mark Trumbo has struggled to find a position, but his power is for real and he should continue to be a solid run producer. Middle infielders Howie Kendrick and Erick Aybar are both plus players at their positions.
The farm system is incredibly thin right now, so this list won't improve much moving forward, but the one-two punch of Trout and Weaver earns them a high ranking.
Homegrown All-Stars
OF Mike Trout (1-2009), SP Jered Weaver (1-2004), OF Mark Trumbo (18-2004), 2B Howie Kendrick (10-2002)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SS Erick Aybar (AFA-2002), OF Peter Bourjos (10-2005), P Garrett Richard (1-2009)
4. Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30Summary
David Price is one of the few pitchers in the game who is a legitimate staff ace, and he is joined by fellow homegrown talents Matt Moore and Jeff Niemann in the Rays rotation.
Evan Longoria is the face of the franchise, and while he has battled injuries the past few seasons, he remains among the team's best third basemen.
With their low payroll, the Rays have relied on homegrown talent during their climb to success and after trading pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to the Royals for Wil Myers, Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery and Patrick Leonard, the crop of young talent is as deep as ever.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP David Price (1-2007), 3B Evan Longoria (1-2006)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Jeremy Hellickson (4-2005), SP Matt Moore (8-2007), SP Jeff Niemann (1-2004), CF Desmond Jennings (10-2006), RP Jake McGee (5-2004), SP Alex Cobb (4-2006)
3. Cincinnati Reds
28 of 30Summary
Joey Votto already has one MVP under his belt, and he should be a perennial candidate moving forward as the catalyst for the Reds' lineup.
Jay Bruce is one of the better power hitters in the National League, and Johnny Cueto has emerged as a bona fide staff ace to give the team two more homegrown stars.
Aroldis Chapman will attempt to transition to the rotation, while Homer Bailey will look to match his success there from last year.
Todd Frazier takes over everyday at-bats at third base after a strong rookie season, and Zack Cozart and Ryan Hanigan will once again be regulars.
Homegrown All-Stars
1B Joey Votto (2-2002), RF Jay Bruce (1-2005), P Aroldis Chapman (AFA-2010)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Johnny Cueto (AFA-2004), SP Homer Bailey (1-2004), RP Logan Ondrusek (13-2005), 3B Todd Frazier (1-2007), SS Zack Cozart (2-2007), SP Mike Leake (1-2009), RP Sam LeCure (4-2005), C Ryan Hanigan (AFA-2002), C Devin Mesoraco (1-2007), OF Chris Heisey (17-2006)
2. San Francisco Giants
29 of 30Summary
The Giants have won two titles in the past three seasons thanks to a core of players that is almost entirely homegrown.
Buster Posey has carried the offense and captured league MVP honors last season, while the pitching trio of Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner is as good as any in baseball.
Pablo Sandoval is a two-time All-Star, and Sergio Romo did a terrific job stepping in for Brian Wilson in the closer's role last year. Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford were key everyday players as well.
Homegrown All-Stars
C Buster Posey (1-2008), SP Matt Cain (1-2002), SP Tim Lincecum (1-2006), 3B Pablo Sandoval (AFA-2003), SP Ryan Vogelsong (5-1998)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Madison Bumgarner (1-2007), RP Sergio Romo (28-2005), 1B Brandon Belt (5-2009), SS Brandon Crawford (4-2008), C Hector Sanchez (AFA-2006)
1. Washington Nationals
30 of 30Summary
The Nationals used back-to-back first overall picks to select Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, and those players are now the faces of the franchise.
Ryan Zimmerman is the cornerstone of their offense, Jordan Zimmermann emerged as a frontline starter last season and their middle infield of Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond is among the most productive in baseball.
Throw in a solid fifth starter in Ross Detwiler, a pair of good relief arms in Drew Storen and Craig Stammen and some bench depth, and no team has done more to win with homegrown talent than the Nationals.
Homegrown All-Stars
SP Stephen Strasburg (1-2009), OF Bryce Harper (1-2010), 3B Ryan Zimmerman (1-2005), SS Ian Desmond (3-2004)
Other Notable Homegrown Players
SP Jordan Zimmermann (2-2007), 2B Danny Espinosa (3-2008), SP Ross Detwiler (1-2007), RP Drew Storen (1-2009), RP Craig Stammen (12-2005), OF Roger Bernadina (AFA-2001), OF Tyler Moore (16-2008), IF Steve Lombardozzi (19-2008)
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