Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent

    Mike Rosenbaum@GoldenSombreroMLB Prospects Lead WriterFebruary 6, 2015

    Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent

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      Alex Brandon/Associated Press

      All 30 MLB teams emphasize building from within and cultivating their own homegrown talent. A lot of it has to do with payroll, as small-market teams are forced to get the most out of their controllable young assets, while big-market teams can afford to deal prospects and spend big in free agency

      It's not always related to a market issue, though. For example, the St. Louis Cardinals continue to have more homegrown big league talent than anyone despite a relatively large payroll. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics have a somewhat small payroll to work with, but they're also thin on homegrown players.

      What follows is a look at all 30 MLB teams ranked from worst to first on homegrown talent as we get set the start of spring training.

    Methodology

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      Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

      First off, to be considered "homegrown," a player must have been drafted by an organization or signed by it as an amateur free agent, and I even decided to include foreign-born player who competed professionally in Japan, Cuba or Korea on this list.

      At the top of each slide is a chart listing all of the team's "Notable Homegrown Players" with the year they were drafted or signed and their career WAR entering the season according to FanGraphs. Just below that I have provided a breakdown of how many of the projected eight (or nine in the AL) everyday position players for each team are homegrown, how many projected starting pitchers are homegrown and also how many of the projected 25-man roster are homegrown. All projections for that were taken from Roster Resource as far as how the Opening Day rosters shape up, so it should be noted that my opinion did not factor in there.

      The total number of players set to make the 25-man roster is where I started in terms of ranking all 30 teams. Then I looked at how many of them were everyday position players or starting pitchers. Finally, superstar players trumped overall quantity in determining where teams fell.

      I've also included a look at any homegrown prospects that might make an impact in the major leagues in 2015, with an emphasis on those players that appeared in his team’s specific top-10 prospect rankings.

    30. Detroit Tigers

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      USA TODAY Sports

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      RHP Justin Verlander200447.3
      C Alex Avila200810.7
      3B Nick Castellanos2010-0.7
      C Bryan Holaday20100.0
      IF Hernan Perez2007-0.5

      Starting Position Players: 2/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 5/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      OF Steven Moya, C James McCann, RHP Buck Farmer, Perez

      Analysis

      The big one here for Detroit is obviously Justin Verlander, who has been a staple in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation since 2006 and one of the best pitchers in the game through the 2012 season. Other than that catcher Alex Avila was at least a productive regular last season, while former top prospect Nick Castellanos looks ready to improve upon a disappointing rookie season at the hot corner.

    29. Oakland Athletics

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      Ben Margot/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      LHP Sean Doolittle20075.7
      RHP Sonny Gray20114.8
      RHP A.J. Griffin2010 2.9

      Starting Position Players: 0/9

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 3/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      None

      Analysis

      Billy Beane and the Oakland A's usually trades homegrown talent before it becomes overly expensive, stockpiling other people's high-end young talent in the process. As a result, they currently project to only have three homegrown players on their Opening Day roster, two of who are currently injured. Staff ace Sonny Gray and the team’s 2012 innings pitched leader A.J. Griffin are both in the 2014 rotation, while Sean Doolittle will likely resume duties as closer once he’s recovered from offseason shoulder surgery on his rotator cuff.

    28. San Diego Padres

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      Chris Schneider/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      OF Will Venable200512.6
      LHP Cory Luebke20073.0
      2B Jedd Gyorko20102.5
      RHP Nick Vincent20082.2
      1B/OF Tommy Medica20101.0
      RHP Kevin Quackenbush20110.7

      Starting Position Players: 1/9

      Starting Pitchers: 0/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Matt Wisler, OF Rymer Liriano, IF/OF Cory Spangenberg

      Analysis

      This offseason saw the San Diego Padres ship off many of its top young players and prospects in deals that improves the team at the highest level, at times packaging four or five players in a trade so as to secure worthwhile return. Second baseman Jedd Gyorko had a nice rookie season in 2013 but battled injuries last season and fell into a sophomore slump. Beyond him, the Padres’ list of homegrown talent is comprised of upper-level prospects such as right-hander Matt Wisler and outfielder Rymer Liriano, whom are both candidates to see significant time in the major leagues in 2015.

    27. Chicago Cubs

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      Kathy Willens/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      SS Starlin Castro200611.2
      C Wellington Castillo20046.8
      OF Jorge Soler20120.7
      IF/OF Arismendy Alcantara20080.2
      OF/IF Junior Lake 20070.3
      RHP Blake Parker20060.4
      2B Javier Baez2011-0.8

      Starting Position Players: 3/8

      Starting Pitchers: 0/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 4/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      3B Kris Bryant, Soler

      Analysis

      It’s hard not to be excited about the Chicago Cubs in 2015. After building arguably the best farm system in baseball, the Cubs took a step in the right direction last season with the promotions of prospects Javier Baez, Arismendy Alcantara and Jorge Soler. This year, all three players should crack the team’s Opening Day lineup, and it shouldn’t be long until slugger Kris Bryant joins them. Meanwhile, Starlin Castro will look to improve upon his bounce-back 2014 campaign in which he hit .292/.339/.438 in 134 games. As with some of other young, up-and-coming teams on this list, the Cubs’ collection of homegrown talent is sure to rank much, much higher within a few years.

    26. Houston Astros

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      RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      2B Jose Altuve20078.1
      C Jason Castro20086.1 
      LHP Dallas Keuchel20094.3
      OF George Springer20111.4

      Starting Position Players: 3/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 4/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      SS Carlos Correa, RHP Mark Appel

      Analysis

      The Houston Astros have put together an impressive farm system and continue to build from the ground up, but the team doesn’t currently have much in the way of homegrown talent in the major leagues. Second baseman Jose Altuve took home the AL batting crown last season while catcher Jason Castro struggled to repeat his breakout 2013 campaign. And I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really looking forward to see George Springer back on the field.

    25. Chicago White Sox

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      USA TODAY Sports

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      SS Alexei Ramirez200819.9
      LHP Chris Sale201117.1
      1B Jose Abreu20145.3
      RHP Jake Petricka20100.8
      IF Carlos Sanchez2009-0.3

      Starting Position Players: 3/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      LHP Carlos Rodon, 2B Micah Johnson

      Analysis

      The Chicago White Sox have added some nice pieces to the puzzle since the 2013 trade deadline, bypassing portions of the rebuilding process in favor more immediate success. A thin farm system—it’s much better than it was a year ago, however—means most of their current core group to build around has come from outside of the organization, with the exception being left-hander Chris Sale and sooner or later, Carlos Rodon.

    24. Baltimore Orioles

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      GAIL BURTON/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      C Matt Wieters200715.4
      3B Manny Machado201010.1
      LHP Brian Matusz2008 4.8
      LHP Zach Britton20063.8
      RHP Kevin Gausman20122.6
      C Caleb Joseph20080.8
      2B Jonathan Schoop2008 0.6

      Starting Position Players: 3/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 7/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Dylan Bundy, 1B Christian Walker, RHP Zach Davies, RHP Mike Wright

      Analysis

      The Baltimore Orioles have balked at spending big in free agency over the years, instead building the team largely through the draft as well as trades. Third baseman Manny Machado suffered a gruesome knee injury in 2013 an played in only 82 games last season, but he remains one of the most promising young players in the game on both sides of the ball. Catcher Matt Wieters may never be the superstar many thought he'd be, but he's an above-average defensive catcher with plus power, and he could be in store for a big year with free agency on the horizon. Yet, Baltimore’s key to success continues to be the development of Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy, both of whom have ace potential.

    23. New York Yankees

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      USA TODAY Sports

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      OF Brett Gardner200521.0
      RHP Ivan Nova20046.3
      RHP Masahiro Tanaka 20143.2
      RHP Dellin Betances 20063.2 
      RHP Adam Warren20091.4
      C John Ryan Murphy2009 0.1
      C Austin Romine 2007-0.4

      Starting Position Players: 1/9

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Luis Severino, 2B/OF Robert Refsnyder, 1B Greg Bird, LHP Jacob Lindgren

      Analysis

      The retirement of Derek Jeter took one big name off the homegrown talent board, but his presence on such a list was replaced by two of the better arms in the league in right-handers Masahiro Tanaka and Dellin Betances. Brett Gardner is a solid everyday outfielder and really the only notable homegrown position player on the active roster, while Ivan Nova has a rotation spot waiting for him in 2015 once he’s fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. The Yankees have an intriguing crop of young players currently rising through the minor leagues, some of whom, such as Robert Refsnyder, Greg Bird and Jacob Lindren, could be ready to debut in 2015.

    22. Cleveland Indians

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      Mark Duncan/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      2B Jason Kipnis20099.2
      RHP Josh Tomlin20063.1
      3B Lonnie Chisenhall20083.0
      RHP Danny Salazar20063.0
      RHP Cody Allen20112.4
      SS/2B Jose Ramirez20092.0
      LHP T.J. House20081.1
      C Roberto Perez20080.6
      LHP Kyle Crockett20130.3

      Starting Position Players: 3/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 7/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      SS Francisco Lindor, 3B Giovany Urshela

      Analysis

      Jason Kipnis emerged as one of the top offensive second basemen in the game in 2013 only to take a step back last season, but it makes the 27-year-old a prime candidate for a rebound performance in 2015. Meanwhile, it’s only a matter of time until he’s joined by another future star in shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lonnie Chisenhall once again will get the chance to win the third-base job in spring training, but he now faces some competition at the position after the emergence of Giovany Urshela last season. On the pitching side of things, Cleveland has done a nice job hitting on late-round arms over the years, while the team’s best homegrown pitcher, right-hander Danny Salazar, is a strong candidate for a breakout performance in 2015.

    21. Milwaukee Brewers

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      Benny Sieu/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      OF Ryan Braun200533.1
      C Jonathan Lucroy200715.5
      RHP Mike Fiers20094.1
      2B Scooter Gennett20093.6
      RHP Wily Peralta20053.4
      OF Khris Davis20093.0
      RHP Jimmy Nelson20100.9
      RHP Tyler Thornburg20100.8

      Starting Position Players: 4/8

      Starting Pitchers: 3/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      None 

      Analysis

      The Brewers lost their top homegrown pitcher when they traded Yovani Gallardo to the Rangers in late January, but they have two up-and-coming right-handers in Wily Peralta and Jimmy Nelson who are ready to compete for the title in his absence. The team’s best homegrown position player is, without question, Jonathan Lucory, as the 28-year-old led all catchers last season with 6.3 wins above replacement. Even Ryan Braun should post better numbers in 2015 after recovering from an offseason procedure on his right thumb. Scooter Gennett’s breakout 2014 season essentially ended Rickie Weeks’ reign over second base in Milwaukee, while 27-year-old outfielder Khris Davis showed good power with 22 home runs while playing in 144 games.

    20. Toronto Blue Jays

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      USA TODAY Sports

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      LHP Brett Cecil20075.7 
      RHP Marcus Stroman20123.3
      RHP Drew Hutchison20093.2
      RHP Aaron Loup2009 2.1
      RHP Aaron Sanchez20100.6
      RHP Chad Jenkins20090.3
      OF Dalton Pompey20100.2
      LHP Daniel Norris2011-0.1
      2B Ryan Goins2009-0.3 

      Starting Position Players: 1/9

      Starting Pitchers: 3/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris, Dalton Pompey

      Analysis

      The Toronto Blue Jays project to have one homegrown player in their Opening Day lineup, 22-year-old center fielder Dalton Pompey, who ripped through three minor league levels last season before reaching the major leagues as a September call-up. Toronto’s pitching is a different story, however, as the team’s starting rotation is likely to feature three in-house products in Marcus Stroman, Drew Hutchison and Aaron Sanchez to begin the season, and left-hander Daniel Norris also should be in the mix throughout the year.

    19. Texas Rangers

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      Bob Levey/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayersDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      RHP Yu Darvish201213.9
      LHP Derek Holland200613.0
      OF Leonys Martin20115.9
      LHP Martin Perez20072.9
      1B/DH Mitch Moreland20071.7
      IF/OF Ryan Rua20110.6
      RHP Tanner Scheppers20090.6
      2B Rougned Odor20110.5
      SS/2B Jurickson Profar2009-0.5

      Starting Position Players: 3/9

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      3B Joey Gallo, RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez

      Analysis

      The Rangers’ collection of homegrown players is headlined by Yu Darvish and Derek Holland, both of whom have been worth more than 13 wins above replacement in their respective careers, and they also have left-hander Martin Perez coming back from Tommy John surgery around midseason.    

      Middle infielder Jurickson Profar was baseball’s top prospect going into 2013, but he spent most of the season shuffling around defensively and received inconsistent playing time. In 2014, a shoulder injury ended Profar’s season before it even began and ultimately opened the door for second baseman Rougned Odor, who batted .259/.297/.402 with 30 extra-base hits in 417 plate appearances with the Rangers in his age-20 season.

    18. Minnesota Twins

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      Christian Petersen/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      1B Joe Mauer200245.6
      LHP Glen Perkins20047.7
      2B Brian Dozier20096.8
      LHP Brian Duensing20056.3
      SS/OF Danny Santana20073.2
      3B Trevor Plouffe20043.1
      RHP Kyle Gibson2009 2.5
      C Josmil Pinto20061.0
      OF Oswaldo Arcia20070.5
      DH Kennys Vargas20090.4
      OF Aaron Hicks2008-0.8

      Starting Position Players: 7/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 11/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      OF Byron Buxton, 3B Miguel Sano

      Analysis

      The Minnesota Twins are a team that will only continue to move up this list in the coming years, as they have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball, fronted by a pair of homegrown bats in Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, to go along with a host of young players just beginning to scratch the surface of their potential in the major leagues.

      All that said, Joe Mauer will remain the face of the franchise until Buxton arrives, playing alongside 2014 All-Star Brian Dozier on the right side of the infield. Oswaldo Arcia, Kennys Vargas and Josmil Pinto all have big-time raw power but come with defensive concerns at their respective positions, while Aaron Hicks will try to reclaim a spot in the outfield after batting .201 in 535 plate appearances over the last two years. The Twins don’t have many homegrown pitchers to show off at the moment beyond Kyle Gibson and closer Glen Perkins, but that should change over the next few years with high-ceiling prospects such as Jose Berrios, Kohl Stewart and Lewis Thorpe rising quickly through the minor leagues.

    17. Boston Red Sox

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      USA TODAY Sports

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      2B Dustin Pedroia200438.7 
      RHP Clay Buchholz200514.1
      OF/2B Mookie Betts20121.9
      RHP Brandon Workman20101.4
      OF Rusney Castillo20140.9
      C Christian Vazquez20080.7
      SS Xander Bogaerts20090.6
      OF Jackie Bradley2011-0.1

      Starting Position Players: 5/9

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      C Blake Swihart, LHP Henry Owens, 3B/LF Garin Cecchini, RHP Matt Barnes

      Analysis

      Boston’s ranking here is a product of the team’s wealth of homegrown talent at up-the-middle positions, but it also doesn’t hurt to have a veteran such Dustin Pedroia leading the pack. Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts are both 22 years old and have star potential, and it looks as though Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo has impact potential on both sides of the ball based on his showing last September.

      The Red Sox also have baseball’s top catching prospect in Blake Swihart, a 22-year-old switch-hitter with above-average defensive chops, as well as 6’6” left-hander Henry Owens. Both players are expected to open the season in Triple-A.

    16. Arizona Diamondbacks

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      Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      1B Paul Goldschmidt200914.2
      OF A.J. Pollock20097.0
      RHP Josh Collmenter20076.3
      OF Ender Inciarte20122.9
      SS Chris Owings20092.2
      RHP Evan Marshall20110.7

      Starting Position Players: 4/8

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 6/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Archie Bradley, RHP Aaron Blair, 3B/OF Yasmany Tomas

      Analysis

      The Arizona Diamondbacks only project to have six homegrown players on the Opening Day roster, but it's a quality group that includes four everyday position players. The real star here is clearly Paul Goldschmidt, who established himself as a bona fide superstar in 2013 and should anchor the lineup for years. Shortstop Chris Owings was a pleasant surprise last season and looked like a candidate for Rookie of the Year before suffering a shoulder injury, and center fielder A.J. Pollock also missed a good chunk of the season after an errant pitch broke his hand. The Diamondbacks added some serious power this offseason with the signing of 24-year-old Yasmany Tomas, though there are doubts about whether his bat will translate against major league pitchers. On the mound, right-hander Josh Collmenter currently represents the D-Backs’ top homegrown arm, though it shouldn’t be long until top prospects Archie Bradley and Aaron Blair receive a chance at the highest level.

    15. Philadelphia Phillies

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      H. Rumph Jr/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      2B Chase Utley200059.2
      LHP Cole Hamels200234.1
      C Carlos Ruiz199821.7
      1B Ryan Howard199919.9
      LHP Jake Diekman20071.9
      RHP Ken Giles2011 1.7
      1B/OF Darin Ruf20091.0
      RHP David Buchanan2010 0.6
      RHP Justin De Fratus20070.5
      IF Freddy Galvis20060.4
      3B Cody Asche20120.4
      C Cameron Rupp20100.0
      IF/OF Cesar Hernandez2006-0.9
      OF Domonic Brown2006-1.2

      Starting Position Players: 5/8

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 14/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Aaron Nola, 3B/1B Maikel Franco

      Analysis

      The Philadelphia Phillies stand out from a WAR standpoint as a result of having Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Cole Hamels all make their way through the farm system at roughly the same time. These days, however, they are all past their primes and with undesirable contracts, especially Howard. Hamels is still one of the best pitchers in the game, and it’s seemingly only a matter of time until he’s dealt for a big haul. Beyond that, the Phillies have a few power bullpen arms in right-hander Ken Giles and lefty Jake Diekman, and they’re likely to receive contributions from corner infielder Maikel Franco and 2014 first-round draft pick Aaron Nola at some point during the season.

    14. Los Angeles Dodgers

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      Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      LHP Clayton Kershaw200635.7
      OF Yasiel Puig20129.1
      RHP Kenley Jansen20048.3
      LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu20136.6
      C A.J. Ellis20036.3
      1B/OF Scott Van Slyke20053.4
      LHP Paco Rodriguez20120.9
      OF Joc Pederson20100.1
      RHP Pedro Baez20070.0

      Starting Position Players: 2/8

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      OF Joc Pederson

      Analysis

      It goes without saying that the Dodgers spot on this list is a product of Clayton Kershaw being a homegrown talent, although Yasiel Puig and closer Kenley Jansen certainly help to justify the ranking. The Dodgers would have been even higher if not for the offseason trades of Matt Kemp and Dee Gordon. Prospect Joc Pederson taking over in center field in 2015 marks the arrival of a new wave of talent for the Dodgers, with shortstop Corey Seager and left-hander Julio Urias, two of baseball’s top prospects, likely to arrive the following year.

    13. Colorado Rockies

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      Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      SS Troy Tulowitzki200534.0
      RHP Jhoulys Chacin200411.1
      3B Nolan Arenado20095.7
      C Wilin Rosario20063.9
      OF Corey Dickerson20103.1
      OF Charlie Blackmon20082.9
      LHP Rex Brothers20092.7
      LHP Tyler Matzek20092.0

      Starting Position Players: 5/8

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Jon Gray, RHP Eddie Butler

      Analysis

      The Colorado Rockies' best hitter (Troy Tulowitzki), best starting pitcher (Jhoulys Chacin) and best reliever (Rex Brothers) are all homegrown products. Add to that list 23-year-old third baseman Nolan Arenado, who won the Gold Glove as a rookie in 2013 and is only scratching the surface of his offensive potential, and catcher Wilin Rosario, a .277/.311/.484 hitter with 62 home runs over the first three full seasons of his career. Outfielders Corey Dickerson and Charlie Blackmon will look to build off their respective breakout performances in 2015, while the Rockies’ rotation is set to receive a much-needed boost from prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler.

    12. Tampa Bay Rays

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      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      3B Evan Longoria200639.5
      OF Desmond Jennings200612.1
      RHP Alex Cobb20067.9
      LHP Jake McGee20045.0
      LHP Matt Moore20074.6
      OF Kevin Kiermaier20103.8
      RHP Alex Colome20070.3

      Starting Position Players: 3/9

      Starting Pitchers: 3/6

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      Colome

      Analysis

      The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves outside the top 10 of this list despite having eight homegrown players projected to make the Opening Day roster. That is because they still have one of the best rotations in all of baseball, even after trading David Price last July and then Jeremy Hellickson during the offseason. The trio of Alex Cobb, Matt Moore and Alex Colome were all developed in-house and have huge potential, both individually and collectively, although Moore isn’t expected back until mid-season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last April. Add to that an All-Star third baseman in Evan Longoria, a pair of solid outfielders in Desmond Jennings and Kevin Kiermaier and a hard-throwing setup man in Jake McGee, and it's clear the Rays belong this high.

    11. Los Angeles Angels

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      Ed Zurga/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerSigned/DraftedCareer WAR
      RHP Jered Weaver200431.7
      OF Mike Trout200929.1
      SS Erik Aybar200219.1
      RHP Garrett Richards20095.6
      OF Kole Calhoun20104.7
      RHP Matt Shoemaker2008 2.3
      RHP Mike Morin20120.6
      1B/DH C.J. Cron20110.0
      RHP Cam Bedrosian20100.0

      Starting Position Players: 4/9

      Starting Pitchers: 3/6

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      None

      Analysis

      Having baseball’s best player in Mike Trout as a homegrown talent certainly helps the Los Angeles Angels' ranking here. The 23-year-old center fielder was taken with the 25th pick in the 2009 draft, and he has put together as impressive a start to his career as any player in the history of baseball.

      Ace Jered Weaver was also developed in-house. He's been one of the best in the game over the past five seasons, going 80-42 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.09 WHIP while making 155 starts. Garrett Richards was dominant last season before suffering a gruesome knee injury in August, but the right-hander’s off-the-charts stuff and improved control makes him a candidate to replace Weaver at the front of the rotation in 2017.

    10. Atlanta Braves

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      Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      RHP Craig Kimbrel200811.4
      1B Freddie Freeman200711.2
      SS Andrelton Simmons20109.1
      LHP Mike Minor20096.9
      RHP Julio Teheran20075.7
      LHP Alex Wood20124.1
      LHP Luis Avilan20050.9
      IF/OF Phil Gosselin20100.3
      RHP Shae Simmons20120.2

      Starting Position Players: 3/8

      Starting Pitchers: 3/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      2B Jose Peraza, C Christian Bethancourt

      Analysis

      A case can be made that the Atlanta Braves have one of the better homegrown rotations in the National League, with right-hander Julio Teheran leading a staff that includes Mike Minor and Alex Wood. The Braves also developed the most dominant closer in the game in Craig Kimbrel, and they have another young bullpen arm in Shae Simmons poised to make an impact in 2015.

      Offensively, Freddie Freeman is a strong candidate to win a few batting crowns as he enters his prime—maybe even an MVP award—while shortstop Andrelton Simmons will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 season at the plate.

    9. Miami Marlins

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      Rob Foldy/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      OF Giancarlo Stanton200719.5
      RHP Jose Fernandez20115.8
      OF Christian Yelich20105.7
      RHP Steve Cishek20075.3
      OF Marcell Ozuna20085.3
      RHP Tom Koehler20082.2
      RHP A.J. Ramos2009 1.1
      LHP Brad Hand2008-0.2

      Starting Position Players: 3/8

      Starting Pitchers: 2/6

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      C J.T. Realmuto, RHP Jose Urena

      Analysis

      The Marlins decision to extend Giancarlo Stanton with a historic 13-year, $325 million contract thrust the team into win-now mode, and it wasn’t long before the club began to aggressively retool its big league roster around the 25-year-old slugger. Building a strong supporting cast around Stanton led the Marlins to trade multiple top prospects during the offseason, but they wisely held on to homegrown talents Jose Fernandez, Christian Yelich and Marcell Ozuna and established a solid team core for years to come. You can say what you want about owner Jeffery Loria and the rest of the Marlins’ front office, but they’re among the best in the business in developing and challenge young players.

    8. Pittsburgh Pirates

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      John Bazemore/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      OF Andrew McCutchen200533.9
      2B Neil Walker200413.0
      OF Starling Marte20079.7
      1B Pedro Alvarez20085.9
      RHP Gerrit Cole20114.5
      SS Jordy Mercer20083.7
      LHP Tony Watson20071.8
      OF Gregory Polanco20090.2

      Starting Position Players: 6/8

      Starting Pitchers: 1/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 8/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Jameson Taillon, 1B/OF Josh Bell, RHP Nick Kingham, 2B Alen Hanson

      Analysis

      The Pittsburgh Pirates reached the playoffs for the second time in as many years last season, as the organization’s terrific core of homegrown players was once again at the heart of their success. They could rank even higher on this list before 2015 is over if prospects such as Jameson Taillon, Josh Bell and Nick Kingham make the big league impact many think they will.

      Andrew McCutchen is a bona fide superstar and perennial MVP candidate, but it might not be long until teammate Starling Marte challenges him for the award. Gerrit Cole is still a bit rough around the edges, but there are only few pitchers in the major leagues that possess his combination of size and stuff.

    7. Kansas City Royals

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      Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      OF Alex Gordon200526.8
      C Salvador Perez200610.8
      RHP Greg Holland20079.5
      RHP Luke Hochevar20079.4
      OF Jarrod Dyson20067.8
      3B Mike Moustakas20075.3
      LHP Danny Duffy20074.0
      RHP Kelvin Herrera20063.6
      RHP Yordano Ventura20082.8
      1B Eric Hosmer20082.4
      IF Christian Colon20100.7
      RHP Louis Coleman20090.6

      Starting Position Players: 4/9

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Kyle Zimmer, LHP Brandon Finnegan

      Analysis

      The Giants may have won the 2014 World Series, but the season belonged to the American League Champion Kansas City Royals. General manager Dayton Moore’s vision of building a winning organization based on strong scouting and player development finally was validated, as the Royals introduced a collection of homegrown talents to a national audience last October.

      Alex Gordon, Salvy Perez and closer Greg Holland each have appeared in back-to-back All-Star Games, and it probably won’t be long until first baseman Eric Hosmer and 23-year-old flame-thrower Yordano Ventura are elected to play in a Midsummer Classic. The Royals’ crop of potential impact players spread throughout the minor leagues should help them survive an inevitable turnover in the coming years, but they also have the necessary combination of high-end talent and depth to pull off a big trade.

    6. San Francisco Giants

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      Harry How/Getty Images

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      RHP Matt Cain200228.4
      RHP Tim Lincecum 200627.4
      C Buster Posey200823.5
      LHP Madison Bumgarner200716.2
      1B Brandon Belt2009 7.1
      SS Brandon Crawford20087.1
      RHP Sergio Romo2005 6.6
      2B Joe Panik20101.6
      C Andrew Susac20110.8

      Starting Position Players: 4/8

      Starting Pitchers: 3/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 9/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      Susac, RHP Hunter Strickland, LHP Steven Okert

      Analysis

      The San Francisco Giants pitching staff propelled the team to its third World Series title in the last five years in 2015, as Madison Bumgarner became the greatest pitcher in WS history with five shutout innings out the bullpen in Game 7. A healthy Matt Cain should do wonders for the team’s rotation next season, where as Tim Lincecum’s future role is perpetually up in the air.

      Buster Posey is the face of the franchise and arguably the best offensive catcher in the game, and the combination of Brandon Crawford and Joe Panik at shortstop and second base, respectively, give the Giants an unheralded but very solid double-play duo. Sergio Romo has been one of the more successful relievers in the past half-decade, but the right-hander will face late-inning competition next season from prospects Hunter Strickland, Steven Okert and Erik Cordier.

    5. Seattle Mariners

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      Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      RHP Felix Hernandez200247.2
      3B Kyle Seager200913.5
      RHP Hisashi Iwakuma20127.7
      OF Dustin Ackley20096.7
      SS Brad Miller20113.3
      C Mike Zunino20121.7
      LHP James Paxton20101.7
      SS/2B Chris Taylor20121.4
      RHP Taijuan Walker20100.9
      RHP Dominic Leone20120.7
      RHP Yoervis Medina20050.6
      RHP Erasmo Ramirez20070.5

      Starting Position Players: 4/9

      Starting Pitchers: 4/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      3B/1B D.J. Peterson, SS Ketel Marte

      Analysis

      The Seattle Mariners' homegrown group is still more potential than production, but they definitely have the core of young talent to support the signing of big-name free agents such as Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz.

      The stud of the group is obviously ace Felix Hernandez, who has been in the Mariners rotation since 2005, when he was just 19 years old. He's one of the best in the game, and the team has him locked up through 2020 with options. Second-year starters Taijuan Walker and James Paxton will look to build off their promising rookie seasons, and both hurlers should find a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

      Third baseman Kyle Seager has quietly established himself as an All-Star, although there was nothing quiet about the $100-plus million contract extension he received during the offseason. Middle infielders Brad Miller and Chris Taylor will compete at shortstop this spring, while 2012 first-round draft pick Mike Zunino will try to make more consistent contact at the plate.

    4. New York Mets

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      Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      3B David Wright200152.0
      2B Daniel Murphy200611.8
      LHP Jon Niese20059.8
      RHP Matt Harvey20107.1
      OF Juan Lagares20066.7
      IF Ruben Tejada20063.8
      RHP Bobby Parnell20053.6
      RHP Jake deGrom2010 3.0
      RHP Dillon Gee20072.5
      1B Lucas Duda20072.2
      OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis20082.0
      SS Wilmer Flores20071.2
      RHP Jeurys Familia2007 0.2
      RHP Jenrry Mejia20070.2

      Starting Position Players: 5/8

      Starting Pitchers: 3/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 14/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Noah Syndergaard, LHP Steven Matz, C Kevin Plawecki, 2B Dilson Herrera, RHP Rafael Montero

      Analysis

      The New York Mets figure to have over half of their Opening Day roster made up of homegrown players, including three starting pitchers (Harvey, deGrom, Niese) and five position players. Third baseman David Wright is the cream of the crop here, though he’ll have to prove he’s healthy after an injury-plagued 2014 campaign, while first baseman Lucas Duda will attempt to build upon his breakout performance.

      The Mets’ bullpen should be excellent for years to come thanks to the presence of Parnell, Mejia and Familia, and the organization’s outstanding farm system means they will receive plenty of additional help over the course of the season.

    3. Cincinnati Reds

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      Al Behrman/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      1B Joey Votto200233.6
      RHP Johnny Cueto200417.0
      OF Jay Bruce200515.3
      RHP Homer Bailey200411.9
      3B Todd Frazier200711.3
      LHP Aroldis Chapman20099.3
      RHP Mike Leake20098.6
      SS Zack Cozart20076.4
      C Devin Mesocaro20074.6
      OF Billy Hamilton20094.1
      RHP Sam LeCure20051.8
      LHP Tony Cingrani20111.0

      Starting Position Players: 6/8

      Starting Pitchers: 4/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      RHP Robert Stephenson

      Analysis

      Brandon Phillips basically was the only everyday position player on the Cincinnati Reds’ roster last season who was not developed in-house. All of the team’s top hitters in recent memory are homegrown talents: Votto, Bruce, Frazier, Mesoraco, Hamilton. Speaking of Mesoraco, the Reds paid him like the All-Star-caliber player he is over the offseason.

      On the pitching side of things, Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey are two of the better arms in the NL, and Mike Leake has quietly put together a very solid career at the back end of the rotation—something the Reds hope Tony Cingrani can do in 2015. Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman is as unhittable as ever, while flame-throwing prospect Robert Stephenson should receive his first taste of the major leagues this season.

    2. St. Louis Cardinals

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      Tom Gannam/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      C Yadier Molina200031.6
      3B Matt Carpenter200911.9
      OF Jon Jay200611.6
      RHP Lance Lynn20089.8
      RHP Trevor Rosenthal20093.5
      1B Matt Adams20093.3
      RHP Michael Wacha20123.0
      2B Kolten Wong20111.7
      IF Pete Kozma20071.6
      RHP Carlos Martinez20101.4
      RHP Seth Maness20110.5
      LHP Kevin Siegrist20080.4
      LHP Sam Freeman20080.0
      C Tony Cruz2007-0.4

      Starting Position Players: 5/8

      Starting Pitchers: 3/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 14/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      LHP Marco Gonzales, OF Stephen Piscotty

      Analysis

      The St. Louis Cardinals reached the World Series in 2013 with a roster that featured 19 homegrown players. There was some turnover this offseason as a result of trades, but the Cards still project to have about 15 homegrown players on its Opening Day roster.

      Making things even more impressive, six of those players were drafted after the 10th round, highlighting the Cardinals’ ability find value and cultivate talent where others don’t. On top of that, the emergence of Kolten Wong, Michael Wacha and Marco Gonzales last season shows just how successful the Cardinals are with their first-round draft picks. No team builds from within better than the Cardinals, and they should continue to contend long-term as a result.

    1. Washington Nationals

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      Ben Margot/Associated Press

      Notable Homegrown Players

      PlayerDrafted/SignedCareer WAR
      1B Ryan Zimmerman200535.3
      RHP Jordan Zimmermann200717.0
      SS Ian Desmond200416.5
      RHP Stephen Strasburg200915.2
      OF Bryce Harper20109.5
      3B Anthony Rendon20118.1
      IF Danny Espinosa20086.9
      RHP Craig Stammen20054.5
      RHP Drew Storen20093.3
      RHP Aaron Barrett20100.6
      OF Michael Taylor20090.1
      1B/OF Tyler Moore2008-0.3

      Starting Position Players: 5/9

      Starting Pitchers: 2/5

      Projected 25-Man Roster: 12/25

      Homegrown Top Prospects

      OF Michael Taylor

      Analysis

      The Washington Nationals’ inability to win games up until 2011 afforded them the opportunity to pick No. 1 overall in back-to-back drafts, and they grabbed a pair of generational talents in Stephen Strasburg (2009) and Bryce Harper (2010). Both have already proved to be stars in the major leagues, but they are also capable of much more in the years ahead, especially Harper.

      The left side of the infield of Ian Desmond and Anthony Rendon is as good as any in baseball offensively. Specifically, the sky seems to be the limit for Rendon, who earned himself some MVP votes with his breakout 2014 campaign. Meanwhile, prospect Michael Taylor should receive his share of playing time in 2015, and he has the potential to make the Nats’ even more exciting than it already is. Lastly, Craig Stammen and Drew Storen will continue to be key pieces to the bullpen, especially after the team decided to trade Tyler Ciippard during the offseason.

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