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Ranking All 30 MLB Farm Systems, Post-2015 MLB Draft
June 11, 2015Ranking All 30 MLB Farm Systems, Post-2015 MLB Draft
- Potential (Player): Potential trumps production a lot of the time, especially in the lower levels of the minors and with recent draft picks. Skill set and overall tools are often a better indication of what kind of player a guy will be in the future.
- Talent (Player): As for guys in the higher levels of the minors who are close to breaking through at the big league level, production and current talent level are the determining factors, as they are viewed as a more complete product.
- Overall Depth (Team): Having one or two elite prospects is great, but having a deep farm system from top to bottom is the way to build a sustainable contender. The overall depth and level of talent was the biggest factor in ranking each team.
- High-End Talent (Team): That being said, there is a difference between a prospect who has a chance of making an impact at the big league level and a prospect who could be a star. Elite prospects served as a tiebreaker of sorts when two teams were close in the rankings.
The 2015 MLB draft is now in the rearview mirror, as all 40 rounds and 1,215 picks of this year's amateur draft are officially in the books.
It was a year dominated by shortstops and pitching, as college bats were scarce, and more than a few teams reached for what polished bats there were on the board.
At any rate, the focus for each team the next few weeks will be on signing its respective draft picks and getting their pro careers started.
With that in mind, what follows is an updated look at where all 30 farm systems rank, assuming all of the top draft picks sign. Late-round players who slipped due to signability concerns were not included, though at least a few could wind up agreeing to above-slot deals.
The following factors helped determine the rankings of players and teams:
An updated list of the top 10 prospects for each team has been provided, as well as some general analysis on top prospects, recent draft picks and the outlook of each farm system as a whole. It should be noted that players on the big league roster who have not yet used up their rookie status (130 AB, 50 IP, 45 days on roster) were included as prospects.
Note: MLB.com's Prospect Watch served as the baseline for each team's list of top 10 prospects and each prospect's ETA, though changes were made to both along the way to reflect early-season performance.
30. Detroit Tigers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Steven Moya | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. OF Derek Hill | Single-A | 2018 |
| 3. RHP Buck Farmer | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 4. RHP Beau Burrows | Draft | 2019 |
| 5. LHP Kevin Ziomek | High-A | 2017 |
| 6. RHP Austin Kubitza | Double-A | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Spencer Turnbull | Single-A | 2017 |
| 8. OF Tyler Collins | MLB | - |
| 9. IF Javier Betancourt | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. OF Christin Stewart | Draft | 2018 |
Overview
The Detroit Tigers had the worst farm system in baseball heading into the season, according to the Baseball America Prospect Handbook, and little has changed.
Outfielder Steven Moya claimed top prospect honors after hitting 33 doubles and 35 home runs last year, but the 23-year-old is striking out at about a 31 percent clip right now, and that's unlikely to improve at the next level.
Last year's first-round pick Derek Hill has a chance to be a solid player long term, but he's off to a slow start in Single-A and could be something of a project.
Once Buck Farmer graduates to the big leagues—he already has five appearances (three starts) under his belt—this year's top pick Beau Burrows has a chance to immediately become the team's No. 1 pitching prospect.
29. Baltimore Orioles
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Dylan Bundy | Double-A | 2015 |
| 2. RHP Hunter Harvey | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. 1B Christian Walker | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 4. C Chance Sisco | High-A | 2017 |
| 5. OF D.J. Stewart | Draft | 2018 |
| 6. RHP Zach Davies | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 7. 3B Jomar Reyes | Single-A | 2018 |
| 8. RHP Mike Wright | MLB | - |
| 9. RHP Tyler Wilson | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 10. OF Mike Yastrzemski | Double-A | 2016 |
Overview
It's been a long road back from Tommy John surgery for Dylan Bundy, who reached the majors at the age of 19 down the stretch in 2012. He still has front-line potential, but the clock has begun ticking for the 22-year-old to live up to the hype.
Closing in on him for top prospect honors is Hunter Harvey, the son of former All-Star closer Bryan Harvey and a first-round pick in 2013. He's currently dealing with some elbow issues of his own, though, and fractured his shin during spring training. The 20-year-old has yet to make his 2015 debut.
After those two, it's a fairly steep drop-off as far as impact prospects are concerned. Christian Walker and Chance Sisco both have a chance to be passable everyday guys, and 18-year-old Jomar Reyes has a ton of potential.
This year's top pick D.J. Stewart should move quickly thanks to his advanced feel for the strike zone, as the Florida State product had 69 walks and a .500 on-base percentage to go along with a .318 average and 15 home runs this season.
28. Milwaukee Brewers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Orlando Arcia | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. OF Trenton Clark | Draft | 2019 |
| 3. OF Tyrone Taylor | Double-A | 2016 |
| 4. OF Clint Coulter | High-A | 2017 |
| 5. SS Jake Gatewood | Single-A | 2018 |
| 6. SS Gilbert Lara | Rookie | 2019 |
| 7. LHP Nathan Kirby | Draft | 2018 |
| 8. RHP Devin Williams | Single-A | 2018 |
| 9. LHP Kodi Medeiros | Single-A | 2018 |
| 10. RHP Cody Ponce | Draft | 2019 |
Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers no doubt improved their farm system with this year's draft, but the team still lacks an elite prospect at the top and is thin all around on the pitching side of things.
Shortstop Orlando Arcia, the younger brother of Minnesota Twins outfielder Oswaldo Arcia, has always been a plus fielder, but he has flashed some offensive potential to go along with it the past two seasons. The 20-year-old is hitting .321/.371/.463 in Double-A.
Trenton Clark and Tyrone Taylor are both high-ceiling players with plus tools, while Clint Coulter is transitioning from catcher to outfield in an effort to get his bat moving a bit quicker.
Nathan Kirby and Cody Ponce join a crop of second-tier pitching prospects, and with his polish and plus stuff coming out of the University of Virginia, Kirby could immediately be the team's top arm. The left-hander was 5-2 with a 2.28 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 59.1 innings this spring.
27. Los Angeles Angels
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Andrew Heaney | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. LHP Sean Newcomb | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. IF Roberto Baldoquin | High-A | 2016 |
| 4. RHP Joe Gatto | Rookie | 2018 |
| 5. 3B Kyle Kubitza | MLB | - |
| 6. RHP Nick Tropeano | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 7. LHP Nate Smith | Double-A | 2015 |
| 8. RHP Chris Ellis | High-A | 2017 |
| 9. RHP Victor Alcantara | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. SS Julio Garcia | Rookie | 2019 |
Overview
The Los Angeles Angels' farm system has come a long way in the past year when you consider that the team selected Sean Newcomb and Joe Gatto in last year's draft, acquired Andrew Heaney, Nick Tropeano and Kyle Kubitza in offseason trades and signed Roberto Baldoquin as an international free agent.
However, the Angels reached big time Monday when they took glove-first catcher Taylor Ward with the No. 26 overall pick. Obviously, position scarcity played a role with that selection, but Baseball America had him ranked as the No. 70 prospect.
Kubitza actually made his big league debut Wednesday night, and with David Freese headed for free agency at the end of the season, Kubitza figures to get every chance to be the third baseman of the future.
The Angels have added enough talent in the past calendar year to avoid challenging for the bottom spot in these rankings, but this is still a very thin system overall.
26. Seattle Mariners
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Alex Jackson | Single-A | 2017 |
| 2. 1B D.J. Peterson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. IF Ketel Marte | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 4. 1B/3B Patrick Kivlehan | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Edwin Diaz | Double-A | 2017 |
| 6. OF Austin Wilson | High-A | 2017 |
| 7. LHP Luiz Gohara | Single-A | 2017 |
| 8. RHP Nick Neidert | Draft | 2019 |
| 9. LHP Ryan Yarbrough | High-A | 2016 |
| 10. OF Tyler O'Neill | High-A | 2017 |
Overview
Owners of one of the best systems in baseball a few years back, the Seattle Mariners have graduated a good deal of their high-end talent to the major league level, and they were without a first-round pick this season after signing Nelson Cruz.
Alex Jackson, the No. 6 overall pick in last year's draft, has legitimate superstar potential as he makes the move from catching in high school to playing the outfield as a pro. However, the 19-year-old has struggled in Single-A, hitting just .157/.240/.213 in 28 games.
Corner infielder D.J. Peterson also has a chance to be a star, and he could take over as the team's everyday first baseman as early as next year.
The Mariners entered the season with lofty expectations, but they have fallen short so far. Unfortunately, they don't figure to get much help from their farm system in the second half, though there is some legitimate talent in the low minors.
24. Oakland Athletics
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 1B Matt Olson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. SS Franklin Barreto | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. 3B Matt Chapman | High-A | 2017 |
| 4. LHP Dillon Overton | High-A | 2017 |
| 5. 3B Renato Nunez | Double-A | 2016 |
| 6. SS Richie Martin | Draft | 2018 |
| 7. RHP Kendall Graveman | MLB | - |
| 8. LHP Sean Nolin | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 9. SS Yairo Munoz | Single-A | 2018 |
| 10. 2B Chad Pinder | Double-A | 2016 |
Overview
The decision to trade Addison Russell last July is one that could haunt the Oakland Athletics for a while, and as a result, this system lacks a truly elite prospect talent.
Matt Olson is the closest Oakland has, and while he's probably always going to have a good deal of swing-and-miss to his game, he also has terrific plate discipline and some of the best power in all of minor league baseball.
Young shortstop talent has become the most coveted commodity in the league, and the Athletics picked up a good one in Franklin Barreto as part of the Josh Donaldson deal. That trade looks rough right now, but he could help balance the scales down the road.
The team took a pair of college shortstops with its first two picks in Richie Martin (Florida) and Mikey White (Alabama). In fact, the A's went the college route with nine of their first 10 selections as they look to bolster the upper levels of the system.
23. Philadelphia Phillies
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS J.P. Crawford | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Aaron Nola | Double-A | 2015 |
| 3. OF Roman Quinn | Double-A | 2016 |
| 4. RHP Zach Eflin | Double-A | 2016 |
| 5. 3B Cornelius Randolph | Draft | 2019 |
| 6. OF Carlos Tocci | Single-A | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Ben Lively | Double-A | 2016 |
| 8. LHP Tom Windle | Double-A | 2016 |
| 9. 2B Scott Kingery | Draft | 2018 |
| 10. RHP Ricardo Pinto | Single-A | 2018 |
Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies are finally on the road to rebuilding, and they have a pair of potential cornerstone pieces for the future in J.P. Crawford and Aaron Nola.
The 20-year-old Crawford has already reached Double-A, and he's hitting .366/.466/.472 with a 22-15 walk-to-strikeout ratio in the minors so far this season. He also has the glove to make him a terrific all-around player at the position.
Nola, whom the Phillies took No. 7 overall last June after he starred at LSU, is 7-3 with a 1.76 ERA and 0.865 WHIP in 11 starts for Double-A Reading. One of the more polished arms in last year's class, he could see a second-half promotion.
There is potential behind those two as well, including this year's No. 10 overall pick Cornelius Randolph, who had one of the better bats in the class. The Georgia high schooler was selected as a shortstop, but his long-term future is at the hot corner.
22. Cleveland Indians
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Francisco Lindor | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. OF Bradley Zimmer | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. OF Clint Frazier | High-A | 2017 |
| 4. LHP Brady Aiken | Draft | 2019 |
| 5. LHP Justus Sheffield | Single-A | 2018 |
| 6. OF Tyler Naquin | Double-A | 2016 |
| 7. C Francisco Mejia | Single-A | 2018 |
| 8. RHP Triston McKenzie | Draft | 2019 |
| 9. LHP Juan Hillman | Draft | 2019 |
| 10. 3B Giovanny Urshela | MLB | - |
Overview
Francisco Lindor figures to reach the majors at some point this season, though the Cleveland Indians have resisted calling him up to this point for whatever reason. Once he does arrive, he figures to be a perennial Gold Glove contender with an emerging offensive game.
Outfielder Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier could join Michael Brantley in a potentially dominant outfield in a couple of years, and they are both raking at the High-A level right now.
The system was thin on arms heading into the draft, and the Indians took a chance on the biggest lottery ticket of the class when they snagged Brady Aiken at No. 17 overall. They'll need to be patient as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but the Clayton Kershaw comparisons still stand.
Aiken was not the only high-ceiling arm the team selected, though, as it grabbed a pair of Florida high schoolers with tremendous upside with its other two Day 1 selections in Triston McKenzie and Juan Hillman.
21. Chicago White Sox
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Tim Anderson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Francelis Montas | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Carson Fulmer | Draft | 2017 |
| 4. RHP Spencer Adams | Single-A | 2018 |
| 5. OF Micker Adolfo | Rookie | 2019 |
| 6. RHP Tyler Danish | Double-A | 2016 |
| 7. OF Courtney Hawkins | Double-A | 2017 |
| 8. 3B Trey Michalczewski | High-A | 2017 |
| 9. OF Jacob May | Double-A | 2017 |
| 10. 2B Micah Johnson | Triple-A | 2015 |
Overview
Graduating left-hander Carlos Rodon to the majors would have been a major hit for the Chicago White Sox's farm-system ranking, but they were able to again grab what many viewed as the top college arm in the class when they took Carson Fulmer at No. 8 overall.
There is still a legitimate question of whether or not he'll remain a starter, due to his max-effort mechanics, but regardless of what role he fills, his stuff is plus-plus.
Despite his upside, Fulmer does not jump into the No. 1 prospect spot, as shortstop Tim Anderson and right-hander Francelis Montas continue to impress at the Double-A level.
Anderson, a first-round pick in 2013, is hitting .300/.325/.391 with 21 stolen bases.
Montas, acquired from the Red Sox in the Jake Peavy deal, was one of the breakout prospects of 2014 and has a 2.50 ERA and 1.167 WHIP.
20. Kansas City Royals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Raul A. Mondesi | Double-A | 2017 |
| 2. LHP Sean Manaea | Rookie | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Ashe Russell | Draft | 2019 |
| 4. RHP Kyle Zimmer | Single-A | 2016 |
| 5. LHP Brandon Finnegan | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 6. RHP Miguel Almonte | Double-A | 2016 |
| 7. 3B Hunter Dozier | Double-A | 2016 |
| 8. LHP Foster Griffin | Single-A | 2018 |
| 9. RHP Scott Blewett | Single-A | 2018 |
| 10. RHP Nolan Watson | Draft | 2019 |
Overview
His numbers may not jump off the page, but 19-year-old Raul Adalberto Mondesi has as much potential as any middle infield prospect in the league, and it's important to remember that he's currently the youngest player in the Double-A Texas League.
Behind him are a pair of college arms who would likely already be in the majors if not for injury issues. Sean Manaea originally slipped in the draft due to a hip injury, while Kyle Zimmer had shoulder surgery and missed the bulk of last season.
Joining them as top pitching prospects is right-hander Ashe Russell, who graded out as arguably the top high school arm in the entire draft class. He'll need to develop his changeup after dominating with a fastball/slider combination, but he has a chance to be an absolute steal at No. 21 overall.
Previous first-round picks Brandon Finnegan, Hunter Dozier and Foster Griffin all have legitimate potential as well. This is a deeper farm system than some may think.
19. San Francisco Giants
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Kyle Crick | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Tyler Beede | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. RHP Keury Mella | High-A | 2017 |
| 4. IF Christian Arroyo | High-A | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Phil Bickford | Draft | 2019 |
| 6. RHP Clayton Blackburn | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 7. 1B Chris Shaw | Draft | 2018 |
| 8. LHP Adalberto Mejia | Double-A | 2016 |
| 9. LHP Steven Okert | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 10. LHP Ty Blach | Triple-A | 2016 |
Overview
The San Francisco Giants have been incredibly patient with top prospect Kyle Crick since taking him in the first round back in 2011, but he may very well prove to be worth the wait.
In his second go-around at the Double-A level, and with a bit more freedom from an innings standpoint, the 22-year-old has posted a 1.88 ERA and 8.9 K/9, albeit with a troubling 7.5 BB/9 mark that remains an issue.
Behind him are a pair of high-ceiling arms in Tyler Beede and Keury Mella, and they are joined by this year's top pick Phil Bickford. The right-hander has terrific stuff, but he has some off-field issues to iron out if he is going to reach his full potential.
The team also reached for a college bat named Chris Shaw with its second pick, and if he can make enough contact to tap into his terrific power, he could be the team's top position-player prospect by next season.
The Boston College product hit .319/.411/.611 with nine doubles, 11 home runs and 43 RBI this spring.
18. San Diego Padres
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Hunter Renfroe | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. C Austin Hedges | MLB | - |
| 3. SS Jose Rondon | High-A | 2017 |
| 4. OF Rymer Liriano | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 5. RHP Austin Smith | Draft | 2019 |
| 6. RHP Jacob Nix | Draft | 2019 |
| 7. IF Fernando Perez | High-A | 2017 |
| 8. OF Michael Gettys | Single-A | 2018 |
| 9. OF Travis Jankowski | Double-A | 2017 |
| 10. OF Franchy Cordero | Single-A | 2018 |
Overview
The San Diego Padres traded away a good deal of young talent during a busy offseason, but they managed to hold on to their top two prospects in outfielder Hunter Renfroe and catcher Austin Hedges.
Renfroe is the prototypical right fielder with plenty of power and a cannon arm, while Hedges has long been viewed as the game's top defensive backstop prospect but with some legitimate offensive skills as well.
Behind them, 21-year-old shortstop Jose Rondon is enjoying a terrific season in High-A, hitting .302/.366/.423 with 18 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases.
The team was able to grab a pair of high-ceiling pitching prospects in Austin Smith and Jacob Nix to headline this year's draft class, and those two immediately become the top arms in the system after guys such as Matthew Wisler, Joe Ross, Max Fried and others were dealt.
16. Washington Nationals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Lucas Giolito | High-A | 2016 |
| 2. SS Trea Turner | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. RHP A.J. Cole | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 4. RHP Joe Ross | MLB | - |
| 5. RHP Reynaldo Lopez | High-A | 2017 |
| 6. RHP Erick Fedde | Rookie | 2018 |
| 7. IF Wilmer Difo | Double-A | 2016 |
| 8. C Jakson Reetz | Rookie | 2018 |
| 9. RHP Austin Voth | Double-A | 2016 |
| 10. CF Andrew Stevenson | Draft | 2018 |
Overview
The Washington Nationals' system is not as deep as it's been in years past, but it's fronted by arguably the top pitching prospect in all of baseball in Lucas Giolito. The flame-throwing right-hander has been brought along slowly to this point, due in part to injuries, but he could vie for a rotation spot by next season.
Shortstop Trea Turner will finally become a member of the Nationals this weekend after sitting in the San Diego Padres system as a "player to be named" in the Wil Myers-Steven Souza deal that took place during the offseason. He's as advanced as any shortstop prospect in the minors and could legitimately take over for Ian Desmond next season.
Those two elite prospects are followed by a handful of right-handed pitchers, including A.J. Cole and Joe Ross, who have both seen big league action this season, and last year's first-rounder Erick Fedde, who routinely touches 100 out of the bullpen.
The team's top 2015 pick, center fielder Andrew Stevenson, was the best defensive outfielder in college baseball, and if his hit tool plays, he has a chance to be an impact everyday player.
15. New York Yankees
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Luis Severino | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 2. OF Aaron Judge | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. SS Jorge Mateo | Single-A | 2018 |
| 4. 1B Greg Bird | Double-A | 2016 |
| 5. 2B Rob Refsnyder | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 6. RHP James Kaprielian | Draft | 2018 |
| 7. LHP Ian Clarkin | High-A | 2017 |
| 8. 3B Eric Jagielo | Double-A | 2017 |
| 9. C Gary Sanchez | Double-A | 2016 |
| 10. 3B Miguel Andujar | High-A | 2017 |
Overview
After years of mortgaging away their young talent and failing to develop the guys they did hang on to, the New York Yankees finally have a farm system that at least checks in as respectable.
Right-hander Luis Severino was arguably the biggest breakout prospect of 2014, and he's backed it up with a strong start to 2015. The 21-year-old has a 3.13 ERA, 1.098 WHIP and 9.2 K/9 this season between Double-A and Triple-A.
The team also features a pair of power prospects in Aaron Judge and Greg Bird, with both guys on track to make their debuts at some point next season.
The system is relatively thin on pitching behind Severino, and the Yankees have struggled to develop arms in particular in recent years. James Kaprielian was one of the more polished college arms on the board this year, so that should help him move relatively quickly.
14. Toronto Blue Jays
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Daniel Norris | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. RHP Jeff Hoffman | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. RHP Sean Reid-Foley | Single-A | 2018 |
| 4. SS Richard Urena | Single-A | 2018 |
| 5. RHP Jon Harris | Draft | 2018 |
| 6. RHP Miguel Castro | MLB | - |
| 7. OF Dalton Pompey | Double-A | 2016 |
| 8. C Max Pentecost | Low-A | 2017 |
| 9. 3B Mitch Nay | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. LHP Jairo Labourt | High-A | 2017 |
Overview
Considering they broke camp with six rookies on the Opening Day roster, it's something of a surprise to see the Toronto Blue Jays system still rank so highly.
To be fair, Daniel Norris, Dalton Pompey and Miguel Castro were among those six guys before being sent back to the minors.
The two to watch here—outside of Norris, who figures to be called back up at some point—are right-handers Jeff Hoffman and Sean Reid-Foley, as both guys have the stuff to make an impact in the rotation.
They are joined by Missouri State ace Jon Harris, who was perhaps the most polished college arm in the draft class and is an absolute steal at No. 29 overall.
13. Cincinnati Reds
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Robert Stephenson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. OF Jesse Winker | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. C Tyler Stephenson | Draft | 2019 |
| 4. RHP Michael Lorenzen | MLB | - |
| 5. RHP Nick Howard | High-A | 2017 |
| 6. LHP Amir Garrett | High-A | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Nick Travieso | High-A | 2017 |
| 8. SS Alex Blandino | High-A | 2017 |
| 9. RHP Antonio Santillan | Draft | 2019 |
| 10. OF Phil Ervin | High-A | 2017 |
Overview
The Cincinnati Reds may very well be headed for a fire sale when the trade deadline rolls around, which means they might be adding more young talent to what is already a solid farm system.
The duo of Robert Stephenson and Jesse Winker gives the team two elite talents at the top, and both guys could emerge as key contributors at the big league level as early as next season.
Catcher Tyler Stephenson was the best backstop in this year's class by a wide margin, and it was no secret he was the Reds' top target heading into the draft. He'll be one of the top 10 catching prospects in the league as soon as he signs.
After those three high-end talents, the system is deep with pitching, including hard-throwing Antonio Santillan, drafted in the second round. Even when Michael Lorenzen uses up his rookie eligibility, this still profiles as a plus crop of minor league talent.
12. Atlanta Braves
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 2B Jose Peraza | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. RHP Matthew Wisler | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 3. SS Ozhaino Albies | Single-A | 2018 |
| 4. LHP Kolby Allard | Draft | 2019 |
| 5. RHP Tyrell Jenkins | Double-A | 2016 |
| 6. CF Mallex Smith | Double-A | 2016 |
| 7. RHP Lucas Sims | High-A | 2017 |
| 8. OF Braxton Davidson | Single-A | 2018 |
| 9. 3B Rio Ruiz | Double-A | 2017 |
| 10. LHP Max Fried | Injured | 2018 |
Overview
The Atlanta Braves lack an elite prospect to headline their farm system, but after an offseason that saw them sell off Justin Upton, Jason Heyward, Evan Gattis and Craig Kimbrel, they have one of the deepest crops of minor league talent around.
Matthew Wisler, Tyrell Jenkins, Mallex Smith, Rio Ruiz and Max Fried were all acquired in the aforementioned deals, as well as Mike Foltynewicz, who only recently used up his rookie eligibility.
However, the top prospect here is still speedster Jose Peraza, who could push Jace Peterson to third base in the second half to take over as the everyday second baseman.
This year's top pick Kolby Allard was the best high school left-hander on the board, and he has the stuff and polish to wind up as the best overall high school arm in the class.
11. Tampa Bay Rays
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Daniel Robertson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. SS Willy Adames | High-A | 2017 |
| 3. OF Garrett Whitley | Draft | 2019 |
| 4. C Justin O'Conner | Double-A | 2016 |
| 5. SS Adrian Rondon | Rookie | 2019 |
| 6. 1B Casey Gillaspie | Single-A | 2017 |
| 7. LHP Blake Snell | Double-A | 2016 |
| 8. RHP Brent Honeywell | Single-A | 2017 |
| 9. RHP Taylor Guerrieri | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. C Chris Betts | Draft | 2019 |
Overview
There may be no team better at developing pitching prospects than the Tampa Bay Rays; it's their offense that has been an issue over the years. So the fact that seven of their top 10 prospects are position players should be viewed as a positive.
Daniel Robertson (Ben Zobrist) and Willy Adames (David Price) were both acquired via trade, and they could form a dynamic middle infield combination in the not-too-distant future.
Five-tool outfielder Garrett Whitley was the top pick this year. Slotting him at No. 3 may be ambitious, but he has the tools to be a legitimate star.
Keep an eye on Chris Betts, whom the team took No. 52 overall this year. There are questions about whether or not he can stick behind the plate, but his bat would play anywhere, and he could emerge as a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat.
10. Chicago Cubs
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C/OF Kyle Schwarber | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. RHP C.J. Edwards | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 3. SS Gleyber Torres | Single-A | 2018 |
| 4. CF Albert Almora | Double-A | 2017 |
| 5. OF Billy McKinney | Double-A | 2017 |
| 6. 2B/OF Ian Happ | Draft | 2018 |
| 7. RHP Duane Underwood | High-A | 2017 |
| 8. OF Eloy Jimenez | Rookie | 2018 |
| 9. RHP Jen-Ho Tseng | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. RHP Pierce Johnson | Double-A | 2016 |
Overview
With Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler all burning through their rookie eligibility, the Chicago Cubs' system does not look quite as imposing as it did heading into the season, when it ranked No. 1 in the Baseball America Prospect Handbook.
That being said, the Cubs still have some high-end talent, led by slugger Kyle Schwarber. It's unclear if he'll be able to stay behind the plate, but he's hit .335/.433/.613 with 31 home runs and 92 RBI in 445 career at-bats in the minors, so they'll find a place for him.
This year's top pick Ian Happ has some solid offensive tools and useful defensive versatility, making him perhaps the next Ben Zobrist type under manager Joe Maddon.
C.J. Edwards has moved to the bullpen and could help out in the near future in Chicago.
Keep an eye on 18-year-old Gleyber Torres, who is hitting .315/.389/.386 with 12 extra-base hits and nine steals in full-season Single-A.
9. Texas Rangers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Joey Gallo | MLB | - |
| 2. C Jorge Alfaro | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Dillon Tate | Draft | 2018 |
| 4. OF Nomar Mazara | Double-A | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez | MLB | - |
| 6. RHP Jake Thompson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 7. OF Lewis Brinson | High-A | 2017 |
| 8. RHP Luis Ortiz | Single-A | 2018 |
| 9. OF Nick Williams | Double-A | 2016 |
| 10. RHP Luke Jackson | Triple-A | 2015 |
Overview
Despite making some ill-advised trades, most notably the Matt Garza deal with the Chicago Cubs, the Texas Rangers boast one of the best farm systems in the American League.
It's going to take a hit once Joey Gallo and Chi Chi Gonzalez burn through their rookie eligibility, but adding an arm such as Dillon Tate to the mix doesn't hurt any. The UC Santa Barbara product has a chance to be a legitimate front-line arm, and he should move fairly quickly.
The outfield trio of Nomar Mazara, Lewis Brinson and Nick Williams continue to impress as they make their way ever closer to Texas. Catcher Jorge Alfaro still profiles as the catcher of the future, and that future could start as early as next season.
The Rangers draft well and do an even better job on the international market, so expect this system to be among the best for the foreseeable future.
8. Colorado Rockies
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Jon Gray | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. SS Brendan Rodgers | Draft | 2019 |
| 3. LHP Kyle Freeland | Single-A | 2016 |
| 4. 3B Ryan McMahon | High-A | 2017 |
| 5. OF David Dahl | High-A | 2017 |
| 6. RHP Mike Nikorak | Draft | 2019 |
| 7. 2B Forrest Wall | Single-A | 2017 |
| 8. OF Raimel Tapia | High-A | 2017 |
| 9. C Tom Murphy | Double-A | 2016 |
| 10. 3B Tyler Nevin | Draft | 2019 |
Overview
Despite their recent struggles at the big league level, and an unwillingness to change by the front office, the Colorado Rockies actually have one of the best farm systems in the game.
It only got better with the selection of Brendan Rodgers at No. 3 overall Monday, though top-prospect honors still go to hard-throwing Jon Gray for the time being.
The thought here may be to have a shortstop of the future in waiting if Troy Tulowitzki is indeed traded, as has been rumored for a very long time now, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
While Rodgers is an elite talent, the player to watch from this class may be Mike Nikorak, as he was one of the top high school arms in the nation and has tremendous upside. This team could certainly use an impact arm.
Now that he's focusing on baseball full time after also playing quarterback at vaunted Mater Dei High School, 20-year-old Ryan McMahon has taken off as one of the best third base prospects in the league.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Tyler Glasnow | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. RHP Jameson Taillon | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 3. 1B Josh Bell | Double-A | 2016 |
| 4. OF Austin Meadows | High-A | 2017 |
| 5. C Reese McGuire | High-A | 2017 |
| 6. 2B Alen Hanson | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 7. RHP Nick Kingham | Triple-A | 2017 |
| 8. SS Kevin Newman | Draft | 2018 |
| 9. OF Harold Ramirez | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. SS Cole Tucker | Single-A | 2018 |
Overview
After reaching for Cole Tucker in the first round last year, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected infield prospects with their first three picks once again here in 2015.
That doesn't do much to bolster their list of top 10 prospects, but it does add some solid depth to the farm system as a whole, and middle infielders remain a valuable commodity.
The stars here are a pair of right-handers in Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon, and it may not be long before both pitchers are slotted alongside Gerrit Cole in the big league rotation.
Josh Bell could also take over as the primary first baseman by next season, while the likes of Austin Meadows, Reese McGuire and Alen Hanson all have everyday player potential as well.
6. New York Mets
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Noah Syndergaard | MLB | - |
| 2. LHP Steven Matz | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 3. OF Michael Conforto | Double-A | 2017 |
| 4. OF Brandon Nimmo | Double-A | 2016 |
| 5. SS Amed Rosario | High-A | 2018 |
| 6. 2B Dilson Herrera | MLB | - |
| 7. RHP Marcos Molina | High-A | 2018 |
| 9. 3B Jhoan Urena | High-A | 2018 |
| 8. 1B Dominic Smith | High-A | 2017 |
| 10. SS Gavin Cecchini | Double-A | 2016 |
Overview
The New York Mets are bolstered here by the fact that Noah Syndergaard has yet to use up his rookie eligibility. Once he does, they figure to slide down a few spots in these rankings, but this is still a very talented system.
For all the hype Syndergaard received, and rightfully so, left-hander Steven Matz has serious potential of his own. The 24-year-old has gone 6-4 with a 1.94 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 75 strikeouts in 74.1 innings this season, and he figures to join Thor in New York at some point in 2015.
A system that had long been thin on position-player talent also features a pair of high-ceiling outfield bats in Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo. Conforto received an early promotion to Double-A after a hot start, and it could be a race to the big leagues for those two.
With the smallest bonus pool and no first-round pick, the Mets reached for a high-upside high school bat in outfielder Desmond Lindsay at No. 53 overall, so he'll be one to keep an eye on.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Archie Bradley | MLB | - |
| 2. SS Dansby Swanson | Draft | 2017 |
| 3. RHP Braden Shipley | Double-A | 2016 |
| 4. RHP Aaron Blair | Double-A | 2016 |
| 5. RHP Touki Toussaint | Single-A | 2018 |
| 6. RHP Yoan Lopez | Double-A | 2016 |
| 7. C/1B/OF Peter O'Brien | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 8. LHP Robbie Ray | MLB | - |
| 9. OF Gabriel Guerrero | Double-A | 2016 |
| 10. LHP Alex Young | Draft | 2018 |
Overview
Already boasting a top-10 farm system heading into the draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks had the benefit of selecting No. 1 overall, and they took the consensus top player in the class in Vanderbilt shortstop Dansby Swanson.
A polished player both offensively and defensively with superstar potential, Swanson should not take long to reach the majors and appears the perfect shortstop replacement and potential face of the franchise alongside Paul Goldschmidt.
Despite his tremendous upside, Swanson ranks below Archie Bradley here, as the right-hander still has rookie eligibility and elite, front-of-the-rotation upside.
From there, the system is loaded with quality arms, including last year's top pick Touki Toussaint, Cuban signing Yoan Lopez and a pair of MLB-ready right-handers in Braden Shipley and Aaron Blair.
Throw in second-round pick Alex Young, who made a seamless transition from reliever to starter at TCU this spring, and there is a lot to like about the future in Arizona.
4. Boston Red Sox
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. IF Yoan Moncada | Single-A | 2016 |
| 2. LHP Eduardo Rodriguez | MLB | - |
| 3. 3B Rafael Devers | Single-A | 2018 |
| 4. LHP Henry Owens | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 5. C Blake Swihart | MLB | - |
| 6. OF Manuel Margot | High-A | 2017 |
| 7. OF Andrew Benintendi | Draft | 2017 |
| 8. LHP Brian Johnson | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 9. RHP Michael Kopech | Single-A | 2018 |
| 10. 3B/OF Garin Cecchini | Triple-A | 2016 |
Overview
The fact that Eduardo Rodriguez and Blake Swihart still have rookie status helps here, but even when they are no longer part of this list, the Boston Red Sox still figure to have a top-five farm system.
Cuban defector Yoan Moncada received a record $31.5 million bonus as an international free agent for a reason. The 20-year-old has the potential to be a special, superstar-caliber player, and he should move much quicker than most players his age.
Speaking of moving quickly, Rafael Devers is shooting up top-prospect boards thanks to his early-season performance. Still just 18 years old, Devers is hitting .314/.347/.445 for Single-A Greenville.
Manuel Margot has similar upside as a 20-year-old holding his own at the High-A level, while left-handers Henry Owens and Brian Johnson both figure to see time in the majors before the season is over.
The cherry on top of an already loaded system is No. 7 overall pick Andrew Benintendi, who had as good a season as any college hitter. The Arkansas outfielder hit .391 with 18 home runs and 22 stolen bases to claim Collegiate Baseball's National Player of the Year honors.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Corey Seager | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 2. LHP Julio Urias | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Grant Holmes | Single-A | 2018 |
| 4. RHP Jose De Leon | Double-A | 2017 |
| 5. OF Alex Verdugo | Single-A | 2018 |
| 6. RHP Walker Buehler | Draft | 2018 |
| 7. RHP Kyle Funkhouser | Draft | 2018 |
| 8. RHP Chris Anderson | Double-A | 2016 |
| 9. UT Darnell Sweeney | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 10. OF Scott Schebler | Triple-A | 2015 |
Overview
Even with Joc Pederson making the jump to the majors and excelling, the Los Angeles Dodgers still have the best farm system in the National League, and they solidified that standing with a terrific draft.
With picks Nos. 24 and 35, they took college pitchers Walker Buehler and Kyle Funkhouser, who ranked as the Nos. 12 and 14 prospects in the draft, according to Baseball America.
They join an impressive stable of arms headlined by 18-year-old phenom Julio Urias, who appears to be on track to reach the majors well before his 20th birthday.
While pitching is the strength of the system, shortstop Corey Seager remains the top prospect, as the 21-year-old is hitting .321/.371/.531 with 16 doubles and nine home runs between Double-A and Triple-A this season.
2. Houston Astros
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Carlos Correa | MLB | - |
| 2. RHP Mark Appel | Double-A | 2015 |
| 3. OF Domingo Santana | Triple-A | 2015 |
| 4. SS Alex Bregman | Draft | 2017 |
| 5. RHP Lance McCullers | MLB | - |
| 6. OF Kyle Tucker | Draft | 2018 |
| 7. OF Daz Cameron | Draft | 2019 |
| 8. RHP Vincent Velasquez | MLB | - |
| 9. OF Preston Tucker | MLB | - |
| 10. 3B Colin Moran | Double-A | 2016 |
Overview
The Houston Astros are reaping the rewards of their terrific farm system right now, with Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers, Vincent Velasquez and Preston Tucker all on the big league roster.
That being said, their system shows no signs of taking a step back once those four guys use up their rookie eligibility, as they reloaded with a fantastic draft class.
The Astros took LSU shortstop Alex Bregman No. 2 overall with their compensation pick for not signing Brady Aiken, while selecting Preston Tucker's brother Kyle No. 5 overall. Bregman has no clear position with Correa blocking him, but his game plays regardless, and Tucker was arguably the best pure hitter in the class.
The wild card here is Daz Cameron, who slipped to No. 37 overall due to reports that he is seeking a $5 million signing bonus, per Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle. After last year's debacle, my guess is the Astros will do everything in their power to sign Cameron.
1. Minnesota Twins
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | ETA |
|---|---|---|
| 1. CF Byron Buxton | Double-A | 2016 |
| 2. 3B Miguel Sano | Double-A | 2016 |
| 3. RHP Jose Berrios | Double-A | 2015 |
| 4. SS Nick Gordon | Single-A | 2018 |
| 5. LHP Tyler Jay | Draft | 2016 |
| 6. RHP Kohl Stewart | High-A | 2017 |
| 7. RHP Alex Meyer | Triple-A | 2016 |
| 8. SS/2B Jorge Polanco | MLB | - |
| 9. RHP Nick Burdi | Double-A | 2016 |
| 10. IF/OF Eddie Rosario | Triple-A | 2015 |
Overview
No farm system in baseball is more top-heavy than that of the Minnesota Twins, but that speaks more to the elite level of their top prospects than it does to a system lacking in overall depth.
Now that Kris Bryant has reached the majors, Byron Buxton is the consensus top prospect in minor league baseball, and he figures to join slugging third baseman Miguel Sano in the majors sometime next season. Both players have the tools to be future superstars.
Jose Berrios has passed Alex Meyer and Kohl Stewart for the title of top pitching prospect in the system, but he could get a run for his money from this year's top pick Tyler Jay.
The Illinois left-hander pitched out of the bullpen this spring, and if the Twins stay in the playoff hunt, he could be this year's Brandon Finnegan.
Throw in last year's No. 1 pick Nick Gordon and some solid low-level talent to boot, and the Twins are an easy choice for the title of best farm system in the league.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.