Updated MLB Farm System Rankings After 2016 Trade Deadline Frenzy

Houston Astros top prospect Alex BregmanMark Cunningham/Getty Images

The MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and along with some notable veterans changing teams, there was also the usual bevy of prospect talent changing hands.

With that in mind, what follows is an updated look at where all 30 farm systems rank, as well as an updated look at each team's top 10 prospects.

The following factors helped determine the rankings of players and teams:

• Potential (Player): Potential trumps production a lot of the time, especially in the lower levels of the minors and with recent draft picks. Skill set and overall tools are often a better indication of what kind of player a guy will be 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.

This time around we've incorporated a tier system to help differentiate between the different levels of prospects talent. Here's a quick explanation: 

• Tier 1: Prospects who have an elite skill set and legitimate All-Star potential. This is the cream of the crop.

• Tier 2: Prospects who have a good chance of becoming at least a contributor at the MLB level. This is where most prospects on the following list will fall.

• Tier 3: Prospects who profile as fringe MLB contributors or young prospects still too raw to project any higher. Having one of these players ranked among your top 10 prospects is a good indication of a thin system.

That's all capped off with a quick rundown of how the farm system changed at the trade deadline and a look ahead to the prospect most likely to make a significant impact at the MLB level in 2017.

Let's get started.

Note: 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.

LHP Nate SmithMatt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. C Matt Thaiss	21		A	2020	2
2. CF Jahmai Jones	19		ROK	2021	2
3. OF Brandon Marsh	18		-	2021	2
4. C Taylor Ward	22		A+	2019	2
5. LHP Nate Smith	24		AAA	2016	2
6. RHP Jaime Barria	20		A	2020	3
7. SS Nonie Williams	18		ROK	2021	3
8. RHP Victor Alcantara	23		AA	2017	3
9. RHP Grayson Long	22		A	2019	3
10. RHP Joe Gatto	21		A	2019	3

   

Farm System Update

While the Los Angeles Angels did not have much in the way of trade chips at the deadline, they still managed to add a few useful pieces to their paper-thin farm system.

They picked up former top prospect Alex Meyer, who ranked among Baseball America's top 100 prospects three straight years from 2012 to 2014, in a deal with the Twins. The big 6'9" right-hander should eventually be able to make an impact, even if his control problems (3.9 BB/9) limit him to relief work.

Reliever Joe Smith was also flipped to the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Jesus Castillo. The 20-year-old has pitched to a 3.27 ERA and 1.182 WHIP with 38 strikeouts in 33 innings at the Low-A level. He's a ways from contributing, but there's legitimate projectability in his 6'2", 165-pound frame.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: SP Nate Smith

The Angels rotation is far from set looking ahead to the 2017 season.

Matt Shoemaker, Tyler Skaggs and the recently acquired Ricky Nolasco figure to fill three of the slots, but the final two are wide open.

Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Tim Lincecum are all free agents, Andrew Heaney and Nick Tropeano will be recovering from Tommy John surgery and Garrett Richards is dealing with a torn elbow ligament that he's hoping won't require surgery, but very well could.

That should open the door for left-hander Nate Smith to get a long look next spring.

Command is the best weapon in the 24-year-old's arsenal, and he boasts a plus changeup to go along with his low 90s fastball and a pair of passable breaking pitches. He doesn't have front-line upside, but Smith should be able to settle in as a useful No. 4 or 5 starter.

C Chance SiscoGary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. C Chance Sisco	21		AA	2017	2
2. RHP Cody Sedlock	21		A-	2019	2
3. RHP Hunter Harvey	21		A+	2017	2
4. SS Ryan Mountcastle	19		A	2019	2
5. 3B Jomar Reyes	19		A+	2019	2
6. 1B Trey Mancini	24		AAA	2017	2
7. LHP Chris Lee	23		AA	2017	2
8. RHP Matthias Dietz	20		A-	2020	3
9. OF D.J. Stewart	22		A+	2018	3
10. LHP Keegan Akin	21		A-	2019	3

   

Farm System Update

The Baltimore Orioles had a relatively quiet deadline, giving up a decent young catching prospect in Jonah Heim and Triple-A left-hander Ariel Miranda to acquire utility man Steve Pearce and starter Wade Miley, respectively.

Catcher Chance Sisco has taken over as the team's top prospect, thriving as a 21-year-old at the Double-A level with a .315/.403/.404 line that includes 21 doubles. He doesn't have much pop, despite his home run in the Futures Game, but he has everyday backstop potential with a good hit tool and solid receiving skills.

The system as a whole may be thin, but the team did a nice job adding a trio of quality arms in the draft when they took Cody Sedlock, Matthias Dietz and Keegan Akin. Sedlock and Akin are both high-floor college arms, while Dietz is a wild card after taking a big step forward with his stuff and dominating at the JUCO level.

   

2017 Impact Prospect: 1B Trey Mancini

The Orioles locked up Chris Davis with a seven-year, $161 million deal last winter, but another slugger will likely be headed elsewhere this coming offseason when Mark Trumbo hits free agency.

Pedro Alvarez was also signed to a one-year deal, leaving the team in need of a power bat in the middle of the lineup and potentially a starting designated hitter.

Trey Mancini should be a prime candidate to seize that spot, with little left to prove in the minors. The 24-year-old put together a breakout season last year and he's backed it up here in 2016 with a .299/.378/.500 line between Double-A and Triple-A that includes 20 doubles, 18 home runs and 55 RBI.

RHP Kendry FloresAssociated Press

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. LHP Braxton Garrett	18		ROK	2020	1
2. RHP Tyler Kolek	20		A	2020	2
3. LHP Jarlin Garcia	23		AA	2017	2
4. RHP Luis Castillo	23		A-	2018	2
5. OF Stone Garrett	20		A-	2019	3
6. OF Thomas Jones	18		ROK	2021	3
7. OF Austin Dean	22		AA	2017	3
8. RHP Kendry Flores	24		AAA	2016	3
9. 3B Brian Anderson	23		AA	2017	3
10. RHP Austin Brice	24		AA	2017	3

    

Farm System Update

The Miami Marlins already had one of the weaker farm systems in baseball leading up to the deadline and they slip even further down the rankings after giving up top position-player prospect Josh Naylor to acquire Andrew Cashner from the San Diego Padres.

They also shipped out right-hander Luis Castillo in that trade, but he was returned in exchange for Colin Rea after Rea went down with an arm injury in his Marlins debut. The 23-year-old Castillo will be one to watch as he has the best arm in the system and could move quickly if things continue to click.

With Naylor gone and right-hander Tyler Kolek still recovering from Tommy John surgery, No. 7 overall pick Braxton Garrett is the easy choice for top prospect honors. The left-hander is one of the most polished high school arms to come along in a while and he should move quickly toward his ceiling as a No. 2 starter.

   

2017 Impact Prospect: SP Jarlin Garcia

A Futures Game participant in 2015, Jarlin Garcia would likely be knocking on the door for a big league promotion if not for a triceps injury that has kept him sidelined since late May and limited him to just nine starts.

The left-hander features a good four-pitch mix that he can throw for strikes, though he's still working on missing more bats with a 7.6 K/9 career strikeout rate.

Provided he can put the arm issue behind him and finish this season strong, he should be in the mix for a rotation spot at some point early next season. He doesn't have front-line potential, but his control gives him a relatively high floor.

RHP Joe JimenezButch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Matt Manning	18		ROK	2021	1
2. RHP Beau Burrows	19		A	2020	2
3. OF Christin Stewart	22		A+	2018	2
4. RHP Joe Jimenez	21		AAA	2016	2
5. OF Derek Hill	20		A	2019	2
6. RHP Kyle Funkhouser	22		A-	2019	2
7. SS JaCoby Jones	24		AAA	2017	3
8. LHP Tyler Alexander	22		A+	2019	3
9. OF Jose Azocar	20		A	2020	3
10. OF Michael Gerber	24		AA	2017	3

    

Farm System Update

The Detroit Tigers opted to stand pat at the trade deadline, relying instead on the return of a number of key players from injury to bolster their chances of contending down the stretch.

That leaves their fairly thin farm system unchanged since the draft, but they actually move up a spot thanks to the Miami Marlins falling behind them.

Signing first-round pick Matt Manning away from a strong college commitment gives the organization a clear headliner atop the system and they may wind up walking away with the steal of the draft after taking Kyle Funkhouser in the fifth round.

Outfielder Christin Stewart is also worth keeping an eye on as someone who could potentially jump up to tier one status. He's posted a .928 OPS with 22 doubles and 23 home runs in High-A and could be ready for a promotion to Double-A.

       

2017 Impact Prospect: RP Joe Jimenez

The Tigers have long been in search of quality bullpen pieces and they look to have a good one coming up through the ranks in Joe Jimenez.

An undrafted free-agent signing in 2013, Jimenez has been nothing short of dominant over three minor league levels this year, pitching to a 1.31 ERA and 0.798 WHIP while striking out 64 batters in 41.1 innings and recording 23 saves.

Expect him to step into a setup role next year with an eye on replacing incumbent closer Francisco Rodriguez when he hits free agency the following offseason.

SS Christian ArroyoMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. SS Christian Arroyo	21		AA	2017	1
2. RHP Tyler Beede	23		AA	2017	2
3. 1B Chris Shaw	22		AA	2018	2
4. OF Bryan Reynolds	21		A-	2019	2
5. C Aramis Garcia	23		A+	2018	2
6. RHP Sam Coonrod	23		AA	2018	2
7. LHP Andrew Suarez	23		AA	2018	3
8. OF Heath Quinn	21		A-	2019	3
9. RHP Joan Gregorio	24		AAA	2017	3
10. OF Steven Duggar	22		AA	2018	3

    

Farm System Update

The San Francisco Giants were aggressive in filling their biggest areas of need at the deadline, picking up infielder Eduardo Nunez, starter Matt Moore and reliever Will Smith.

Nunez cost them left-handed starter Adalberto Mejia, who would have been in the running for a place inside the top 10. Moore cost them, among others, promising young shortstop Lucius Fox, who would have cracked the top five.

However, the costly trade was the package they sent to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Smith. Along with surrendering former top prospect Andrew Susac, they also gave up their No. 1-ranked prospect in right-hander Phil Bickford.

Evaluators were split on whether he possessed legitimate front-line potential, but there was no question Bickford was the best arm in the system. Losing him, along with Mejia and Fox, is more than enough to push the Giants down several spots.

   

2017 Impact Prospect: SP Tyler Beede

The addition of Moore gives the Giants a controllable starter and locks up a fourth spot in the rotation for 2017 and beyond, but the team still figures to have an opening at the back of the staff.

Jake Peavy is a free agent at season's end and Matt Cain remains a major wild card going forward, which could open the door for Tyler Beede to seize his spot on the staff.

The No. 14 pick in the 2014 draft, Beede has gone 6-6 with a 3.26 ERA, 1.326 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 107.2 innings while posting a career-best 2.9 BB/9 walk rate in Double-A. His floor continues to rise as he refines his command and there is still legitimate No. 2 starter upside if everything falls into place.

SS Raul A. MondesiDenny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. SS Raul A. Mondesi	21		MLB	2016	1
2. 3B Hunter Dozier	24		AAA	2017	2
3. C Chase Vallot	19		A	2019	2
4. LHP Matt Strahm	24		MLB	2016	2
5. 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn	23		AA	2017	2
6. OF Jorge Bonifacio	23		AAA	2016	2
7. RHP Kyle Zimmer	24		AA	2017	2
8. RHP Scott Blewett	20		A	2019	3
9. RHP Ashe Russell	19		A-	2020	3
10. RHP Jake Junis	23		AA	2017	3

    

Farm System Update

The Kansas City Royals didn't add anything to the farm system after standing pat at the deadline, but they climb two spots nonetheless with the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants slipping below them.

The emergence of third baseman Hunter Dozier this season gives the team another prospect on the fringe of reaching tier one status. He's hit .306/.378/.550 with 32 doubles and 21 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A and will take over top prospect honors if Raul. A. Mondesi expends his rookie eligibility before the season is over.

Young arms like Scott Blewett, Ashe Russell, Nolan Watson, Foster Griffin and a handful of others are all capable of stepping up to tier two status if things come together. 

    

2017 Impact Prospect: SS Raul A. Mondesi

There's a chance Raul A. Mondesi could push incumbent Alcides Escobar for the starting shortstop gig as soon as next season. If not, he'll almost certainly supplant him in 2018.

"Long term, folks believe they’ll let Alcides Escobar go and be replaced by top prospect Raul Mondesi," wrote Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball.

Escobar carries a reasonable $6.5 million team option for next year, but with a disappointing .254/.281/.307 line the Royals could look to unload him this coming offseason if they do in fact think Mondesi is ready.

RHP Braden ShipleyBenny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Braden Shipley	24		MLB	2016	1
2. LHP Anthony Banda	22		AAA	2017	2
3. OF Anfernee Grier	20		A-	2020	2
4. LHP Alex Young	22		A+	2018	2
5. OF Socrates Brito	23		MLB	2016	2
6. RHP Vicente Campos	24		AA	2017	2
7. SS Dawel Lugo	21		AA	2018	2
8. RHP Taylor Clarke	23		AA	2018	2
9. IF Domingo Leyba	20		AA	2018	3
10. C/OF Peter O'Brien	26		AAA	2016	3

       

Farm System Update

Considering the market for quality relievers, even those of the rental variety, the Arizona Diamondbacks landed a somewhat disappointing return from the Boston Red Sox for closer Brad Ziegler.

While shortstop Luis Alejandro Basabe and outfielder Jose Almonte both have some upside, neither checks in among the organization's top 30 prospects at the moment.

However, they made up for it by acquiring right-hander Vicente Campos from the New York Yankees in exchange for setup man Tyler Clippard.

Campos, 24, has gone 10-3 with a 3.07 ERA, 1.183 WHIP and 109 strikeouts in 126 innings in the upper levels of the minors. He's already at a career high for innings, but with a solid 6'3", 230-pound frame he has a chance to be a workhorse and a quality middle-of-the-rotation arm.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: SP Braden Shipley

With Archie Bradley exhausting his rookie eligibility and Aaron Blair traded to the Atlanta Braves during the offseason, right-hander Braden Shipley is all that remains of what was once a promising trio of arms headlining the Diamondbacks system.

Shipley has a chance to be the best of the bunch with a good three-pitch mix and superior athleticism at the pitcher position.

He has two starts under his belt since being promoted to the majors and he'll get a long look down the stretch as he tries to position himself to be part of the 2017 rotation from the onset.

RHP Carson FulmerJoe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Carson Fulmer	22		MLB	2016	1
2. C Zack Collins	21		A+	2018	1
3. RHP Spencer Adams	20		AA	2018	2
4. RHP Zack Burdi	21		AA	2017	2
5. RHP Alec Hansen	21		ROK	2019	2
6. OF Charlie Tilson	23		AAA	2016	3
7. 3B Trey Michalczewski	21		AA	2017	3
8. OF Adam Engel	24		AAA	2017	3
9. RHP Jordan Stephens	23		A+	2018	3
10. OF Jameson Fisher	22		ROK	2018	3

       

Farm System Update

Much to the chagrin of the fanbase, the Chicago White Sox made only one significant move at the trade deadline, flipping reliever Zach Duke to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Charlie Tilson.

The speedy Tilson possess a solid hit tool and a good glove in center field, and he was brought right up to the big league club after posting a .282/.345/.407 line with 28 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases in Triple-A.

He picked up a hit in his first MLB at-bat, but suffered a torn hamstring later in the game that will sideline him the remainder of the season.

"I can't even imagine," White Sox manager Robin Ventura told reporters, via Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune. "This is a dream. He gets called up, gets a hit in his first at-bat and after that it all gets taken away from you for a while. It's tough. All the guys on the team, as much as you want to put it out of your mind, you feel for the kid."

    

2017 Impact Prospect: RP Carson Fulmer

His max-effort delivery and inconsistent command led many to peg Vanderbilt ace Carson Fulmer as a future reliever heading into the 2015 draft and he wound up slipping to the White Sox at No. 8 overall.

After being used as a starter during his time in the minors, he was called up as a bullpen reinforcement last month and he's struggled so far in six appearances.

Despite that, Fulmer still has all the makings of a future closer, with a bulldog mentality on the mound and a devastating fastball-curveball combination. There's a chance current closer David Robertson could be moved in August or in the offseason and that would open up a key setup role for Fulmer next year ahead of Nate Jones.

SS Amed RosarioGary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. SS Amed Rosario	20		AA	2017	1
2. 1B Dominic Smith	21		AA	2017	1
3. SS Gavin Cecchini	22		AAA	2016	2
4. OF Brandon Nimmo	23		AAA	2016	2
5. RHP Justin Dunn	20		A-	2019	2
6. OF Desmond Lindsay	19		A-	2020	2
7. LHP Thomas Szapucki	20		A-	2019	2
8. OF Wuilmer Becerra	21		A+	2018	2
9. LHP Anthony Kay	21		-	2019	2
10. SS Andres Gimenez	17		ROK	2021	3

    

Farm System Update

Dilson Herrera was technically no longer a prospect after exhausting his rookie eligibility last year, so losing him in the Jay Bruce deal does not impact the team's ranking here. However, the New York Mets still slip a few spots as a result of others moving ahead of them.

Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith give the team a pair of elite-level prospects who are quickly making their way toward the majors, while the team added some much-needed high-end pitching in the draft in Justin Dunn and Anthony Kay after graduating their top arms in recent years.

Thomas Szapucki has turned some heads with a 0.44 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 41.1 innings in short-season ball, while international shortstop prospect Andres Gimenez is hitting .353/.467/.551 in the Dominican Summer League after signing for a $1.2 million bonus last year.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: SS Gavin Cecchini

Rosario looks like the future at shortstop for the Mets, but it might be Gavin Cecchini who gets the first crack at replacing Asdrubal Cabrera, who signed a two-year, $18.5 million deal last offseason.

Cecchini, who got off to a somewhat slow start after going No. 12 overall in the 2012 draft, turned in a breakout season last year and he's positioning himself for a late-season promotion with a strong Triple-A performance.

He's hitting .308/.385/.429 with 19 doubles, five home runs and 41 RBI, posting nearly as many walks (40) as strikeouts (41). With gap power and a solid glove, he could get a look as a utility man over the final two months.

1B D.J. PetersonMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. OF Tyler O'Neill	21		AA	2017	1
2. OF Kyle Lewis	21		A-	2019	1
3. RHP Nick Neidert	19		A	2019	2
4. LHP Luiz Gohara	20		A	2018	2
6. OF Alex Jackson	20		A	2019	2
5. SS Drew Jackson	23		A+	2018	2
7. 1B Dan Vogelbach	23		AAA	2016	2
8. RHP Andrew Moore	22		AA	2018	2
9. 1B D.J. Peterson	24		AAA	2016	2
10. 3B Joe Rizzo	18		ROK	2019	3

    

Farm System Update

The Seattle Mariners were not active sellers at the deadline, but they did a nice job flipping some movable parts in Mike Montgomery, Wade Miley and Joaquin Benoit.

Miley landed them a solid organizational arm in Ariel Miranda, who will join the MLB rotation, at least for the time being, while the Montgomery trade netted them a pair of prospects from the Chicago Cubs in Dan Vogelbach and Paul Blackburn.

Vogelbach has a .296/.406/.513 line with 19 doubles, 18 home runs and 73 RBI in Triple-A and he looks like an obvious replacement for Adam Lind as the left-handed side of the first base platoon.

Blackburn, 22, has middle-of-the-rotation upside and could push his way into the top 10 if he continues to pitch well at the Double-A level.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: 1B Dan Vogelbach

Dan Vogelbach might be an upgrade over incumbent Adam Lind right now, joining Dae-Ho Lee in the first base platoon.

With Lind in the final year of his contract and the Mariners on the fringe of contention, don't be surprised if the veteran is moved in an August waiver deal. That would open the door for Vogelbach to show what he can do down the stretch.

The 6'0", 250-pound Vogelbach will be limited to first base and DH duties and it will be up to his bat to carry him to regular playing time at the MLB level.

RHP Mike ClevingerKen Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospect

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. OF Bradley Zimmer	23		AAA	2017	1
2. C Francisco Mejia	20		A+	2018	1
3. 1B Bobby Bradley	20		A+	2019	1
4. RHP Triston McKenzie	19		A-	2019	2
5. LHP Brady Aiken	19		ROK	2018	2
6. 3B Nolan Jones	18		ROK	2020	2
7. RHP Mike Clevinger	25		AAA	2016	2
8. SS Yu-Cheng Chang	20		A+	2018	2
9. LHP Rob Kaminsky	21		AA	2017	2
10. 3B Yandy Diaz	24		AAA	2017	3

    

Farm System Update

The Cleveland Indians gave up a good deal to land bullpen ace Andrew Miler from the New York Yankees, including a pair of tier one guys in Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield.

Parting with Frazier hurts, but the team has another quality outfield prospect in Bradley Zimmer, and Tyler Naquin has been a pleasant surprise as well in his rookie season.

Sheffield was the top arm in the system, but they are still loaded with high-ceiling pitchers in the lower levels of the minors, headlined by Triston McKenzie, Brady Aiken and Juan Hillman.

Catcher Francisco Mejia carries a .347/.377/.518 line into play on Friday and he's riding an impressive 44-game hitting streak.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: UT Yandy Diaz

Right-hander Mike Clevinger is probably the most MLB-ready prospect in the Indians system, but there's no clear place for him unless someone in the rotation goes down with an injury or winds up traded.

Instead, we'll point to the versatile Yandy Diaz as the prospect most likely to make his presence felt during the 2017 season.

Diaz has a great hit tool and he's posted a .330/.424/.462 line with nearly as many walks (60) as strikeouts (69) between Double-A and Triple-A.

Assuming Jose Ramirez serves as the team's primary third baseman going forward, Diaz could thrive in that same super-utility role next season.

1B Rowdy TellezMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Sean Reid-Foley	20		A+	2017	1
2. SS Richard Urena	20		A+	2018	1
3. OF Anthony Alford	22		A+	2018	2
4. OF Harold Ramirez	21		AA	2018	2
5. RHP Jon Harris	22		A+	2018	2
6. C Reese McGuire	21		AA	2018	2
7. 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.	17		ROK	2021	2
8. 1B Rowdy Tellez	21		AA	2017	2
9. RHP Conner Greene	21		AA	2017	2
10. RHP T.J. Zeuch	21		A-	2019	2

    

Farm System Update

The Toronto Blue Jays, who have consistently gutted the farm system in recent years, actually added some quality minor league talent this time around.

In one of the stranger deals of the deadline, veteran starter Francisco Liriano was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates along with a pair of highly regarded prospects in Reese McGuire and Harold Ramirez, in exchange for right-hander Drew Hutchison.

The Blue Jays' ability to absorb Liriano's hefty salary allowed them to also add two top-10 guys to the system, and they got top value for the team control Hutchison still possesses.

McGuire is a polished defensive catcher with a chance to be an everyday guy if his hit tool continues to progress, while Ramirez is hitting .311/.360/.407 with 26 extra-base hits at the Double-A level.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: 1B Rowdy Tellez

The Blue Jays will have some big decision to make this offseason with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion both headed for free agency.

Rowdy Tellez looks like an obvious replacement for Encarnacion as the primary DH and middle-of-the-order bat with big-time power.

The brawny 6'4", 220-pound slugger has shown a better overall hit tool than expected and his impressive raw power is showing up more and more in games. He has a .294/.384/.488 line with 19 doubles and 13 home runs in Double-A and should be ready to make an impact in 2017.

C Carson KellyButch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Alex Reyes	21		AAA	2016	1
2. RHP Luke Weaver	22		AA	2017	1
3. RHP Jack Flaherty	20		A+	2018	2
4. OF Harrison Bader	22		AAA	2017	2
5. SS Delvin Perez	17		ROK	2018	2
6. SS Edmundo Sosa	20		A+	2019	2
7. OF Magneuris Sierra	20		A	2018	2
8. RHP Junior Fernandez	19		A+	2020	2
9. RHP Sandy Alcantara	20		A	2019	2
10. C Carson Kelly	22		AAA	2017	2

    

Farm System Update

The St. Louis Cardinals gave up a fringe top-10 prospect in outfielder Charlie Tilson to acquire lefty reliever Zach Duke from the Chicago White Sox, and that was the extent of their deadline wheeling and dealing.

Alex Reyes is one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball and his presence in the system often causes Luke Weaver to go overlooked. He's an elite-level prospect in his own right, though, evidenced by his 1.40 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 77 innings for Double-A Springfield.

Meanwhile, outfielder Harrison Bader has been one of the breakout prospects of 2016 with a .283/.351/.467 line between Double-A and Triple-A after going in the third round of last year's draft.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: SP Alex Reyes

Zach Duke may not have been the most exciting addition to the bullpen at the deadline, but the Cardinals figure to be getting more relief help at some point once they finally decide to promote flamethrower Alex Reyes.

The 21-year-old touched 101 with his fastball during the Futures Game and he's once again looked like a man among boys with 85 strikeouts in 59.1 innings for Triple-A Memphis.

Similar to the way the Cardinals eased Carlos Martinez into the mix, Reyes could spend all of next season in the bullpen as well as a high-leverage reliever. 

However, if the clubs opts to decline their $12 million option on Jaime Garcia this coming winter, he could be vying for a rotation spot.

3B Joey GalloMatthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. 3B/OF Joey Gallo	22		MLB	2016	1
2. LHP Yohander Mendez	21		AA	2018	1
3. 1B Ronald Guzman	21		AA	2018	2
4. RHP Ariel Jurado	20		AA	2018	2
5. 2B Andy Ibanez	23		AA	2017	2
6. OF Leody Taveras	17		ROK	2021	2
7. LHP Cole Ragans	18		-	2020	2
8. OF Ryan Cordell	24		AA	2017	2
9. LHP Brett Martin	21		A	2018	2
10. OF Jairo Beras	21		A+	2018	2

       

Farm System Update

The Texas Rangers cashed in more prospects chips at the deadline, just a year after pulling off a blockbuster deal to acquire Cole Hamels from the Philadelphia Phillies.

Lewis Brinson and Luis Ortiz were sent to the Milwaukee Brewers in the Jonathan Lucroy trade and Dillon Tate went to the New York Yankees in the Carlos Beltran deal, leaving the system weakened but by no means tapped out.

Pulling off the Lucroy deal without including slugger Joey Gallo was a huge bonus, and the emergence of left-hander Yohander Mendez as a tier one guy makes losing Ortiz a little easier to swallow.

The continued progression of high-ceiling international prospects like Ariel Jurado, Andy Ibanez and Jairo Beras could easily propel the Rangers back toward having a top-10 farm system in the near future.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: 3B Joey Gallo

Joey Gallo still has a lot of work to do cutting down his strikeouts and making more consistent contact, but there's really not much left for him to prove at the minor league level.

He currently boasts a .943 OPS with 20 home runs in 308 plate appearances for Triple-A Round Rock, albeit with a 31.2 percent strikeout rate.

With Mitch Moreland headed for free agency in the offseason and Prince Fielder once again lost for the year to neck surgery, Gallo should have a relatively clear path to regular playing time in 2017.

OF Eloy JimenezJake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. OF Eloy Jimenez	19		A	2019	1
2. 2B Ian Happ	21		AA	2017	1
3. RHP Dylan Cease	20		A-	2018	2
4. 3B Jeimer Candelario	22		AAA	2016	2
5. RHP Oscar De La Cruz	21		A	2018	2
6. OF Mark Zagunis	23		AAA	2017	2
7. RHP Trevor Clifton	21		A+	2018	2
8. OF Eddy Martinez	21		A	2018	2
9. RHP Carl Edwards Jr.	24		MLB	2016	2
10. RHP Duane Underwood	22		AA	2017	2

    

Farm System Update

The Chicago Cubs have graduated a ton of high-end talent from their farm system in recent years, so it's not surprising to see them slip down to the middle of the pack.

However, even after giving up No. 1 overall prospect Gleyber Torres and slugger Dan Vogelbach along with a handful of other prospects at the deadline, they still have plenty of exciting young talent down on the farm.

Eloy Jimenez headlines that group, as he's finally living up to his billing as the No. 1 international prospect in the 2013 crop. He's hitting a robust .343/.380/.544 with 35 doubles, 12 home runs and 72 RBI as a 19-year-old in Single-A.

Cuban standout Eddy Martinez is another Single-A prospect to keep an eye on, as he's posted a .764 OPS with 20 doubles, nine home runs and 60 RBI. The 21-year-old signed with the Cubs for $3 million last October after a $2.5 million deal with the San Francisco Giants fell through.

      

2017 Impact Prospect: RP Carl Edwards Jr.

Prior to adding Aroldis Chapman at the trade deadline, hard-throwing Carl Edwards Jr. had quietly worked his way into a key late-inning role in the Cubs bullpen.

In 16 appearances with the big club, he's posted a 1.59 ERA and allowed just six hits and five walks while striking out 23 in 17 innings of work.

Those are dominant numbers, and assuming Chapman walks in free agency, Edwards Jr. should once again find himself as one of the team's most important relievers in 2017.

1B Jake BauersMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. SS Willy Adames	20		AA	2017	1
2. RHP Brent Honeywell	21		AA	2017	1
3. 1B Jake Bauers	20		AA	2017	2
4. 3B Joshua Lowe	18		ROK	2021	2
5. RHP Jacob Faria	23		AAA	2017	2
6. SS Lucius Fox	19		A	2019	2
7. OF Garrett Whitley	19		A-	2020	2
8. RHP Chih-Wei Hu	22		AA	2017	2
9. RHP Ryne Stanek	25		AAA	2017	2
10. 1B Casey Gillaspie	23		AA	2017	2

    

Farm System Update

Even with Blake Snell exhausting his rookie eligibility, the Tampa Bay Rays still move up a couple spots in these rankings thanks to a busy trade deadline.

Flipping starter Matt Moore to the San Francisco Giants brought them third baseman Matt Duffy along with a top-10 prospect in shortstop Lucius Fox and a quality right-hander arm with upside in Michael Santos.

Fox, 19, has all the physical tools necessary to stay at shortstop long term and his hit tool profiles as a plus once he catches up to how aggressively he's been pushed so far.

They also added some quality depth to the system by acquiring catcher Jonah Heim from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Steve Pearce and outfielder Nathan Lukes and right-hander Jhonleider Salinas from the Cleveland Indians for Brandon Guyer. 

    

2017 Impact Prospect: RP Ryne Stanek

Since making the move to the bullpen in early June, Ryne Stanek has posted a 1.50 ERA, 0.867 WHIP and 9.3 K/9 in 14 appearances, while holding opponents to a .160 batting average.

Inconsistent command was an issue during his time as a starter, but moving into a relief role has allowed his stuff to play up as his mid-90s fastball now touches triple digits and his slider has become even more of a weapon as an out-pitch.

The Rays are constantly shuffling through bullpen options and it would not be the least bit surprising to see them move All-Star closer Alex Colome during the offseason. Regardless of what role he fills, expect to see Stanek as a key piece of the relief corps in 2017.

RHP Jose BerriosRick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Jose Berrios	22		AAA	2016	1
2. LHP Tyler Jay	22		AA	2017	1
3. SS Nick Gordon	20		A+	2018	1
4. LHP Stephen Gonsalves	22		AA	2017	2
5. RHP Kohl Stewart	21		AA	2017	2
6. OF Alex Kirilloff	18		ROK	2020	2
7. SS Jorge Polanco	23		MLB	2016	2
8. RHP J.T. Chargois	25		AAA	2016	2
9. C Ben Rortvedt	18		ROK	2021	2
10. RHP Fernando Romero	21		A+	2018	2

    

Farm System Update

In a somewhat odd swap of MLB starters and minor league pitching prospects at this year's deadline, the Minnesota Twins sent Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer to the Los Angeles Angels for Hector Santiago and Alan Busenitz.

Command issues have caused Meyer to fall short of his top-prospect billing, while Busenitz has seen his stuff play up significantly since moving to the bullpen at the Triple-A level.

At the start of the season, the smart money would have been on Jose Berrios using up his rookie eligibility and establishing himself as part of the MLB rotation by this point in the year.

Instead, he's struggled to a 8.57 ERA in five starts. He was recently promoted again and he'll no doubt get a long look down the stretch.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: RP J.T. Chargois

Berrios is still more than capable of not only establishing himself as part of the rotation but as the ace of the Twins staff as early as next season, so he has to be considered here.

However, we'll instead turn our attention to flame-throwing reliever J.T. Chargois.

With the health of Glen Perkins up in the air and current closer Brandon Kintzler nothing more than a short-term solution, it's not out of the realm of possibility to think Chargois could be the Twins closer in 2017.

After missing two full seasons to Tommy John surgery, he returned strong in 2015 and he's been even better this year with a 1.18 ERA, 1.007 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 to go along with 16 saves.

Perhaps most important of all, he's lowered his walk rate from 4.7 BB/9 to 2.6 BB/9.

SS Franklin BarretoKyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. SS Franklin Barreto	20		AA	2017	1
2. LHP A.J. Puk	21		A-	2018	1
3. RHP Grant Holmes	20		A+	2018	1
4. 3B/OF Ryon Healy	24		MLB	2016	2
5. 3B Matt Chapman	23		AA	2017	2
6. RHP Dakota Chalmers	19		A-	2019	2
7. 3B Renato Nunez	22		AAA	2017	2
8. SS Richie Martin	21		A+	2018	2
9. OF Lazaro Armenteros	17		-	2021	2
10. SS Yairo Munoz	21		AA	2018	2

    

Farm System Update

The Oakland Athletics did well to get a good return for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick at the deadline, despite the fact that both players had missed significant time to injury and Hill was in fact still on the shelf with a blister problem.

That deal brought back a package of Grant Holmes, Frankie Montas and Jharel Cotton from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Holmes was the big prize there, and while he's undersized at 6'1", he has a durable frame and all the makings of a quality middle-of-the-rotation starter going forward.

Montas and Cotton both profile as relievers long term, but they both have electric arms and Montas has the stuff to be the closer of the future. He can dial his fastball up to triple digits and he pairs it with a plus slider.

The team also signed Cuban standout Lazaro Armenteros for a $3 million bonus since these rankings were last updated, giving them another top-10 talent with huge upside.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: 3B Ryon Healy

For the past several years, it looked like it would be a battle between Matt Chapman and Renato Nunez to be the A's third baseman of the future.

However, a breakout season from Ryon Healy has put him squarely in that conversation as well.

Healy was the first to reach the majors after posting a .326/.382/.558 line that included 28 doubles and 14 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A.

He could eventually wind up moving across the diamond to first base, but his bat is what will carry him and he'll have a chance to fill a significant role in 2017 if he finishes the season strong.

OF Hunter RenfroeMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. RHP Anderson Espinoza	18		A	2019	1
2. OF Hunter Renfroe	24		AAA	2016	1
3. OF Manuel Margot	21		AAA	2017	1
4. LHP Adrian Morejon	17		-	2020	2
5. 1B Josh Naylor	19		A	2019	2
6. RHP Cal Quantrill	21		ROK	2019	2
7. 2B Luis Urias	19		A+	2018	2
8. SS Javier Guerra	20		A+	2018	2
9. OF Michael Gettys	20		A+	2018	2
10. LHP Eric Lauer	21		A-	2019	2

    

Farm System Update

After gutting the farm system to try to build a winner in 2015 and then failing to recoup much in the way of prospect talent at the deadline last year, the San Diego Padres began the season in the No. 25 spot in these rankings.

Now, after a successful June draft, a busy international signing period and a productive trade deadline, the Padres system once again looks like a strength and they're challenging for a spot in the top 10.

Flipping All-Star Drew Pomeranz brought them a new No. 1 prospect in right-hander Anderson Espinoza, who has as high a ceiling as any pitching prospect in the game. They also added slugger Josh Naylor from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Andrew Cashner.

The name to watch here is Adrian Morejon, who was signed to a huge $11 million bonus out of Cuba.

"Morejon has shown premier polish, poise and instincts on the mound...some evaluators believe Morejon could eventually be a No. 1 or No. 2 starter in the big leagues if he continues to develop at a normal pace," wrote MLB.com's Prospect Watch.

    

2017 Impact Prospect: RF Hunter Renfroe

Unloading Matt Kemp on the Atlanta Braves opens a clear path for Hunter Renfroe to take over as the team's everyday right fielder in 2017.

Renfroe is putting together a huge season for Triple-A El Paso, hitting .319/.346/.585 with 31 doubles, 26 home runs and 90 RBI.

There's still a good deal of swing-and-miss to his game, but he has legitimate 30-homer pop and he'll also be a weapon on defense thanks to one of the strongest throwing arms of any outfield prospect.

Manuel Margot could join him in the Padres outfield next year as well.

LHP Amir GarrettGary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Top 10 Prospects

Name	Age	Born	Current Level	ETA	Tier
1. LHP Amir Garrett	24		AAA	2017	1
2. 3B Nick Senzel	21		A	2018	1
3. OF Jesse Winker	22		AAA	2016	1
4. RHP Robert Stephenson	23