Re-Ranking All 30 MLB Farm Systems at the End of 2016's MiLB Season
The 2016 MiLB regular season is over, and each league's respective postseason is already underway.
With that in mind, now seems like the perfect time for one final look at where all 30 MLB 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 these players 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.
We've incorporated a tier system to help differentiate between the different levels of 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 who are 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.
We capped that off with a quick rundown of each farm system and each team's MiLB Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.
These nominations are based solely on who put together the best statistical season at the minor league level, not taking into account things such as prospect upside, age relative to level and other league factors.
Just something to keep in mind as you're perusing.
Let's get started.
Note: Kansas City Royals second baseman Raul A. Mondesi (119 AB) and Texas Rangers third baseman Joey Gallo (125 AB) are both technically still prospects, but since both are in line to exceed the rookie-eligibility limit of 130 at-bats before the season is over, they were excluded from these rankings.
30. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 30)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. C Matt Thaiss | 21 |  | A | 2020 | 2 |
| 2. CF Jahmai Jones | 19 | | A | 2021 | 2 |
| 3. OF Brandon Marsh | 18 | | - | 2021 | 2 |
| 4. C Taylor Ward | 22 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 5. LHP Nate Smith | 25 | | 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 Jesus Castillo | 21 |  | A | 2020 | 3 |
Farm System Update
It's telling that five of the top seven prospects in the Los Angeles Angels farm system have been early-round draft picks in 2015 and 2016.
That speaks more to the fact that someone needs to fill those top spots than anything else, as those players are ranked on upside as opposed to anything they've done since joining the organization.
A nice season from Jaime Barria in his jump to full-season ball and a healthy campaign from projectable but injury-plagued right-hander Jesus Castillo give the organization a pair of intriguing pitching prospects, and Nate Smith should be ready to challenge for a spot in the rotation this coming spring.
A pair of infielders selected as part of the 2015 draft class—David Fletcher (sixth round) and Hutton Moyer (seventh round)—were close to pushing their way into the top 10, so keep an eye on them as they get ready to make the jump to the upper levels of the minors.
MiLB Player of the Year: IF Hutton Moyer, A/A+ (Age: 23)
| 124 | .276/.341/.466 | 134 | 33 | 17 | 72 | 75 | 13 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Alex Blackford, AA (Age: 25)
| 22 | 9-7 | 3.07 | 1.114 | 49 | 105 | 111.1 |
29. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 29)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. C Chance Sisco | 21 | | AAA | 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 | 24 | | 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
A breakout season from catcher Chance Sisco gives the Baltimore Orioles a new top prospect and their backstop of the future with Matt Wieters once again staring down free agency.
The team went pitching heavy at the top of this year's draft class, selecting a pair of polished college arms in Cody Sedlock and Keegan Akin, as well as projectable JUCO righty Matthias Dietz.
Those three join the perpetually sidelined Hunter Harvey and high-floor lefty Chris Lee as the team's top pitching prospects, while left-hander Brian Gonzalez put his name on the prospect map with a breakout season in Single-A.
On potential alone, 19-year-old third baseman Jomar Reyes may be the most intriguing prospect in the system. He's been promoted aggressively to this point but will likely repeat the High-A level after posting a .228/.271/.336 line this season.
MiLB Player of the Year: C Yermin Mercedes, A/A+ (Age: 23)
| 122 | .345/.404/.570 | 154 | 31 | 20 | 77 | 78 | 1 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Cristian Alvarado, A (Age: 21)
| 27 | 10-9 | 3.41 | 1.162 | 29 | 148 | 148.0 |
28. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 24)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Anthony Banda | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 2. LHP Alex Young | 23 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 3. OF Socrates Brito | 24 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 4. OF Anfernee Grier | 20 | | A- | 2020 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Vicente Campos | 24 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 6. IF Dawel Lugo | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Taylor Clarke | 23 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. IF Domingo Leyba | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Tyler Wagner | 25 | | AAA | 2016 | 3 |
| 10. C/OF Peter O'Brien | 26 | | MLB | 2016 | 3 |
Farm System Update
At the conclusion of last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system was headlined by the likes of Dansby Swanson, Archie Bradley, Braden Shipley, Yoan Lopez and Brandon Drury.
Since then, Arizona traded Swanson and Blair in the ill-fated Shelby Miller deal, and Lopez has considered quitting baseball altogether. In addition, Bradley, Shipley and Drury have all exhausted their prospect eligibility.
Left-hander Anthony Banda has stepped up with a breakout season to take over as the team's top prospect, but the system as a whole has grown considerably weaker over the past calendar year.
Young infielders Dawel Lugo (.831 OPS, 23 2B, 17 HR) and Domingo Leyba (.784 OPS, 32 2B, 10 HR) both turned in impressive offensive performances this season and could take over as the team's top position-player prospects by next season.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Mitch Haniger, AA/AAA (Age: 25)
| 129 | .321/.419/.581 | 147 | 34 | 25 | 94 | 79 | 12 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Anthony Banda, AA/AAA (Age: 23)
| 26 | 10-6 | 2.88 | 1.320 | 55 | 152 | 150.0 |
27. Miami Marlins (Previous: 28)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Braxton Garrett | 19 | | ROK | 2020 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Luis Castillo | 23 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 3. RHP Tyler Kolek | 20 | | A | 2020 | 2 |
| 4. LHP Jarlin Garcia | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 5. OF Thomas Jones | 18 | | ROK | 2021 | 3 |
| 6. 3B Brian Anderson | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 3 |
| 7. OF Austin Dean | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 3 |
| 8. OF Stone Garrett | 20 | | A | 2019 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Austin Brice | 24 | | MLB | 2017 | 3 |
| 10. SS J.T. Riddle | 24 | | AAA | 2017 | 3 |
Farm System Update
The selection of left-hander Braxton Garrett at No. 7 overall in the June draft and a breakout season from right-hander Luis Castillo give the Miami Marlins a pair of quality pitching prospects to headline the system.
Garrett is one of the most polished prep arms to come along in years and should move quickly, while Castillo has taken off since moving from the bullpen to a starting role. He could be in Miami by next season.
However, after those two intriguing arms and the injured duo of Tyler Kolek and Jarlin Garcia, there's a precipitous drop-off in the organization's level of prospect talent.
Toolsy outfielders Thomas Jones, Austin Dean and Stone Garrett all have legitimate upside, but the fact that Brian Anderson was arguably the system's best offensive performer with a .737 OPS and 11 home runs should tell you all you need to know about where Miami's position-player talent is at right now.
MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Brian Anderson, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 135 | .265/.348/.389 | 128 | 21 | 11 | 65 | 65 | 3 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Luis Castillo, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 26/24 | 8-6 | 2.26 | 1.003 | 25 | 103 | 131.2 |
26. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 25)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. 3B Hunter Dozier | 25 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 2. LHP Matt Strahm | 24 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 3. OF Jorge Bonifacio | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 4. C Chase Vallot | 20 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 5. 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Kyle Zimmer | 24 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Josh Staumont | 22 | | AA | 2018 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Scott Blewett | 20 | | A | 2019 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Jake Junis | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Eric Skoglund | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
Farm System Update
With Raul A. Mondesi set to exit the prospect ranks, two other players who are suiting up with the MLB team in third baseman Hunter Dozier and left-hander Matt Strahm will take over as the headliners in the system next season.
Dozier finally lived up to his status as the former No. 8 overall pick with a breakout season between Double-A and Triple-A. Meanwhile, Strahm has posted a 1.06 ERA and 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 15 appearances as a much-needed lefty out of the MLB bullpen.
Chase Vallot made a big jump offensively this season, posting an .810 OPS with 21 doubles and 15 home runs. There's no reason to rush the 20-year-old with Salvador Perez entrenched in Kansas City, so Vallot could develop into the catcher of the future.
Josh Staumont, Scott Blewett, Jake Junis and Eric Skoglund edged out Alec Mills, Nolan Watson, Ashe Russell, Foster Griffin and A.J. Puckett in a system loaded with mid-level arms with varying levels of upside who have yet to separate themselves from the pack.
MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Hunter Dozier, AA/AAA (Age: 25)
| 129 | .296/.366/.533 | 144 | 44 | 23 | 75 | 79 | 7 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Eric Skoglund, AA (Age: 23)
| 27 | 7-10 | 3.45 | 1.107 | 38 | 134 | 156.1 |
25. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 27)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Matt Manning | 18 | | ROK | 2021 | 1 |
| 2. OF Christin Stewart | 22 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 3. RHP Beau Burrows | 19 | | A | 2020 | 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 | | MLB | 2016 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Tyler Alexander | 22 | | AA | 2019 | 3 |
| 9. OF Jose Azocar | 20 | | A | 2020 | 3 |
| 10. OF Michael Gerber | 24 | | AA | 2017 | 3 |
Farm System Update
There's an awful lot to like about Matt Manning.
This year's No. 8 overall pick has a projectable 6'6", 190-pound frame and elite athleticism as a standout prep basketball player. He already possesses head-turning stuff with a fastball that touches 97 mph and a plus curveball.
He struck out 46 in 29.1 innings in the Gulf Coast League after signing and could be pushed to Single-A to start next year.
Right-hander Beau Burrows and outfielder Christin Stewart were both first-round picks in 2015 and turned in impressive first full seasons in the organization to cement their places atop the farm system totem pole alongside Manning.
Outfielder Jose Azocar is one to watch after hitting .281 in his full-season debut, while Joe Jimenez should be ready to step into a key role in the MLB bullpen next season.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Christin Stewart, A+/AA (Age: 22)
| 128 | .255/.386/.517 | 113 | 24 | 30 | 87 | 77 | 3 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Joe Jimenez, AAA (Age: 21)
| 55 | 3-3 | 30 | 1.51 | 0.801 | 17 | 78 | 53.2 |
24. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 26)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 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 | 24 | | 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
Trading right-hander Phil Bickford, shortstop Lucius Fox and left-hander Adalberto Mejia cost the San Francisco Giants two of their top prospects at the trade deadline.
However, they did well in the draft to add college outfielders Bryan Reynolds (.313 BA, .847 OPS, 17 2B, 6 HR) and Heath Quinn (.344 BA, .998 OPS, 21 2B, 9 HR), who both raked in their pro debuts.
Tyler Beede and Andrew Suarez were both selected as polished college arms and should be ready to make an impact at the MLB level soon. The same goes for slugger Chris Shaw, who has already reached Double-A after going No. 31 overall in 2015.
Steven Duggar was a third-round pick in 2015 who possessed first-round tools but put together a frustratingly inconsistent collegiate career at Clemson. If his full-season debut is any indication, the pieces are falling into place, as he hit .302 with an .836 OPS, 28 doubles and 10 home runs between High-A and Double-A.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Dylan Davis, A/A+ (Age: 23)
| 126 | .283/.356/.521 | 127 | 27 | 26 | 92 | 74 | 4 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Sam Coonrod, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 24 | 9-6 | 2.55 | 1.170 | 60 | 94 | 141.0 |
23. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 23)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Carson Fulmer | 22 | | AAA | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. C Zack Collins | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Spencer Adams | 20 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 4. RHP Zack Burdi | 21 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Alec Hansen | 21 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Jordan Stephens | 24 | | A+ | 2018 | 3 |
| 7. OF Charlie Tilson | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 3 |
| 8. OF Jameson Fisher | 22 | | ROK | 2018 | 3 |
| 9. 3B Trey Michalczewski | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 3 |
| 10. OF Adam Engel | 24 | | AAA | 2017 | 3 |
Farm System Update
The Chicago White Sox have done a terrific job of bolstering the farm system through the draft in recent years.
Carlos Rodon and Carson Fulmer both moved quickly through the minors to crack the MLB roster, and the team expects the same out of 2016 top pick Zack Collins. His tools behind the plate are still a work in progress, but he was one of the most polished bats in the class.
Chicago also added flame-throwing Zack Burdi and buy-low selection Alec Hansen in this year's draft, and both have turned heads in their respective debuts.
Hansen—who was viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick before a shaky junior season at Oklahoma—posted a 1.32 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 54.2 innings between rookie ball and Single-A. Burdi has been clocked at 104 mph with his fastball while shooting up the ranks to Triple-A.
Fourth-round pick Jameson Fisher also impressed with a .342/.436/.487 line that included 13 doubles, four home runs and 25 RBI in 50 rookie league games.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B/3B Nick Delmonico, AA/AAA (Age: 24)
| 110 | .279/.347/.490 | 112 | 30 | 17 | 61 | 57 | 3 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Jordan Stephens, A+ (Age: 24)
| 27 | 7-10 | 3.45 | 1.255 | 48 | 155 | 141.0 |
22. Texas Rangers (Previous: 17)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Yohander Mendez | 21 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. 1B Ronald Guzman | 21 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 3. OF Leody Taveras | 18 | | A- | 2020 | 2 |
| 4. RHP Ariel Jurado | 20 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 5. 2B Andy Ibanez | 23 |  | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 6. LHP Cole Ragans | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. OF Jairo Beras | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. LHP Brett Martin | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. OF Eric Jenkins | 19 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Connor Sadzeck | 24 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
Farm System Update
With Lewis Brinson, Luis Ortiz, Dillon Tate, Travis Demeritte and Ryan Cordell all traded, Nomar Mazara using up his prospect eligibility and Joey Gallo being just five at-bats from doing the same, the Texas Rangers farm system is a shell of what it was at the start of the season.
A pair of breakout prospects in left-hander Yohander Mendez and first baseman Ronald Guzman now earn top billing in a system that will count on some high-ceiling international talent to move it back up these rankings.
The Rangers gave Jairo Beras ($4.5 million), Leody Taveras ($2.1 million) and Andy Ibanez ($1.6 million) huge bonus money, but it's right-hander Ariel Jurado, who was signed for $50,000 out of Panama in 2012, who could wind up being the best of the bunch.
This is a system with a lot of raw talent that should slowly climb up these rankings over the course of next season, but with so many high-level prospects exiting this season, it's tough to rank Texas any higher at this point.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Luke Tendler, A+ (Age: 24)
| 132 | .297/.384/.524 | 151 | 38 | 23 | 97 | 92 | 5 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Yohander Mendez, A+/AA/AAA (Age: 21)
| 24/21 | 12-3 | 2.19 | 1.018 | 41 | 113 | 111.0 |
21. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 21)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Tyler O'Neill | 21 |  | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. OF Kyle Lewis | 21 | | A- | 2019 | 1 |
| 3. LHP Luiz Gohara | 20 |  | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 4. RHP Nick Neidert | 19 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 5. OF Alex Jackson | 20 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 6. 1B Dan Vogelbach | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Andrew Moore | 22 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Zack Littell | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. SS Drew Jackson | 23 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 10. 1B D.J. Peterson | 24 | | AAA | 2016 | 2 |
Farm System Update
Tyler O'Neill has flashed impressive power since joining the Seattle Mariners as a fourth-round pick in 2014, and after a tremendous all-around season at the Double-A level, he is now a bona fide Tier 1 prospect in the league.
Mercer slugger Kyle Lewis joins him as a top talent in the system after going No. 11 overall in June, though a torn ACL cut his pro debut short.
Beyond those two big bats, it was a good year to be a top pitching prospect in the Mariners system.
Nick Neidert (91.0 IP, 2.57 ERA, 69 K) and Luiz Gohara (69.2 IP, 1.81 ERA, 81 K) threw well in the lower levels of the minors, while Andrew Moore (163.0 IP, 2.65 ERA, 133 K) and breakout prospect Zack Littell (165.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, 156 K) also put up terrific numbers.
Former top prospect D.J. Peterson authored a bounce-back season of sorts with a .782 OPS, 28 doubles and 19 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, so he could yet make a legitimate impact in Seattle.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Tyler O'Neill, AA (Age: 21)
| 130 | .293/.374/.508 | 144 | 26 | 24 | 102 | 68 | 12 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Andrew Moore, A+/AA (Age: 22)
| 28 | 12-4 | 2.65 | 1.098 | 31 | 133 | 163.0 |
20. New York Mets (Previous: 22)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Amed Rosario | 20 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. 1B Dominic Smith | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 3. SS Gavin Cecchini | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 4. LHP Thomas Szapucki | 20 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
| 5. OF Brandon Nimmo | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Justin Dunn | 20 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
| 7. OF Desmond Lindsay | 19 | | A- | 2020 | 2 |
| 8. OF Wuilmer Becerra | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. SS Andres Gimenez | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 10. LHP Anthony Kay | 21 | | - | 2019 | 2 |
Farm System Update
A New York Mets farm system that has churned out pitching prospects in recent years is now fronted by a trio of position players in Amed Rosario, Dominic Smith and Gavin Cecchini.
Rosario has emerged as a legitimate top-25 prospect in the league, posting a .324/.374/.459 line with 24 doubles, 13 triples, five home runs and 71 RBI between High-A and Double-A while continuing to show the defensive tools to stick at shortstop.
Meanwhile, left-hander Thomas Szapucki struck out a whopping 86 hitters in 52 innings this season while posting a 1.38 ERA and .145 opponent's batting average. His fastball has ticked up since going in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, and he could push for a top-100 spot with a strong encore performance next year.
Finally, keep an eye on 18-year-old shortstop Andres Gimenez, who was signed to a $1.2 million bonus in 2015. He hit .350/.469/.523 with 27 extra-base hits and more than twice as many walks (46) as strikeouts (22) in 62 Dominican Summer League games. His U.S. debut will be highly anticipated next summer.
MiLB Player of the Year: SS Amed Rosario, A+/AA (Age: 20)
| 120 | .324/.374/.459 | 155 | 24 | 5 | 71 | 65 | 19 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP P.J. Conlon, A/A+ (Age: 22)
| 24/23 | 12-2 | 1.65 | 0.979 | 24 | 112 | 142.0 |
19. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 19)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Sean Reid-Foley | 21 | | A+ | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. SS Richard Urena | 20 | | AA | 2018 | 1 |
| 3. OF Anthony Alford | 22 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 4. OF Harold Ramirez | 22 |  | 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. LHP Angel Perdomo | 22 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
Farm System Update
After a disappointing season from outfielder Anthony Alford, right-hander Sean Reid-Foley has cemented himself as the No. 1 prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays farm system.
The 21-year-old split his season between Single-A and High-A, posting a 2.81 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 115.1 innings and a .190 opponent's batting average. His fastball-slider combination has always been stellar, and his changeup has improved to become a third average offering.
Toronto picked up Harold Ramirez and Reese McGuire in a trade deadline deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving the team two more quality prospects in the upper levels of the minors.
The first to the majors from the above group could be slugger Rowdy Tellez. He'll provide some much-needed pop to a lineup that stands to lose one or both of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion this coming winter.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Rowdy Tellez, AA (Age: 21)
| 124 | .297/.387/.530 | 130 | 29 | 23 | 81 | 71 | 4 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Sean Reid-Foley, A/A+ (Age: 21)
| 21 | 10-5 | 2.81 | 1.006 | 38 | 130 | 115.1 |
18. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 18)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Alex Reyes | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Luke Weaver | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Jack Flaherty | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 4. OF Harrison Bader | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 5. SS Delvin Perez | 17 | | ROK | 2018 | 2 |
| 6. OF Magneuris Sierra | 20 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 7. SS Edmundo Sosa | 20 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 8. C Carson Kelly | 22 | | MLB | 2017 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Dakota Hudson | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Sandy Alcantara | 21 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
Farm System Update
With the St. Louis Cardinal chasing a wild-card spot, Alex Reyes (17.1 IP, 1.29 ERA, 10.9 K/9) and Luke Weaver (31.0 IP, 3.48 ERA, 11.3 K/9) are both making their presence felt at the MLB level.
Neither figures to surpass the 50-inning mark before the regular season wraps up, so they'll be the headliners in the Cardinals system once again when the 2017 season kicks off.
Those two have left right-hander Jack Flaherty largely overlooked on the national scene, but he's a terrific pitching prospect in his own right with legitimate middle-of-the-rotation upside. The 20-year-old posted a 3.56 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 134 innings of work at the High-A level.
Carson Kelly now looks like the clear heir to Yadier Molina behind the plate after taking a step forward offensively, while No. 34 overall pick Dakota Hudson was as impressive as any 2016 draft pick with a 0.68 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 13.1 innings after signing.
MiLB Player of the Year: CF Magneuris Sierra, A (Age: 20)
| 122 | .307/.335/.395 | 161 | 29 | 3 | 60 | 78 | 31 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Austin Gomber, A+/AA (Age: 22)
| 21 | 7-8 | 2.69 | 1.063 | 33 | 116 | 127.0 |
17. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 16)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Eloy Jimenez | 19 | | A+ | 2019 | 1 |
| 2. 2B Ian Happ | 22 | | 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. RHP Trevor Clifton | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 7. OF Mark Zagunis | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 8. OF Eddy Martinez | 21 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Duane Underwood | 22 | | A+ | 2017 | 2 |
| 10. OF Donnie Dewees | 22 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Chicago Cubs drop a spot with Carl Edwards Jr. exiting the prospect ranks since our last update, but this is still a farm system with a ton of upside.
Teenager Eloy Jimenez takes over the top prospect spot following a monster season between Single-A and High-A. The No. 1 prospect in the 2013 international class, per MLB.com, Jimenez signed for a $2.8 million bonus and is finally delivering on his immense potential.
Not far behind is the polished bat of Ian Happ, which could make its way to Wrigley Field as early as next season, as he posted an .810 OPS with 30 doubles and 15 home runs between High-A and Double-A.
Pitching prospects Dylan Cease and Oscar De La Cruz have big-time ceilings but a long way to go to reach them, while Trevor Clifton was the biggest riser in the system and looks like a legitimate middle-of-the-rotation arm.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Eloy Jimenez, A (Age: 19)
| 112 | .329/.369/.532 | 142 | 40 | 14 | 81 | 65 | 8 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Trevor Clifton, A+ (Age: 21)
| 23 | 7-7 | 2.72 | 1.160 | 41 | 129 | 119.0 |
16. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 13)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Franklin Barreto | 20 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. LHP A.J. Puk | 21 | | A- | 2018 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Grant Holmes | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 4. 3B Matt Chapman | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 5. 3B Renato Nunez | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Dakota Chalmers | 19 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
| 7. SS Richie Martin | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. OF Lazaro Armenteros | 17 | | - | 2021 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Jharel Cotton | 24 |  | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 10. SS Yairo Munoz | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Oakland Athletics farm system looks considerably different from where it was at the start of the season, though shortstop Franklin Barreto is still the unquestioned top dog.
The A's acquired Grant Holmes, Jharel Cotton and Frankie Montas from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline. They took Florida left-hander A.J. Puk with the No. 6 overall pick and signed Cuban star Lazaro "Lazarito" Armenteros to a $3 million bonus in July.
Ryon Healy emerged as the breakout prospect of the season for the A's and wound up blowing past Matt Chapman and Renato Nunez to reach the majors first among third base prospects.
Chapman is still the best of the bunch defensively and showed big-time pop this season with 36 home runs to rank third in the minors. He could challenge for the starting third base job next season and push Healy across the diamond to first.
MiLB Player of the Year: 3B Ryon Healy, AA/AAA (Age: 24)
| 85 | .326/.382/.558 | 110 | 28 | 14 | 64 | 60 | 1 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Evan Manarino, A/A+ (Age: 23)
| 28/21 | 10-6 | 1.98 | 1.087 | 28 | 121 | 150.0 |
15. Cleveland Indians (Previous: 20)
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Top 10 Prospect
| 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 | 20 | | A- | 2018 | 2 |
| 6. 3B Nolan Jones | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Mike Clevinger | 25 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 8. SS Yu-Cheng Chang | 21 |  | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. LHP Rob Kaminsky | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 10. 3B Yandy Diaz | 25 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Cleveland Indians traded a pair of top prospects in Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield to acquire Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees at the trade deadline, but there is still plenty of high-end talent in the system.
Bradley Zimmer remains the top dog for now, while catcher Francisco Mejia is a legitimate top-100 guy after a breakout offensive season that included a 50-game hitting streak.
The one to watch is projectable right-hander Triston McKenzie, who went 6-5 with a 1.62 ERA, 0.960 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 83.1 innings between Low-A and Single-A. There's still plenty of room to add strength to his 6'5", 165-pound frame, and he already has plus stuff.
Depending on where the team decides to slot Jose Ramirez going forward, Yandy Diaz could factor into the team's 2017 plans, either as an option at third base or perhaps as the primary designated hitter if Mike Napoli walks.
MiLB Player of the Year: C Francisco Mejia, A/A+ (Age: 20)
| 102 | .342/.382/.514 | 139 | 29 | 11 | 80 | 63 | 2 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Thomas Pannone, A/A+ (Age: 22)
| 25/24 | 8-5 | 2.57 | 1.090 | 41 | 122 | 133.0 |
14. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 14)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Stephen Gonsalves | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. LHP Tyler Jay | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 3. SS Nick Gordon | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Kohl Stewart | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 5. OF Alex Kirilloff | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Fernando Romero | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 7. C Ben Rortvedt | 18 | | ROK | 2021 | 2 |
| 8. RHP J.T. Chargois | 25 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 9. LHP Adalberto Mejia | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 10. 3B Travis Blankenhorn | 20 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
Farm System Update
Gone from the Minnesota Twins prospect ranks since our last update are right-hander Jose Berrios and shortstop Jorge Polanco, but the Twins still possess one of the deepest system of any AL team.
Stephen Gonsalvez replaces Berrios as the team's top prospect after a dominant season between High-A and Double-A that saw him post a 2.06 ERA, 1.021 WHIP and 155 strikeouts in 140 innings.
The 6'5", 213-pound southpaw may still have room for further development too, which bumps him ahead of 2015 first-round pick Tyler Jay, who is essentially a finished product, and Kohl Stewart, who posted a 2.88 ERA between High-A and Double-A but did it with a ratio of 91 strikeouts to 63 walks.
Outfielder Alex Kirilloff, the No. 15 pick in this year's draft, was one of the stars of the rookie league with a .306/.341/.454 line that included nine doubles, seven home runs and 33 RBI in 55 games.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Daniel Palka, AA/AAA (Age: 24)
| 133 | .254/.327/.521 | 128 | 24 | 34 | 90 | 73 | 9 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Stephen Gonsalves, A+/AA (Age: 22)
| 24 | 13-5 | 2.06 | 1.021 | 57 | 155 | 140.0 |
13. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 15)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Willy Adames | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Brent Honeywell | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 3. 1B Jake Bauers | 20 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 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. RHP Chih-Wei Hu | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 8. OF Garrett Whitley | 19 | | A- | 2020 | 2 |
| 9. 1B Casey Gillaspie | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Jaime Schultz | 25 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Tampa Bay Rays have two top-50 prospects in Willy Adames and Brent Honeywell. Both players held their own while making the leap to Double-A this season.
Adames should finally solidify a shortstop spot that has been a revolving door throughout the Rays' existence as a franchise, while Honeywell is the next in a long line of impressive homegrown arms.
Somewhat overlooked as part of the Wil Myers-to-San Diego trade, first baseman Jake Bauers is a top-tier prospect in his own right after putting up a .274/.370/.420 line with nearly as many walks (73) as strikeouts (89) in a full season at the Double-A level as a 20-year-old.
This year's breakout prospect was right-hander Wei-Chih Hu, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins last summer in exchange for reliever Kevin Jepsen. He earned a trip to the Futures Game and is close to reaching his ceiling as a No. 4 or 5 starter type.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Casey Gillaspie, AA/AAA (Age: 23)
| 132 | .284/.388/.479 | 134 | 34 | 18 | 64 | 78 | 5 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Chih-Wei Hu, AA/AAA (Age: 23)
| 25 | 7-9 | 2.75 | 1.174 | 38 | 114 | 147.1 |
12. San Diego Padres (Previous: 12)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Anderson Espinoza | 18 | | A | 2019 | 1 |
| 2. OF Hunter Renfroe | 24 | | AAA | 2017 | 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 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 7. OF Michael Gettys | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. 2B Luis Urias | 19 |  | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. LHP Eric Lauer | 21 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 10. SS Javier Guerra | 20 |  | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The San Diego Padres opted to leave top prospects Hunter Renfroe and Manuel Margot in Triple-A to take part in the Pacific Coast League playoffs, and the El Paso Chihuahuas are now set to play in their first PCL championship series.
That could mean that neither player debuts until the 2017 season, but expect them to contend for everyday jobs next spring. Renfroe is the prototypical power-hitting right fielder with a cannon arm, while Margot has the hit tool and wheels to make a difference as a table-setter.
Anderson Espinoza was the big addition to the system this years as the prize of the Drew Pomeranz trade, while Cuban left-hander Adrian Morejon could soon join him as an elite-level pitching prospect after agreeing to an $11 million bonus in July.
The No. 2 international prospect this year, per MLB.com, Morejon was the headliner of an international free-agent signing class that also included Luis Almanzar ($4 million, No. 8), Gabriel Arias ($1.9 million, No. 10), Jorge Ona ($7 million, No. 11), Jeisson Rosario ($1.85 million, No. 15), Jordy Barley ($1 million, No. 21) and Ronald Bolanos ($2.25 million, No. 23).
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Hunter Renfroe, AAA (Age: 24)
| 133 | .306/.336/.557 | 163 | 34 | 30 | 105 | 95 | 5 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Andrew Lockett, A/A+/AA/AAA (Age: 22)
| 28/25 | 10-9 | 2.96 | 1.061 | 24 | 123 | 164.0 |
11. Washington Nationals (Previous: 10)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Lucas Giolito | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. OF Victor Robles | 19 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Reynaldo Lopez | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Erick Fedde | 23 | | AA | 2018 | 1 |
| 5. OF Juan Soto | 17 | | A- | 2021 | 2 |
| 6. 3B Carter Kieboom | 19 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Dane Dunning | 21 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
| 8. OF Andrew Stevenson | 22 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Austin Voth | 24 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 10. 3B Sheldon Neuse | 21 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
Farm System Update
Despite Trea Turner exiting the rankings, the Washington Nationals drop only one spot to No. 11, as they still have four Tier 1 prospects and a budding star in 17-year-old outfielder Juan Soto.
Soto, who signed for a $1.5 million bonus as the No. 25 prospect of the international free agent class, per MLB.com, hit .368/.420/.553 with 22 extra-base hits in 207 plate appearances in his U.S. debut. That was enough to earn him a brief six-game promotion to Low-A, where he went 9-for-21 with three doubles against significantly older competition.
Calling him the next Victor Robles would be jumping the gun at this point, but it looks like the Nationals have another good one on their hands.
Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez will both carry their prospect eligibility into next season, and Erick Fedde could join them in Washington in the not-too-distant future, giving the team three legitimate top-100 arms to join Robles as Tier 1 headliners.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Jose Marmolejos-Diaz, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 136 | .289/.370/.475 | 146 | 45 | 13 | 74 | 87 | 2 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Erick Fedde, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 23/22 | 8-5 | 3.12 | 1.215 | 29 | 123 | 121.0 |
10. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 11)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. LHP Amir Garrett | 24 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. 3B Nick Senzel | 21 | | A | 2018 | 1 |
| 3. OF Jesse Winker | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Robert Stephenson | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Vladimir Gutierrez | 20 | | - | 2019 | 2 |
| 6. OF Taylor Trammell | 19 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Tyler Mahle | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. SS Alfredo Rodriguez | 22 | | ROK | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. C Tyler Stephenson | 19 | | A | 2020 | 2 |
| 10. OF Aristides Aquino | 22 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Cincinnati Reds made perhaps the most significant prospect addition of any team in baseball since we last updated these rankings following the trade deadline, signing Cuban right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez for a $4.75 million bonus.
The 20-year-old has a fastball-curveball combination that is already plus-plus, and some scouts viewed him as a better prospect than Yadier Alvarez, who inked a $16 million bonus with the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer, per MLB.com.
Former St. John's basketball player Amir Garrett continued his upward trajectory this season. He's taken off since turning his full attention to baseball, and he could challenge for a rotation spot on a crowded Reds staff next year.
It was somewhat surprising to see Jesse Winker spend the entirety of 2016 in the minors, but he still profiles as an everyday left fielder with a plus hit tool and some gap power.
Look for 22-year-old Aristides Aquino to shoot up prospect lists after a breakout season at the High-A level.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Aristides Aquino, A+ (Age: 22)
| 125 | .273/.327/.519 | 132 | 26 | 23 | 79 | 69 | 11 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: LHP Amir Garrett, AA/AAA (Age: 24)
| 25/23 | 7-8 | 2.55 | 1.092 | 59 | 132 | 144.2 |
9. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 9)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Brendan Rodgers | 20 | | A | 2018 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Jeff Hoffman | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Riley Pint | 19 | | ROK | 2020 | 1 |
| 4. OF Raimel Tapia | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 5. RHP German Marquez | 21 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 6. LHP Kyle Freeland | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 7. 3B Ryan McMahon | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 8. C Tom Murphy | 25 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Peter Lambert | 19 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Antonio Senzatela | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
Farm System Update
While David Dahl has graduated from the prospect ranks, the Colorado Rockies hold strong in the No. 9 spot in these rankings.
Jeff Hoffman, Raimel Tapia, German Marquez and Tom Murphy all joined Dahl in the majors when rosters expanded in September, and aside from Marquez, the other three could all challenge for a spot on the Opening Day roster next season.
Murphy looks like the front-runner to replace Nick Hundley behind the plate. Tapia would have an opening if the team finally pulls the trigger on trading Carlos Gonzalez or Charlie Blackmon, and Hoffman could join Jonathan Gray, Chad Betts and Tyler Chatwood in a steadily improving rotation.
Make no mistake, though, Brendan Rodgers is still the premier talent in this organization.
The 20-year-old spent the season in Single-A, hitting .281/.342/.480 with 31 doubles, 19 home runs and 73 RBI as he tries to live up to being the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Brian Mundell, A (Age: 22)
| 136 | .313/.383/.503 | 168 | 58 | 14 | 83 | 94 | 7 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP German Marquez, AA/AAA (Age: 21)
| 26 | 11-6 | 3.13 | 1.158 | 39 | 155 | 166.2 |
8. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 6)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Jose De Leon | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. 1B/OF Cody Bellinger | 21 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 3. OF Alex Verdugo | 20 | | AA | 2018 | 1 |
| 4. 2B Willie Calhoun | 21 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Yadier Alvarez | 20 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 6. OF Yusniel Diaz | 19 | | A+ | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. SS Gavin Lux | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Jordan Sheffield | 21 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. C Will Smith | 21 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 10. IF Omar Estevez | 18 | | A | 2020 | 2 |
Farm System Update
As deep as their farm system is, the Los Angeles Dodgers were bound to drop a few spots with arguably the top pitching prospect in baseball— left-hander Julio Urias—exceeding the 50-inning limit and no longer qualifying as a prospect.
Top prospect honors now go to right-hander Jose De Leon, who recently joined Urias in the MLB rotation after being promoted at the beginning of month. His combination of stuff, command and mound presence makes him one of the game's top prospects in his own right and a strong candidate for a rotation spot in 2017.
Cody Bellinger and Alex Verdugo represent the next wave of top-tier bats coming through the ranks, while high-priced international signings Yadier Alvarez (59.1 IP, 2.12 ERA, 81 K) and Yusniel Diaz (.741 OPS, 23 XBH) have both impressed in their first extended action stateside.
Breakout prospect honors go to Willie Calhoun, who turned heads with an impressive pro debut after going in the fourth round of the last year's draft and has continued to rake while climbing the ladder to Double-A.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B/3B Edwin Rios, A/A+/AA (Age: 22)
| 108 | .301/.341/.567 | 126 | 26 | 27 | 76 | 68 | 3 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Brock Stewart, A+/AA/AAA (Age: 24)
| 21 | 9-4 | 1.79 | 0.876 | 19 | 129 | 121.0 |
7. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 8)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Tyler Glasnow | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. OF Austin Meadows | 21 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 3. 1B Josh Bell | 24 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 4. SS Kevin Newman | 23 | | AA | 2018 | 1 |
| 5. SP Mitch Keller | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 6. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes | 19 | | A | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. 3B Will Craig | 21 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
| 8. SS Cole Tucker | 20 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Yeudy Garcia | 23 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Clay Holmes | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Pittsburgh Pirates graduated Jameson Taillon and Chad Kuhl off of this list since the last update, but bumping Kevin Newman and Mitch Keller up to Tier 1 status actually moves them up a spot in the rankings.
The No. 19 pick in the 2015 draft, Newman hit .320/.389/.426 while playing smooth defense at shortstop to advance to Double-A in his first full season in the organization.
As for Keller, a forearm strain limited him to just 19.2 innings last season after going in the second round of the 2014 draft. Back healthy, he's been nothing short of dominant between Single-A and High-A, posting a 2.35 ERA with 138 strikeouts in 130.1 innings and a .212 opponent's batting average.
Tyler Glasnow and Josh Bell have both gotten a taste of MLB action this season and should jump off of this list early in the 2017 campaign with a good chance of cracking the Opening Day roster. For now, their presence provides the farm system with a significant boost in the rankings.
MiLB Player of the Year: SS Kevin Newman, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 102 | .320/.389/.426 | 127 | 21 | 5 | 52 | 65 | 10 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Mitch Keller, A/A+ (Age: 20)
| 24 | 9-5 | 2.35 | 0.921 | 19 | 138 | 130.1 |
6. Houston Astros (Previous: 3)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. RHP Francis Martes | 20 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. OF Kyle Tucker | 19 | | A+ | 2019 | 1 |
| 3. RHP David Paulino | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Forrest Whitley | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Joe Musgrove | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 6. OF Derek Fisher | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Albert Abreu | 20 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 8. OF Daz Cameron | 19 | | A- | 2019 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Franklin Perez | 18 | | A | 2020 | 2 |
| 10. OF Teoscar Hernandez | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Houston Astros slip three spots, due to uber-prospect Alex Bregman and to a lesser extent A.J. Reed no longer qualifying as prospects.
That leaves right-hander Francis Martes as the marquee name in the system, and he has continued to impress since coming to the organization as an unknown throw-in to the Jarred Cosart deal in 2014.
Kyle Tucker (.285 BA, .798 OPS, 41 XBH) has jumped ahead of 2015 draft class partner Daz Cameron (.212 BA, .608 OPS, 10 XBH), though it's not out of line to say that Cameron still has the higher ceiling if everything falls into place.
Right-hander Franklin Perez and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez have been the biggest climbers within the organization, and Hernandez has actually reached the majors after going undrafted despite being exposed to the Rule 5 draft last offseason.
MiLB Player of the Year: SS Alex Bregman, AA/AAA (Age: 22)
| 80 | .306/.406/.580 | 96 | 22 | 20 | 61 | 71 | 7 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP James Hoyt, AAA (Age: 29)
| 49 | 4-3 | 29 | 1.64 | 0.873 | 19 | 93 | 55.0 |
5. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 7)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS J.P. Crawford | 21 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. OF Mickey Moniak | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Jake Thompson | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 4. C Jorge Alfaro | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 5. OF Nick Williams | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 6. OF Cornelius Randolph | 19 | | A | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. OF Dylan Cozens | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Franklyn Kilome | 21 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 9. OF Roman Quinn | 23 | | MLB | 2016 | 2 |
| 10. 1B Rhys Hoskins | 23 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The decision to hold off on promoting top prospects J.P. Crawford and Nick Williams at all this season and waiting until September to promote Jorge Alfaro and Roman Quinn means that the Philadelphia Phillies farm system will return essentially intact heading into 2017.
There's a chance that right-hander Jake Thompson could surpass the 50-inning mark before season's end, as his start on Wednesday brought him to 44.2 on the year. However, including his MiLB work, he's already tallied a career-high 174.1 innings on the year, so shutting him down is a possibility.
At any rate, the stars of the Phillies farm system this year were two largely unknown names heading into the year in Dylan Cozens and Rhys Hoskins.
Cozens led the minors in home runs (40) and RBI (125), while Hoskins ranked second in home runs (38) and third in RBI (116). Both players have a good deal of swing-and-miss to their game and are limited athletically, but those numbers are tough to ignore.
MiLB Player of the Year: OF Dylan Cozens, AA (Age: 22)
| 134 | .276/.350/.591 | 144 | 38 | 40 | 125 | 106 | 21 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Ben Lively, AA/AAA (Age: 24)
| 28 | 18-5 | 2.69 | 0.938 | 42 | 139 | 170.2 |
4. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 5)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. IF Yoan Moncada | 21 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. OF Andrew Benintendi | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 3. 3B Rafael Devers | 19 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Michael Kopech | 20 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 5. LHP Jason Groome | 18 | | A- | 2020 | 1 |
| 6. OF Luis Alexander Basabe | 20 | | A+ | 2020 | 2 |
| 7. SS Mauricio Dubon | 22 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. 1B Sam Travis | 23 | | AAA | 2017 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Roniel Raudes | 18 |  | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 10. 1B Josh Ockimey | 20 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
With no significant players exiting the prospect ranks since the last update, the Boston Red Sox move up to No. 4, but they still don't quite have the overall prospect depth of the three teams ranked ahead of them.
Now that Alex Bregman and Julio Urias have exhausted their prospect status, a strong case can be made for Yoan Moncada being the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball heading into the 2017 season.
He's off to a slow start since being promoted to the majors, going 4-for-19 with 12 strikeouts, but he has all the tools to be a bona fide superstar in the not-too-distant future.
The new names for many people here will be right-hander Roniel Raudes (113.1 IP, 3.65 ERA, 104 K) and first baseman Josh Ockimey (.792 OPS, 25 2B, 18 HR, 62 RBI).
Both players spent a full season in Single-A at the age of 20 and more than held their own. Raudes has a solid three-pitch mix with plenty of room for further development, while Ockimey might have the most raw power in the system outside of Moncada and Rafael Devers.
MiLB Player of the Year: IF Yoan Moncada, A+/AA (Age: 21)
| 106 | .294/.407/.511 | 119 | 31 | 15 | 62 | 94 | 45 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Roniel Raudes, A (Age: 18)
| 24 | 11-6 | 3.65 | 1.191 | 23 | 104 | 113.1 |
3. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 2)
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Top 10 Prospects
| 1. CF Lewis Brinson | 22 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. LHP Josh Hader | 22 | | AAA | 2016 | 1 |
| 3. OF Corey Ray | 21 | | A | 2018 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Phil Bickford | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Luis Ortiz | 20 | | AA | 2018 | 1 |
| 6. OF Brett Phillips | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 7. IF Isan Diaz | 20 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 8. OF Trent Clark | 19 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
| 9. SS Gilbert Lara | 18 | | ROK | 2019 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Brandon Woodruff | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 2 |
Farm System Update
The Milwaukee Brewers already had a vastly improved farm system entering the 2015 season, and shipping out Jonathan Lucroy, Jeremy Jeffress and Will Smith at the deadline pushed them into the top tier.
They added Lewis Brinson, Luis Ortiz, Phil Bickford and Ryan Cordell to the farm system ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline, giving the team three more Tier 1 prospects and a new headliner in Brinson, who has all the tools to be a standout everyday center fielder.
First-round pick Corey Ray has also impressed since going No. 5 overall in June, tallying 20 extra-base hits and 10 stolen bases in 60 games while being pushed to the Single-A level.
The unknown name here for most people will be Brandon Woodruff, who was arguably the most out-of-nowhere standout pitching prospect of the year. The 23-year-old led the minors with 173 strikeouts and saw his stuff improve across the board. He now looks like a future middle-of-the-rotation starter at the very least.
Graduating No. 1 prospect Orlando Arcia bumps the Brewers down a spot, but they still belong in the conversation for the league's best farm system.
MiLB Player of the Year: IF Isan Diaz, A (Age: 20)
| 135 | .264/.358/.469 | 134 | 34 | 20 | 75 | 71 | 11 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Brandon Woodruff, A+/AA (Age: 23)
| 28 | 14-9 | 2.68 | 1.019 | 40 | 173 | 158.0 |
2. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 4)
29 of 30
Top 10 Prospects
| 1. SS Dansby Swanson | 22 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 2. SS Ozzie Albies | 19 |  | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 3. LHP Sean Newcomb | 23 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Ian Anderson | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 1 |
| 5. LHP Kolby Allard | 19 | | A | 2020 | 1 |
| 6. RHP Mike Soroka | 19 | | A | 2019 | 1 |
| 7. SS Kevin Maitan | 16 | | - | 2021 | 2 |
| 8. LHP Joey Wentz | 18 | | ROK | 2020 | 2 |
| 9. LHP Max Fried | 22 | | A | 2018 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Touki Toussaint | 20 | | A | 2019 | 2 |
Farm System Update
Dansby Swanson won't hold onto his prospect status long in 2017, as all signs point to him breaking camp as the Atlanta Braves everyday shortstop thanks to a .300/.348/.413 line over 80 at-bats with the big club so far this season.
Behind Swanson and speedy middle infielder Ozzie Albies, who could also reach the majors in 2017, the Braves system is loaded with high-ceiling pitching prospects.
Mike Soroka worked 143 innings of 3.02 ERA ball as a 19-year-old in Single-A to back up his selection at No. 28 overall in the 2015 draft, while Max Fried has returned from Tommy John surgery to post a 3.93 ERA with 112 strikeouts in 103 innings alongside him in Single-A.
Ian Anderson, Joey Wentz and Kyle Muller have all pitched well after being scooped up in this year's draft, while shortstop Kevin Maitan will be watched closely next season after signing for a $4.25 million bonus as the No. 1 international prospect in this year's class, per MLB.com.
MiLB Player of the Year: IF Ozzie Albies, AA/AAA (Age: 19)
| 138 | .292/.358/.420 | 161 | 33 | 6 | 53 | 83 | 30 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Patrick Weigel, A/AA (Age: 22)
| 25/24 | 11-6 | 2.47 | 1.042 | 55 | 152 | 149.2 |
1. New York Yankees (Previous: 1)
30 of 30
Top 10 Prospects
| 1. OF Clint Frazier | 22 | | AAA | 2017 | 1 |
| 2. SS Jorge Mateo | 21 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 3. SS Gleyber Torres | 19 | | A+ | 2018 | 1 |
| 4. OF Aaron Judge | 24 | | MLB | 2016 | 1 |
| 5. OF Blake Rutherford | 19 | | ROK | 2020 | 1 |
| 6. LHP Justus Sheffield | 20 | | AA | 2018 | 1 |
| 7. RHP Chance Adams | 22 | | AA | 2017 | 1 |
| 8. 3B Miguel Andujar | 21 | | AA | 2018 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Domingo Acevedo | 22 | | A+ | 2019 | 2 |
| 10. RHP James Kaprielian | 22 | | A+ | 2018 | 2 |
Farm System Update
Gary Sanchez has taken the MLB by storm and no longer qualifies as a prospect for the New York Yankees, but they still hold onto the No. 1 spot in these rankings.
The emergence of Chance Adams helped keep them at the top, as he was bumped to Tier 1 after a dominant showing between High-A and Double-A.
The 22-year-old went 13-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 127.1 innings, holding opposing hitters to an MiLB-best .169 average. His fastball velocity improved, the bite on his slider increased, and his changeup emerged as a legitimate third offering.
Aaron Judge will likely come off the board here relatively early in the 2017 season, assuming he claims the starting right field job, but the rest of the system's top prospects are still at least one year away.
That should keep the Yankees in the No. 1 seat for the foreseeable future as they build toward something big in the Bronx.
MiLB Player of the Year: 1B Tyler Austin, AA/AAA (Age: 25)
| 107 | .294/.392/.524 | 111 | 34 | 17 | 78 | 61 | 6 |
MiLB Pitcher of the Year: RHP Chance Adams, A+/AA (Age: 22)
