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Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent Entering 2020
February 19, 2020Ranking All 30 MLB Teams on Homegrown Talent Entering 2020
All 30 MLB teams put different emphases on building from within and cultivating homegrown talent.
A lot of that has to do with payroll.
Small-market teams are inevitably forced to rely heavily on cost-controlled, young assets, while big-market clubs can afford to trade prospects when opportunities arise and then plug holes with free-agent signings.
Still, homegrown talent is a necessity for even the most free-spending teams if they hope to win a title.
With that in mind, what follows is a look at all 30 MLB franchises ranked from worst to first on homegrown talent ahead of the 2020 season.
Methodology
- Who qualifies as homegrown? To be considered "homegrown," a player must have been drafted by an organization or signed by it as an amateur free agent and subsequently developed in its minor league system.
- What about international free agents? International players who entered the league with significant professional experience were not included. That means players such as Masahiro Tanaka, Jose Abreu, Yuli Gurriel, Raisel Iglesias and Shohei Ohtani did not help their respective teams' rankings.
- Opening Day Roster/40-Man Roster: At the top of each slide is a breakdown of how many homegrown players each team has on its projected Opening Day roster and 40-man roster. Roster projections are pulled from Roster Resource, so my opinion on who will be included in each 25-man squad was taken out of the equation.
- Notable Homegrown Players: This is a list of notable homegrown players, with any player projected for 0.5 WAR or more in the preseason Steamer projections included on a bulleted list. The rest of the homegrown players on the 40-man rosters and any non-roster players with WAR projections were listed below the notables.
- Projected Homegrown WAR Total: The combined WAR of all the players listed above was then totaled, with that number determining where each team fell in the rankings.
A lot needs to be established before we dive into the rankings, so let's get that out of the way here.
Now let's explain what's included on each slide.
Easy enough, right? Let's get started.
30. Arizona Diamondbacks
- RP Andrew Chafin (0.9)
- RP Archie Bradley (0.6)
- RP Kevin Ginkel (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 4/25
40-Man Roster: 12/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: IF Jake Lamb (0.3), SP Alex Young (0.3), SP Jon Duplantier (0.2), SP Taylor Clarke (0.1), 1B Kevin Cron, SP Riley Smith, SP Bo Takahashi, SP Emilio Vargas, RP Silvino Bracho
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: C Daulton Varsho (0.1)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 3.0
The Arizona front office has done an excellent job over the past year building toward a brighter future by restocking a thin farm system. That has left the team with little in the way of established homegrown talent, including the trade of homegrown superstar Paul Goldschmidt last winter.
The trio of Andrew Chafin, Archie Bradley and rookie Kevin Ginkel gives the D-backs a solid homegrown trio to anchor their relief corps. If they are going to contend in 2020, it will be on the strength of outside additions.
29. Detroit Tigers
- SP Spencer Turnbull (1.7)
- RP Joe Jimenez (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 8/25
40-Man Roster: 14/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: LF Christin Stewart (0.4), SP Tyler Alexander (0.4), RP Buck Farmer (0.3), C Grayson Greiner (0.2), RP Bryan Garcia (minus-0.1), RP Gregory Soto (minus-0.1), IF Harold Castro, OF Derek Hill, SP Beau Burrows, SP Anthony Castro, SP Kyle Funkhouser, RP John Schreiber
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: SP Tarik Skubal (0.2)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 3.6
Spencer Turnbull is a terrific example of why a pitcher's win-loss record means next to nothing. The 27-year-old posted a disastrous 3-17 record last year, but he actually had a better FIP (4.32 to 3.99) than oft-mentioned trade candidate Matthew Boyd.
Pitching prospects Casey Mize, Matt Manning and Tarik Skubal are all homegrown and rapidly rising through the minor league ranks, so the Tigers could start climbing this list in the near future.
28. Seattle Mariners
- 3B Kyle Seager (2.4)
- SP Taijuan Walker (0.7)
- 1B Evan White (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 5/25
40-Man Roster: 8/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Dan Altavilla (0.2), LF Kyle Lewis (0.1), IF Donnie Walton, OF Braden Bishop, RP Art Warren
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 3.9
Third baseman Kyle Seager still has two years and $38 million left on his contract, along with a $15 million team option for 2022, and he is one of the few homegrown players left standing in Seattle since Jerry Dipoto took over as general manager.
First baseman Evan White and left fielder Kyle Lewis represent the first wave of talent to emerge from a farm system on the rise, and more is on the way as the M's continue to chase their first playoff appearance since 2001.
27. Miami Marlins
- 3B/OF Brian Anderson (2.7)
- SP Jose Urena (1.2)
Opening Day Roster: 3/25
40-Man Roster: 7/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Drew Steckenrider (0.2), RP Adam Conley (0.1), SP Jordan Holloway (minus-0.1), SP Edward Cabrera, SP Humberto Mejia
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: RP Alex Vesia (0.1)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 4.2
The Marlins shipped off homegrown stars Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna after the new ownership group took control of the team. The remaining framework of the organization is a collection of place-holders at the MLB level and a farm system loaded with acquired prospects.
The lone impact player at the MLB level who was developed in-house is Brian Anderson. The 26-year-old has quietly posted 7.7 WAR during his first two full seasons at the MLB level.
26. Texas Rangers
- RF Joey Gallo (3.2)
- 2B Rougned Odor (1.1)
- RP Jose Leclerc (1.0)
- RP Brett Martin (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 6/25
40-Man Roster: 17/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: 1B Ronald Guzman (0.2), SP Jonathan Hernandez (0.1), SP Ariel Jurado (0.1), C Jose Trevino, 1B/OF Scott Heineman, IF Anderson Tejada, UT Isiah Kiner-Falefa, OF Leody Taveras, SP Kyle Cody, SP Yohander Mendez, SP Joe Palumbo, SP Tyler Phillips, RP Demarcus Evans
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 6.2
The No. 39 overall pick in the 2012 draft, slugger Joey Gallo turned in back-to-back 40-homer seasons before showing a more complete offensive game during an injury-shortened 2019 season in which he raised his OPS+ from 109 to 145. He might be the closest thing they currently have to a face of the franchise.
The organization's inability to develop pitching talent of late has forced the front office to build a rotation of outside additions. That said, guys like Jonathan Hernandez, Joe Palumbo and Ariel Jurado have a chance to buck that trend, and more intriguing arms are on the way.
25. Cincinnati Reds
- 1B Joey Votto (2.0)
- IF/OF Nick Senzel (1.2)
- LF Jesse Winker (1.0)
- C Tucker Barnhart (0.7)
- SP Tyler Mahle (0.6)
- RP Amir Garrett (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 10/25
40-Man Roster: 16/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP/OF Michael Lorenzen (0.4), RP Robert Stephenson (0.4), OF Aristides Aquino (0.3), RP Joel Kuhnel (0.1), C Tyler Stephenson, IF Alex Blandino, OF Phillip Ervin, SP Tejay Antone, SP Tony Santillan, RP Ryan Hendrix
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 7.2
In 13 MLB seasons with the Reds, Joey Votto has racked up 60.2 WAR, good for ninth among all active players. The 36-year-old is signed for four more seasons, and he remains an on-base machine with a career .421 on-base percentage.
If Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker can live up to their former top-prospect billing and emerge as cornerstone pieces during the upcoming season, the Reds will have a nice mix of homegrown youth to go along with their outside veteran additions.
24. Baltimore Orioles
- RF Trey Mancini (1.9)
- SP John Means (1.4)
- CF Austin Hays (1.4)
- LF D.J. Stewart (0.7)
- RP Mychal Givens (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 7/25
40-Man Roster: 14/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Tanner Scott (0.4), C Chance Sisco (0.3), 1B Ryan Mountcastle (0.3), RP Hunter Harvey (0.2), SP Keegan Akin (0.1), C Austin Wynns, OF Ryan McKenna, OF Cedric Mullins, SP David Hess
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: SP Zac Lowther (0.1)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 7.4
Slugger Trey Mancini (3.3 WAR) and surprise All-Star John Means (4.5 WAR) were among the few bright spots for a 108-loss Orioles team in 2019. Mancini was an eighth-round pick in 2013, and Means was an 11th-rounder in 2014, so credit the organization for identifying their skills.
Austin Hays hit .309/.373/.574 with 10 extra-base hits in 75 plate appearances last September and will be given every chance to win the starting center field job this spring. Once guys like Adley Rutschman, Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall reach the big leagues, the O's will start to move up these rankings.
23. San Diego Padres
- SP Dinelson Lamet (2.9)
- SP Joey Lucchesi (2.3)
- C Austin Hedges (1.3)
- RP Andres Munoz (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 5/25
40-Man Roster: 13/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Cal Quantrill (0.5), RP Trey Wingenter (0.2), IF Ty France (0.1), SP Ronald Bolanos (0.1), SP Adrian Morejon (0.1), RP David Bednar (0.1), CF Franchy Cordero (minus-0.2), OF Jorge Ona, RP Michel Baez
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: SP MacKenzie Gore (0.3)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 8.3
For all that's been made of the Padres' need to find an established ace over the past few years, the starting rotation has a ton of potential. With Dinelson Lamet and Joey Lucchesi checking in as the team's top two homegrown players based on WAR projections and uber-prospect MacKenzie Gore knocking on the door, there's a strong foundation in place.
Keep in mind that Fernando Tatis Jr. was acquired as a 17-year-old from the Chicago White Sox, so he doesn't qualify here. Still, this team is clearly trending up, and there is plenty more homegrown talent on the way.
22. Chicago White Sox
- CF Luis Robert (2.9)
- SS Tim Anderson (2.0)
- RP Aaron Bummer (0.7)
- RP Jace Fry (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 8/25
40-Man Roster: 16/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Carlos Rodon (0.4), IF Danny Mendick (0.2), SP Bernardo Flores Jr. (0.1), RP Ian Hamilton (0.1), RP Carson Fulmer (minus-0.1), C Zack Collins, C Seby Zavala, OF Micker Adolfo, OF Adam Engel, RP Zack Burdi, RP Matt Foster, RP Jimmy Lambert
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: 2B Nick Madrigal (1.5)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 8.3
While he has yet to make his MLB debut, Luis Robert is projected to hit .273/.318/.488 with 26 doubles, 26 home runs and 23 steals as a rookie. He'll enter 2020 as the American League Rookie of the Year front-runner, and his shiny new six-year, $50 million extension should ensure he breaks camp with a roster spot.
Shortstop Tim Anderson gives the team another homegrown core piece offensively, and he will soon be joined by recent first-round picks Nick Madrigal (No. 4 overall in 2018) and Andrew Vaughn (No. 3 overall in 2019).
21. San Francisco Giants
- C Buster Posey (3.6)
- 1B Brandon Belt (2.0)
- SS Brandon Crawford (1.7)
- SP Logan Webb (1.0)
- SP Tyler Beede (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 8/25
40-Man Roster: 14/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: CF Steven Duggar (0.2), OF Austin Slater (0.2), RP Sam Coonrod (0.2), SP Conner Menez (0.1), C Aramis Garcia, OF Chris Shaw, SP Andrew Suarez, RP Melvin Adon, RP Tyler Rogers
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: RP Reyes Moronta (0.1)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 9.6
Now that Madison Bumgarner has moved on in free agency, aging face of the franchise Buster Posey and underperforming veterans Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford are all that remains of the old guard. Those three will make a combined $54.6 million in 2020.
Can Logan Webb and Tyler Beede take a step forward and help solidify a starting rotation in flux? That is one of the biggest questions facing this team for the upcoming season, and the answer will have significant long-term ramifications.
20. Milwaukee Brewers
- SP Brandon Woodruff (3.2)
- CF Lorenzo Cain (2.7)
- 2B Keston Hiura (2.4)
- 1B Ryan Braun (1.0)
- RP Corbin Burnes (0.6)
- RP Brent Suter (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 6/25
40-Man Roster: 11/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SS Orlando Arcia (0.2), OF Corey Ray, OF Tyrone Taylor, RP Devin Williams, RP Taylor Williams
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 10.6
Strong seasons from All-Star Brandon Woodruff (121.2 IP, 123 ERA+, 2.9 WAR) and rookie standout Keston Hiura (348 PA, 138 OPS+, 2.1 WAR) give the Brewers two long-term homegrown building blocks.
Those two could wind up being the last homegrown stars the team produces for a while. The Brewers checked in at No. 29 in our most recent farm system rankings, and while guys like Brice Turang, Ethan Small and Mario Feliciano have potential, none profile as future stars.
19. Philadelphia Phillies
- SP Aaron Nola (3.8)
- 1B Rhys Hoskins (3.0)
- 3B Scott Kingery (1.1)
- CF Adam Haseley (0.8)
- RP Hector Neris (0.6)
- RP Seranthony Dominguez (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 10/25
40-Man Roster: 18/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Ranger Suarez (0.4), RP Adam Morgan (0.2), SP Cole Irvin (0.1), OF Roman Quinn (minus-0.1), C Deivy Grullon, C Andrew Knapp, SS Arquimedes Gamboa, SP Mauricio Llovera, SP Adonis Medina, SP JoJo Romero, RP Austin Davis, RP Edgar Garcia
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: 3B Alec Bohm (0.5)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 10.9
While he failed to match his 2018 success—he finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting during a 10.5 WAR campaign—Aaron Nola was still the clear ace of the Philadelphia staff. Now, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 draft will once again be a key to the team's success in 2020.
Recent call-ups Rhys Hoskins, Scott Kingery and Adam Haseley are joined by a host of high-priced outside additions to form an offense that has a chance to be one of the best in baseball if everyone plays up to their potential.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates
- SP Mitch Keller (2.3)
- 1B Josh Bell (1.9)
- 2B Adam Frazier (1.8)
- C Jacob Stallings (1.6)
- SS Kevin Newman (1.3)
- SP Chad Kuhl (1.3)
- RF Gregory Polanco (1.2)
Opening Day Roster: 9/25
40-Man Roster: 18/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: IF/OF Jose Osuna (0.2), SP JT Brubaker (0.2), RP Clay Holmes (0.2), IF Cole Tucker (0.1), RP Geoff Hartlieb (0.1), RP Dovydas Neverauskas (0.1), RP Edgar Santana (0.1), IF Kevin Kramer (minus-0.1), 1B Will Craig, 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes, RP Blake Cederlind
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 12.3
Two years after trading Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates moved another homegrown standout this offseason in Starling Marte. That said, once Ke'Bryan Hayes is called up to man third base, the team will have an entirely homegrown infield.
It's worth noting that Jameson Taillon is not included here for the Pirates. Since he is currently on the 60-day disabled list, he does not have a spot on the 40-man roster. He underwent Tommy John surgery last August and will likely miss the entire 2020 season.
17. Toronto Blue Jays
- 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3.6)
- SS Bo Bichette (3.6)
- C Danny Jansen (2.2)
- 2B Cavan Biggio (2.1)
Opening Day Roster: 5/25
40-Man Roster: 13/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: 1B Rowdy Tellez (0.4), SP Ryan Borucki (0.4), OF Jonathan Davis (0.1), SP Sean Reid-Foley (0.1), SP T.J. Zeuch (0.1), RP Jordan Romano (0.1), SP Yennsy Diaz (minus-0.1), OF Anthony Alford, SP Patrick Murphy
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 12.6
The rich baseball bloodlines of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2.1 WAR), Bo Bichette (2.1 WAR) and Cavan Biggio (2.8 WAR) were on full display during their respective rookie seasons last year, and they now represent a significant piece of the team's offensive core.
Not since Roy Halladay have the Blue Jays developed a homegrown star on the mound, and that could soon change with the impending arrival of flamethrower Nate Pearson. The 23-year-old touches 103 mph with his fastball, has electric secondary stuff and racked up 119 strikeouts and a 2.30 ERA in 101.2 innings over three minor league levels last year.
16. Los Angeles Angels
- CF Mike Trout (8.8)
- SP Griffin Canning (1.7)
- IF David Fletcher (1.7)
Opening Day Roster: 6/25
40-Man Roster: 14/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Jose Suarez (0.3), RP Cam Bedrosian (0.3), 1B/3B Matt Thaiss (0.1), SP Jaime Barria (0.1), RP Justin Anderson (0.1), RP Keynan Middleton (minus-0.1), 1B/OF/RP Jared Walsh, 2B Jahmai Jones, 3B Taylor Ward, OF Michael Hermosillo, SP Hector Yan
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: OF Jo Adell (0.1)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 13.0
At 8.8 projected WAR, Mike Trout alone tops 10 of 30 MLB teams, and that's a total he's bested five times in his eight full seasons. The 28-year-old is in the prime of his career, and he's not going anywhere after inking a 12-year, $426.5 million extension that will keep him in an Angels uniform through 2030.
Former UCLA standout Griffin Canning showed significant potential as a rookie last year with a 4.37 FIP and 96 strikeouts in 90.1 innings. After the Angels failed to land Gerrit Cole or any other top-tier starter, his continued development will be one of the keys to 2020 success.
15. Oakland Athletics
- 3B Matt Chapman (5.5)
- 1B Matt Olson (3.5)
- SP A.J. Puk (2.2)
- C Sean Murphy (1.8)
Opening Day Roster: 6/25
40-Man Roster: 11/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: IF/OF Chad Pinder (0.4), RP Lou Trivino (0.3), SP Daniel Gossett (0.1), 1B/OF Seth Brown, OF Luis Barrera, OF Skye Bolt, SP Daulton Jefferies
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 13.8
There's a good chance that rookies Sean Murphy and A.J. Puk will both break camp with a spot on the Oakland roster, and if they do, both deserve to be mentioned alongside Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert as legitimate AL Rookie of the Year candidates.
The homegrown corner infield tandem of Matt Olson and Matt Chapman combined for 11.8 WAR in 2019, and they both still have some upward trajectory as they enter the primes of their respective careers. Along with their significant power, they also provide Gold Glove defense.
14. Tampa Bay Rays
- SP Blake Snell (4.2)
- 2B Brandon Lowe (2.6)
- CF Kevin Kiermaier (1.8)
- SP Yonny Chirinos (1.6)
- SP/DH Brendan McKay (1.5)
- SP Brent Honeywell (1.0)
- RP Diego Castillo (0.9)
- RP Jose Alvarado (0.6)
- 1B Nate Lowe (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 6/25
40-Man Roster: 12/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: IF Michael Brosseau (0.3), C Ronaldo Hernandez, 2B Vidal Brujan
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 15.1
Brandon Lowe quietly hit .270/.336/.514 with 36 extra-base hits and 2.9 WAR to earn a spot on the AL All-Star team and finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. That six-year, $24 million extension he signed prior to the 2019 season looks awfully smart a year later.
Despite taking a step backward, 2018 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell remains one of the best young pitchers in baseball. The 27-year-old backed his mediocre 4.29 ERA with a 3.32 FIP and racked up 147 strikeouts in 107 innings, and the Steamer projections are bullish on his 2020 efforts.
13. Washington Nationals
- LF Juan Soto (4.9)
- SP Stephen Strasburg (4.8)
- 3B Carter Kieboom (2.1)
- CF Victor Robles (1.9)
- SP/RP Austin Voth (1.1)
Opening Day Roster: 8/25
40-Man Roster: 19/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: 1B Ryan Zimmerman (0.3), SP Erick Fedde (0.3), RP Wander Suero (0.2), RP Aaron Barrett (0.1), OF Michael Taylor (minus-0.1), C Tres Barrera, C Raudy Read, IF Wilmer Difo, IF Jake Noll, IF Adrian Sanchez, OF Andrew Stevenson, SP Ben Braymer, RP James Bourque, RP Austen Williams
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 15.6
Few players in MLB history have been more productive prior to their age-21 season than Juan Soto, who hit .282/.401/.548 for a 138 OPS+ with 32 doubles, 34 home runs and 110 RBI in a 4.7 WAR season last year. He added five more home runs in the playoffs, including three in the World Series, and he will be counted on to be even more of an offensive force now that Anthony Rendon has departed.
Carter Kieboom will be given every chance to win the starting third base job this season despite the offseason addition of Starlin Castro, and he has little left to prove in the minors. His emergence and another step forward from Victor Robles would go a long way.
12. Chicago Cubs
- 3B Kris Bryant (4.8)
- SS Javier Baez (3.3)
- LF Kyle Schwarber (3.1)
- C Willson Contreras (1.4)
- IF/OF Ian Happ (1.3)
- IF Nico Hoerner (1.0)
Opening Day Roster: 8/25
40-Man Roster: 17/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: IF David Bote (0.2), OF Albert Almora Jr. (0.2), SP Adbert Alzolay (0.2), RP Dillon Maples (0.1), RP Duane Underwood Jr. (0.1), C Miguel Amaya, SS Zack Short, SP Tyson Miller, SP Justin Steele, RP James Norwood, RP Manuel Rodriguez
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 15.7
Despite an offseason of rumors, homegrown stars like Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras have stayed put on the North Side as spring training gets underway. At some point, the front office will have some big decisions to make on who to lock up and who to let walk.
To that point, shortstop Javier Baez is arguably the team's most important player, and extension talks are ongoing. Looking at the farm system, hard-throwing lefty Brailyn Marquez has a chance to be the team's best homegrown pitcher since Carlos Zambrano, though he's still a few years away.
11. Kansas City Royals
- SS Adalberto Mondesi (2.6)
- CF Whit Merrifield (2.0)
- SP Jakob Junis (1.9)
- SP Danny Duffy (1.8)
- C Salvador Perez (1.5)
- 2B Nicky Lopez (1.3)
- RF Hunter Dozier (1.2)
- SP Mike Montgomery (1.1)
- LF Alex Gordon (1.0)
- C Cam Gallagher (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 14/25
40-Man Roster: 26/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Tim Hill (0.4), 1B Ryan O'Hearn (0.2), SP Glenn Sparkman (0.1), RP Richard Lovelady (0.1), RP Kevin McCarthy (0.1), OF Bubba Starling (minus-0.1), RP Kyle Zimmer (minus-0.1), C Meibrys Viloria, SS Jeison Guzman, OF Nick Heath, SP Scott Blewett, SP Foster Griffin, SP Carlos Hernandez, SP Erick Skoglund, RP Jake Newberry, RP Josh Staumont
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: SP Brady Singer (0.2)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 15.8
No team has more homegrown players on its 40-man roster than the 26 the Royals boast, though some of that has to do with their current standing as non-contenders building toward the future.
Adalberto Mondesi and Whit Merrifield come closest to being a face of the franchise, but that will change in the years to come. Pitching prospects Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic are rapidly rising, while 2019 first-round pick Bobby Witt Jr. looks like a five-tool superstar in the making.
10. New York Yankees
- RF Aaron Judge (5.3)
- SP Luis Severino (3.6)
- C Gary Sanchez (2.6)
- CF Brett Gardner (1.8)
- RP Tommy Kahnle (0.8)
- C Kyle Higashioka (0.7)
- IF Miguel Andujar (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 12/25
40-Man Roster: 18/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Jordan Montgomery (0.4), 1B Mike Ford (0.2), IF Thairo Estrada (0.1), SP Deivi Garcia (0.1), RP Jonathan Holder (0.1), RP Brooks Kriske (minus-0.1), IF Tyler Wade, OF Estevan Florial, SP Luis Medina, SP Nick Nelson, SP Miguel Yajure
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 16.2
Thirty-one players were selected before Aaron Judge in the 2013 MLB draft, and only Kris Bryant (25.1) has a higher career WAR than the 18.6 mark Judge has posted during his time with the Yankees. The 27-year-old has light-tower power, elite on-base skills and a stellar glove in right field.
Pitchers Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery will both be counted on to turn in healthy seasons in 2020 after pitching a combined 16 innings during the regular season last year. Meanwhile, Brett Gardner is back for his 13th season with the Yankees after hitting a career-high 28 home runs.
9. Atlanta Braves
- CF Ronald Acuna Jr. (4.6)
- 1B Freddie Freeman (4.2)
- 2B Ozzie Albies (4.0)
- SP Mike Soroka (3.0)
- IF Johan Camargo (1.2)
- 3B Austin Riley (0.6)
- SP Bryse Wilson (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 5/25
40-Man Roster: 17/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Kyle Wright (0.4), RP A.J. Minter (0.1), RP Chad Sobotka (0.1), RP Jacob Webb (0.1), C William Contreras, OF Cristian Pache, SP Tucker Davidson, SP Jasseel De La Cruz, SP Patrick Weigel, RP Jeremy Walker
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 18.8
For all the high-ceiling arms the Braves have welcomed to the majors over the past few seasons, only Mike Soroka has truly carved out a long-term role as a homegrown guy. Others like Max Fried, Sean Newcomb and Mike Foltynewicz were acquired via trade, but that could change as Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright move closer to the majors.
Ronald Acuna Jr. (22 years old, signed through 2028) and Ozzie Albies (23 years old, signed through 2027) are both going to be in Atlanta for a long time, while first baseman Freddie Freeman still has two years and $44 million left on his contract as he enters his 11th season.
8. Boston Red Sox
- SS Xander Bogaerts (4.7)
- 3B Rafael Devers (4.7)
- C Christian Vazquez (2.7)
- LF Andrew Benintendi (2.6)
- CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (1.8)
- 2B Michael Chavis (1.0)
- RP Matt Barnes (0.9)
- RP Brandon Workman (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 9/25
40-Man Roster: 16/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: 2B Dustin Pedroia (0.1), SP Kyle Hart (0.1), RP Darwinzon Hernandez (0.1), SS C.J. Chatham, 3B Bobby Dalbec, IF Tzu-Wei Lin, SP Mike Shawaryn, RP Yoan Aybar
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: SP Tanner Houck (0.2)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 19.4
Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers combined for 65 home runs, 232 RBI and 10.5 WAR last season, and they will likely occupy the left side of the Boston infield for the foreseeable future.
Much like the Chicago Cubs, the Red Sox have had a tough time developing pitching talent in recent years, with Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz representing the last impact starters the Boston farm system has produced. Can someone like Bryan Mata or Jay Groome reverse that trend?
7. Colorado Rockies
- 3B Nolan Arenado (4.9)
- SS Trevor Story (3.9)
- SP Jon Gray (3.5)
- RF Charlie Blackmon (1.8)
- SP Kyle Freeland (1.7)
- 2B Ryan McMahon (1.1)
- SP Antonio Senzatela (1.0)
- CF David Dahl (0.9)
- SP Peter Lambert (0.9)
- RP Scott Oberg (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 14/25
40-Man Roster: 22/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Carlos Estevez (0.4), C Dom Nunez (0.1), IF Brendan Rodgers (0.1), RP Ben Bowden (0.1), IF Josh Fuentes (minus-0.3), LF Sam Hilliard (minus-0.4), OF Raimel Tapia (minus-0.4), 1B Tyler Nevin, IF Garrett Hampson, OF Yonathan Daza, SP Ryan Castellani, SP Antonio Santos
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 19.8
Of the 22 homegrown players the Rockies have on their 40-man roster, only nine are pitchers, and only staff ace Jon Gray is a true cornerstone piece of the roster. That's the team's issue in a nutshell, and unless Ryan Rolison can develop into a long-term rotation piece, there is little reason for optimism down on the farm.
Meanwhile, the front office has created a rift with homegrown superstar Nolan Arenado, and it's worth wondering how much longer he will be in Colorado. That said, he might already be the best homegrown player in franchise history.
6. Cleveland Indians
- SS Francisco Lindor (6.0)
- 3B Jose Ramirez (5.1)
- SP Shane Bieber (4.6)
- C Roberto Perez (2.0)
- SP Aaron Civale (1.4)
- SP Zach Plesac (0.7)
- OF Tyler Naquin (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 9/25
40-Man Roster: 16/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP James Karinchak (0.4), OF Greg Allen (minus-0.1), SP Adam Plutko (minus-0.1), 1B Bobby Bradley, SS Yu Chang, OF Bradley Zimmer, SP Sam Hentges, SP Triston McKenzie, SP Juan Carlos Mejia
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 20.6
The emergence of Shane Bieber as one of the best pitchers in the AL last season helped offset injury-shortened campaigns from Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. It also made the decision to trade Kluber this offseason much easier to swallow. Bieber is the real deal and a legitimate AL Cy Young candidate in 2020.
But how much longer will we see Francisco Lindor manning shortstop in Cleveland? The 26-year-old is a free agent after the 2021 season, and it's unlikely the Indians are going to be willing or able to afford signing him to a long-term deal. For now, he is a major reason they check in at No. 6.
5. St. Louis Cardinals
- SP Jack Flaherty (4.1)
- SS Paul DeJong (3.5)
- 2B Kolten Wong (2.4)
- 3B Matt Carpenter (2.0)
- C Yadier Molina (1.9)
- SP Carlos Martinez (1.7)
- SP Dakota Hudson (1.5)
- CF Harrison Bader (1.4)
- LF Tommy Edman (1.2)
- SP/RP Alex Reyes (0.5)
Opening Day Roster: 11/25
40-Man Roster: 19/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Austin Gomber (0.4), SP/RP Daniel Ponce de Leon (0.3), RP Ryan Helsley (0.2), RP Alvaro Seijas (minus-0.1), C Andrew Knizner, 3B Elehuris Montero, IF Edmundo Sosa, SP Jake Woodford, RP Junior Fernandez
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: OF Dylan Carlson (0.6), RP Jordan Hicks (0.3)
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 21.9
The Cardinals have long been one of the best franchises in baseball at drafting and developing their own talent, and they always seem to unearth a diamond-in-the-rough contributor each season. Last year it was Tommy Edman, a sixth-round pick in 2016 who was never a top prospect before coming out of nowhere to log 3.8 WAR in a super-utility role.
With Michael Wacha gone, Luke Weaver traded and Carlos Martinez failing to hold onto the role of staff ace, Jack Flaherty is now the unquestioned top homegrown arm on the roster. The 24-year-old had a 0.91 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 15 starts after the All-Star break.
4. New York Mets
- SP Jacob deGrom (6.1)
- 2B Jeff McNeil (3.5)
- 1B Pete Alonso (3.3)
- RF Michael Conforto (3.1)
- SS Amed Rosario (2.4)
- SP Steven Matz (2.0)
- CF Brandon Nimmo (1.7)
- RP Seth Lugo (0.8)
Opening Day Roster: 12/25
40-Man Roster: 19/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: C Tomas Nido (0.2), RP Robert Gsellman (0.2), 1B/OF Dominic Smith (minus-0.1), RP Tyler Bashlor (minus-0.1), C Ali Sanchez, SS Andres Gimenez, IF Luis Guillorme, SP Jordan Humphreys, SP Corey Oswalt, SP Thomas Szapucki, RP Paul Sewald
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 23.2
Arguably the best pitcher in baseball heading into 2020, Jacob deGrom was a ninth-round pick out of Stetson University in 2010 who did not make his MLB debut until his age-26 season, when he won NL Rookie of the Year honors. Can he now make it three straight NL Cy Young Awards?
While Pete Alonso grabbed headlines with a record-setting 53 home runs during his rookie season, second baseman Jeff McNeil actually matched his 5.0 WAR while hitting .318/.384/.531 with 62 extra-base hits. Both players are cornerstone pieces going forward.
3. Minnesota Twins
- RF Max Kepler (3.7)
- CF Byron Buxton (3.2)
- SP Jose Berrios (3.0)
- SS Jorge Polanco (2.9)
- 2B Luis Arraez (2.5)
- LF Eddie Rosario (2.4)
- 1B Miguel Sano (2.3)
- C Mitch Garver (1.9)
- RP Taylor Rogers (0.9)
- RP Tyler Duffey (0.8)
Opening Day Roster: 12/25
40-Man Roster: 18/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: SP Randy Dobnak (0.3), SP Lewis Thorpe (0.2), RP Cody Stashak (0.2), OF LaMonte Wade (0.1), RP Fernando Romero (0.1), IF Travis Blankenhorn, IF Nick Gordon, SP Sean Poppen
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 24.5
The Twins have long operated with a small-market mentality, and while they have opened their wallets to sign veteran sluggers Nelson Cruz and Josh Donaldson in recent seasons, the lifeblood of the organization is still homegrown talent.
Max Kepler (36 HR), Miguel Sano (34 HR), Eddie Rosario (32 HR) and Mitch Garver (31 HR) were key contributors to an offense that led the majors with 307 home runs, while Jorge Polanco (107 R) and Luis Arraez (366 PA, .334 BA) were key table-setters. Ace Jose Berrios is also homegrown and the highest pitcher ever drafted out of Puerto Rico at No. 32 overall in 2012.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
- CF Cody Bellinger (6.0)
- SP Walker Buehler (4.3)
- SP Clayton Kershaw (4.2)
- SS Corey Seager (4.1)
- LF Joc Pederson (2.7)
- 2B Gavin Lux (2.0)
- C Will Smith (1.8)
- SP/RP Julio Urias (1.8)
- SP Dustin May (1.3)
- SP/RP Ross Stripling (1.1)
- RP Kenley Jansen (0.6)
Opening Day Roster: 12/25
40-Man Roster: 23/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: RP Pedro Baez (0.3), IF/OF Matt Beaty (0.2), SP Tony Gonsolin (0.2), RP Caleb Ferguson (0.1), C Keibert Ruiz, 3B Edwin Rios, IF Zach McKinstry, OF DJ Peters, SP Victor Gonzalez, SP Dennis Santana, SP Mitchell White, RP Josh Sborz
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 30.7
For as much money as the Dodgers have at their disposal, much of their success in recent years can be attributed to homegrown talent and bargain-bin additions like Justin Turner, Max Muncy and Chris Taylor.
The front office clung tightly to guys like Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Walker Buehler when they were prospects, and they are now cornerstone members of the roster. They took a similar stance on Gavin Lux and Dustin May, and those two are well on their way to joining the aforementioned core. Of course, longtime ace Clayton Kershaw is still at the center of it all.
1. Houston Astros
- 3B Alex Bregman (6.4)
- SS Carlos Correa (5.4)
- CF George Springer (5.2)
- 2B Jose Altuve (4.3)
- SP Lance McCullers Jr. (2.8)
- SP Jose Urquidy (2.1)
- SP Josh James (1.8)
- OF Kyle Tucker (0.9)
- RP Framber Valdez (0.8)
Opening Day Roster: 11/25
40-Man Roster: 21/40
Notable Homegrown Players
Others on the 40-Man Roster: IF/OF Myles Straw (0.3), C Garrett Stubbs (0.2), 3B Abraham Toro (0.2), RP Bryan Abreu (0.2), SP Rogelio Armenteros (0.2), 1B/OF Taylor Jones, IF Jack Mayfield, SP Cristian Javier, SP Enoli Paredes, SP Nivaldo Rodriguez, RP Kent Emanuel, RP Cionel Perez
Non-Roster with a WAR Projection: None
Projected Homegrown WAR Total: 30.8
The Astros built their current roster out of the ashes of a top-to-bottom rebuild that resulted in six straight losing seasons from 2009 to 2014.
George Springer (No. 11 overall in 2011), Carlos Correa (No. 1 overall in 2012), Lance McCullers Jr. (No. 41 overall in 2012), Alex Bregman (No. 2 overall in 2015) and Kyle Tucker (No. 5 overall in 2015) were all high draft picks during that time.
The X-factor of the 2020 season could wind up being whether McCullers can return to his pre-injury form, as well as whether Jose Urquidy and Josh James can step into spots in the starting rotation.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.