Updated Farm System Rankings for Every MLB Team at the Start of 2021
Our most recent farm system update came days after the Aug. 31 trade deadline, so the rankings were long overdue for a shuffling.
In the months since, a handful of blockbuster trades have been made, and a number of top prospects also exhausted their rookie statuses over the season's final month and are no longer part of the conversation as a result.
The following factors helped determine the placement 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 sets and tools are often better indicators of what kind of player someone will be.
- Talent (Player): As for those in the higher levels of the minors who are close to breaking through to the big leagues, production and talent were the determining factors, as these players are viewed as more complete products.
- Overall Depth (Team): Having one or two elite prospects is great, but a deep farm system is the way to build a sustainable contender. Depth and talent were the biggest factors in ranking each team.
- High-End Talent (Team): With that being said, there is a difference between a prospect who has a chance of making an impact in the majors and a prospect who could be a star. Elite prospects served as a tiebreaker of sorts when teams were close in the rankings.
A tier system was used to help differentiate the varying levels of individual talent:
- Tier 1: Prospects who have elite skill sets and All-Star potential. This is the cream of the prospect crop. These 100 players make up B/R's top 100 prospect list.
- Tier 2: Prospects who have a good chance of becoming impact contributors. These are the players who were in consideration for spots on the leaguewide top 100 list and could end up there.
- Tier 3: Prospects who profile as fringe MLB contributors or young players who are still too raw to project any higher. This tier represents the bulk of prospects around baseball, though more than a few are capable of climbing to the next tier.
Teams were initially ranked based on the number of Tier 1 and Tier 2 prospects in their systems, and then the rankings were subjectively tweaked from there.
Note: A player must not have passed the rookie-eligibility limits (130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, 45 days on an active roster prior to Sept. 1) to be included in these rankings.
30. Washington Nationals (Previous: 30)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Jackson Rutledge | 21 | 2 |
| 2. RHP Mason Denaburg | 21 | 2 |
| 3. RHP Cade Cavalli | 22 | 2 |
| 4. LHP Tim Cate | 23 | 3 |
| 5. RHP Andry Lara | 18 | 3 |
| 6. 1B Drew Mendoza | 23 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Cole Henry | 21 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Matt Cronin | 23 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Seth Romero | 24 | 3 |
| 10. SS/3B Yasel Antuna | 21 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Joan Adon, OF Jeremy De La Rosa, C Israel Pineda, OF Roismar Quintana, RHP Sterling Sharp
Farm System Snapshot
With infielders Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcia moving on to the majors and pitchers Wil Crowe and Eddy Yean traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Josh Bell deal, the Washington Nationals system is down four top prospects from the last time these rankings were updated—when they also claimed the No. 30 spot.
The front office has invested first-round picks in Mason Denaburg (No. 27 in 2018), Jackson Rutledge (No. 17 in 2019) and Cade Cavalli (No. 22 in 2020), and that trio now represents the best of baseball's thinnest farm system.
29. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 29)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Zac Veen | 19 | Top 100 |
| 2. LHP Ryan Rolison | 23 | Next 50 |
| 3. 3B/OF Ryan Vilade | 21 | 2 |
| 4. 1B Michael Toglia | 22 | 3 |
| 5. 3B Colton Welker | 23 | 3 |
| 6. 3B Aaron Schunk | 23 | 3 |
| 7. SS Adael Amador | 17 | 3 |
| 8. C Drew Romo | 19 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Chris McMahon | 21 | 3 |
| 10. 1B Grant Lavigne | 21 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Brenton Doyle, OF Jameson Hannah, RHP Karl Kauffmann, LHP Helcris Olivarez, LHP Sam Weatherly
Farm System Snapshot
The Colorado Rockies are a franchise perpetually in need of pitching help, but five of their top 10 prospects are corner infielders who were all early draft picks in recent years. That should tell you everything you need to know about the front office.
The Rockies used the No. 9 pick in the 2020 draft on outfielder Zac Veen, but he has a chance to be a steal if he lives up to his high offensive ceiling. They also appear to have hit on 2018 first-round pick Ryan Rolison, whose polish and high floor should allow him to move quickly toward a spot in the MLB rotation.
28. Houston Astros (Previous: 18)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Forrest Whitley | 23 | Top 100 |
| 2. INF Freudis Nova | 21 | 2 |
| 3. RHP Bryan Abreu | 23 | 2 |
| 4. SS/2B Jeremy Pena | 23 | 2 |
| 5. C Korey Lee | 22 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Hunter Brown | 22 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Luis Garcia | 24 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Tyler Ivey | 24 | 3 |
| 9. OF Jordan Brewer | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Alex Santos | 18 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Colin Barber, SS/3B Grae Kessinger, OF Chas McCormick, RHP Jairo Solis, RHP Jojanse Torres
Farm System Snapshot
Since these rankings were last updated following the trade deadline, Jose Urquidy, Cristian Javier, Brandon Bielak and Enoli Paredes have all graduated for the Houston Astros. What's left is a thin system propped up by uber-talented but confounding right-hander Forrest Whitley and a number of second-tier pitchers with big arms and considerable risk.
Shortstop Freudis Nova still has star-caliber upside, and 2019 first-round pick Korey Lee looks like the catcher of the future, but the front office has work to do to restock the pipeline.
27. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 28)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP A.J. Puk | 25 | Top 100 |
| 2. SS Robert Puason | 18 | Next 50 |
| 3. SS/2B Nick Allen | 22 | Next 50 |
| 4. C Tyler Soderstrom | 19 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Daulton Jefferies | 25 | 3 |
| 6. 3B/SS Sheldon Neuse | 26 | 3 |
| 7. SS Logan Davidson | 23 | 3 |
| 8. OF Brayan Buelvas | 18 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Jeff Criswell | 21 | 3 |
| 10. OF Austin Beck | 22 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Tyler Baum, C Jonah Heim, RHP Grant Holmes, RHP James Kaprielian, OF Junior Perez
Farm System Snapshot
Talented teenagers Robert Puason, Tyler Soderstrom and Brayan Buelvas give the Oakland Athletics system intriguing upside, while A.J. Puk remains the top prospect after another injury-plagued season kept him from exhausting his rookie status.
An uptick in offensive production in 2019 made Nick Allen look like a future everyday player at one of the middle infield spots, while Sheldon Neuse could compete for the starting second base job in spring training if the A's don't make an outside addition.
26. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 23)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Brandon Marsh | 23 | Top 100 |
| 2. LHP Reid Detmers | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. OF Jordyn Adams | 21 | Next 50 |
| 4. SS/2B Jeremiah Jackson | 20 | Next 50 |
| 5. RHP Chris Rodriguez | 22 | 3 |
| 6. SS Kyren Paris | 19 | 3 |
| 7. SS Arol Vera | 18 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Jack Kochanowicz | 20 | 3 |
| 9. OF Alexander Ramirez | 18 | 3 |
| 10. RHP/OF William Holmes | 20 | 3 |
Next 5: 2B Jahmai Jones, OF/2B D'Shawn Knowles, LHP Packy Naughton, RHP Jose Alberto Rivera, LHP Hector Yan
Farm System Snapshot
The Los Angeles Angels have come a long way from having the consensus worst system in baseball just a few years ago, but with Jo Adell no longer a prospect and right-hander Jose Soriano having been snapped up in the Rule 5 draft, they fell a few spots since the last update.
At some point, this system is going to have to produce someone in the way of MLB-caliber pitching talent, and 2020 first-round pick Reid Detmers is the top arm in the system by a wide margin. If he's finally healthy and everything clicks, right-hander Chris Rodriguez still has top-of-the-rotation upside, so he's one to watch.
25. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Garrett Mitchell | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. SS/2B Brice Turang | 21 | Next 50 |
| 3. OF Tristen Lutz | 22 | Next 50 |
| 4. LHP Ethan Small | 23 | 2 |
| 5. C Mario Feliciano | 22 | 2 |
| 6. LHP Aaron Ashby | 22 | 3 |
| 7. SS Eduardo Garcia | 18 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Antoine Kelly | 21 | 3 |
| 9. OF Hedbert Perez | 17 | 3 |
| 10. SS Freddy Zamora | 22 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Zack Brown, RHP Max Lazar, OF Luis Medina, OF Corey Ray, OF Carlos Rodriguez
Farm System Snapshot
The Milwaukee Brewers have quietly done a nice job developing MLB talent—especially pitchers—in recent years with Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams among the players to rise the ranks. That should bode well for Ethan Small, Aaron Ashby and flame-thrower Antoine Kelly.
UCLA standout Garrett Mitchell jumped to the top of the organizational rankings after he was the No. 20 pick in 2020. If he can tap in to more of his strength and add some loft to his swing, he could be the steal of the draft.
24. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 19)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Spencer Howard | 24 | Top 100 |
| 2. RHP Francisco Morales | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Bryson Stott | 23 | Next 50 |
| 4. RHP Mick Abel | 19 | Next 50 |
| 5. RHP Adonis Medina | 24 | 2 |
| 6. SS Luis Garcia | 20 | 3 |
| 7. C Rafael Marchan | 21 | 3 |
| 8. OF Simon Muzziotti | 22 | 3 |
| 9. OF Mickey Moniak | 22 | 3 |
| 10. SS Casey Martin | 21 | 3 |
Next 5: SS Nick Maton, LHP Erik Miller, OF Johan Rojas, LHP JoJo Romero, 2B Kendall Simmons
Farm System Snapshot
The Philadelphia Phillies slid a few spots now that slugger Alec Bohm is no longer perched atop their prospect list, but there is still some exciting top-tier talent headlining the thin system.
Spencer Howard and Adonis Medina could factor in to the 2021 pitching staff, while Francisco Morales and Mick Abel are capable of emerging as elite prospects in the coming years. If the Phils don't make an outfield addition, Mickey Moniak could play his way into the center field job.
23. New York Yankees (Previous: 21)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Jasson Dominguez | 17 | Top 100 |
| 2. RHP Clarke Schmidt | 24 | Top 100 |
| 3. RHP Deivi Garcia | 21 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Luis Gil | 22 | 2 |
| 5. C Austin Wells | 21 | 2 |
| 6. SS Oswald Peraza | 20 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Alexander Vizcaino | 23 | 3 |
| 8. SS Anthony Volpe | 19 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Luis Medina | 21 | 3 |
| 10. OF Kevin Alcantara | 18 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Roansy Contreras, 2B Ezequiel Duran, OF Estevan Florial, RHP Yoendrys Gomez, RHP Miguel Yajure
Farm System Snapshot
Behind the consensus top three in the New York Yankees farm system, right-hander Luis Gil and 2020 first-round pick Austin Wells represent the best of a deep crop of high-ceiling talent still looking to take that next step forward.
From wild flame-thrower Luis Medina to high-ceiling middle infielder Oswald Peraza to 6'6" outfielder Kevin Alcantara, the system is loaded with intriguing prospects. It's hard to rank the Bronx Bombers any higher, though, until some of those players show more, but the system has as much upside as any ranked outside the top 10.
22. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 12)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Josiah Gray | 23 | Top 100 |
| 2. C Keibert Ruiz | 22 | Top 100 |
| 3. 3B Kody Hoese | 23 | Top 100 |
| 4. C Diego Cartaya | 19 | 2 |
| 5. 2B Michael Busch | 23 | 2 |
| 6. OF Andy Pages | 20 | 3 |
| 7. 3B Miguel Vargas | 21 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Ryan Pepiot | 23 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Bobby Miller | 21 | 3 |
| 10. SS/2B Jacob Amaya | 22 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Clayton Beeter, RHP Gerardo Carrillo, RHP Landon Knack, OF DJ Peters, OF Luis Rodriguez
Farm System Snapshot
Infielder Gavin Lux and hard-throwing right-hander Brusdar Graterol were Nos. 1 and 2 on the Los Angeles Dodgers prospect list at last update. But they surpassed the eligibility limits, and the result was a slide down the rankings for the defending World Series champions.
Outfielders Andy Pages and Luis Rodriguez, third baseman Miguel Vargas and middle infielder Jacob Amaya represent the next wave of position-player talent, while Bobby Miller, Clayton Beeter and Landon Knack were all scooped up in the 2020 draft. With Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz and Kody Hoese all knocking on the door, this top prospect list could look very different this time next year.
21. San Diego Padres (Previous: 7)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP MacKenzie Gore | 21 | Top 100 |
| 2. SS CJ Abrams | 20 | Top 100 |
| 3. C Luis Campusano | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Robert Hassell | 19 | Next 50 |
| 5. LHP Ryan Weathers | 21 | 2 |
| 6. OF Hudson Head | 19 | 3 |
| 7. INF Tucupita Marcano | 21 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Justin Lange | 19 | 3 |
| 9. OF Tirso Ornelas | 20 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Reggie Lawson | 23 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Carlos Guarate, OF Joshua Mears, RHP Brayan Medina, 2B Esteury Ruiz, RHP Mason Thompson
Farm System Snapshot
The San Diego Padres had the best farm system in baseball not long ago, and they were still No. 7 on this list last time. So what happened?
Luis Patino (previously No. 2 on the team), Cole Wilcox (No. 8), Reginald Preciado (No. 10), Owen Caissie (Next 5) and Blake Hunt (Next 5) were included in the blockbuster deals to acquire Blake Snell and Yu Darvish, while left-hander Adrian Morejon (No. 5) graduated from the prospect ranks.
That's what happens when a team transitions from building to contending, and the Friars still have three elite prospects in MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams and Luis Campusano.
20. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 22)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Dylan Carlson | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. LHP Matthew Liberatore | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. 3B Nolan Gorman | 20 | Top 100 |
| 4. C Ivan Herrera | 20 | Next 50 |
| 5. LHP Zack Thompson | 23 | 2 |
| 6. 3B Jordan Walker | 18 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Johan Oviedo | 22 | 3 |
| 8. OF Jhon Torres | 20 | 3 |
| 9. SS/RHP Masyn Winn | 18 | 3 |
| 10. 3B Elehuris Montero | 22 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Tre Fletcher, RHP Tink Hence, RHP Angel Rondon, INF Edmundo Sosa, RHP Kodi Whitley
Farm System Snapshot
The St. Louis Cardinals have a potential future star in Dylan Carlson. He struggled in his first taste of MLB action but caught fire down the stretch, which could serve as a springboard heading into 2021.
Slugger Jordan Walker and two-way standout Masyn Winn brought two more high-ceiling prospects to the system in the 2020 draft, and they could quickly move up the organizational list. At the very least, there will be a new No. 1 in 2021 with Carlson penciled in to a starting spot in the MLB outfield.
19. New York Mets (Previous: 20)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Ronny Mauricio | 19 | Top 100 |
| 2. C Francisco Alvarez | 19 | Top 100 |
| 3. 3B Brett Baty | 21 | Next 50 |
| 4. RHP Matthew Allan | 19 | Next 50 |
| 5. 3B Mark Vientos | 21 | Next 50 |
| 6. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong | 18 | 2 |
| 7. RHP J.T. Ginn | 21 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Thomas Szapucki | 24 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Junior Santos | 19 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Franklyn Kilome | 25 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Robert Dominguez, IF Shervyen Newton, 3B/SS Jaylen Palmer, OF Alexander Ramirez, C Endy Rodriguez
Farm System Snapshot
The Francisco Lindor blockbuster was built around MLB infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, which means the New York Mets did not have to part with any of their elite minor league talent. With that said, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene were included in the deal and checked in among the "Next 5" in the last update.
The top six prospects in the system are all still a few years away, but they could all prove well worth the wait and develop into cornerstone pieces if all goes according to plan. Don't be surprised if J.T. Ginn joins that top-tier group in 2021 with a strong pro debut.
18. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 27)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Brailyn Marquez | 21 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF Brennen Davis | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Ed Howard | 19 | Next 50 |
| 4. C Miguel Amaya | 21 | Next 50 |
| 5. RHP Adbert Alzolay | 25 | Next 50 |
| 6. OF Cole Roederer | 21 | 3 |
| 7. SS Reginald Preciado | 17 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Ryan Jensen | 23 | 3 |
| 9. 2B Chase Strumpf | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Kohl Franklin | 21 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Cory Abbott, LHP Burl Carraway, C Ethan Hearn, RHP Tyson Miller, 3B Christopher Morel
Farm System Snapshot
The Chicago Cubs didn't exactly net a windfall of prospect talent in the Yu Darvish trade. But teenage shortstop Reginald Preciado has significant upside, and 2020 second-round pick Owen Caissie has plenty of room to grow into his 6'4" frame with 55-grade present power.
For now, it remains a relatively thin system with some exciting top-tier talent, and that upper echelon grew with the addition of 2020 first-round pick Ed Howard and an MLB breakthrough for right-hander Adbert Alzolay, who may finally be ready to deliver on the hype.
17. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 25)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS/2B Jeter Downs | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. 1B Triston Casas | 20 | Top 100 |
| 3. 3B/1B Bobby Dalbec | 25 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Bryan Mata | 21 | Next 50 |
| 5. OF Jarren Duran | 24 | Next 50 |
| 6. RHP Tanner Houck | 24 | 2 |
| 7. OF Gilberto Jimenez | 20 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Noah Song | 23 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Jay Groome | 22 | 3 |
| 10. 3B/2B Hudson Potts | 22 | 3 |
Next 5: SS/2B Cameron Cannon, 3B Blaze Jordan, RHP Chih-Jung Liu, SS Matthew Lugo, RHP Thad Ward
Farm System Snapshot
First baseman Bobby Dalbec (23 G, .959 OPS, 8 HR) and right-hander Tanner Houck (3 GS, 3-0, 0.53 ERA) both found success in their first MLB action, and they should factor into the Boston Red Sox's Opening Day plans as a result. Second baseman of the future Jeter Downs and right-hander Bryan Mata may not be far behind.
This system is steadily improving thanks to a handful of trades and some good in-house development. The 2018 draft class could be one for the books with Triston Casas (first round), Thad Ward (fifth round) and Jarren Duran (seventh round) quickly rising through the organizational ranks.
16. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 15)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Michael Kopech | 24 | Top 100 |
| 2. 1B Andrew Vaughn | 22 | Top 100 |
| 3. 2B Nick Madrigal | 23 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Jared Kelley | 19 | Next 50 |
| 5. LHP Garrett Crochet | 21 | Next 50 |
| 6. RHP Jonathan Stiever | 23 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Matthew Thompson | 20 | 3 |
| 8. OF Micker Adolfo | 24 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Andrew Dalquist | 20 | 3 |
| 10. OF Luis Gonzalez | 25 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Benyamin Bailey, RHP Jimmy Lambert, OF Blake Rutherford, SS Yolbert Sanchez, 1B Gavin Sheets
Farm System Snapshot
There is not a more top-heavy system in baseball than the Chicago White Sox's, which features a steep dropoff after the top five prospects. That list includes 2020 first-round pick Garrett Crochet and above-slot second-rounder Jared Kelley.
Nick Madrigal will be the everyday second baseman in 2021, and Michael Kopech only needs to prove he's healthy to be MLB-ready, so expect this group to continue sliding. That's indicative of the rapid ascent from rebuilder to contender since an abundance of former top prospect talent is now starring at the MLB level.
15. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 9)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Bobby Witt Jr. | 20 | Top 100 |
| 2. LHP Asa Lacy | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. LHP Daniel Lynch | 24 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Jackson Kowar | 24 | Top 100 |
| 5. OF Erick Pena | 17 | Next 50 |
| 6. OF Kyle Isbel | 23 | 2 |
| 7. SS Nick Loftin | 22 | 3 |
| 8. OF Khalil Lee | 22 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Austin Cox | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Carlos Hernandez | 23 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Jonathan Bowlan, RHP Ben Hernandez, SS Brady McConnell, C MJ Melendez, 1B Nick Pratto
Farm System Snapshot
The Kansas City Royals made the surprise decision to include Brady Singer in their Opening Day rotation last year, and left-hander Kris Bubic joined him shortly after the start of the season. Could we see a similar approach this spring with Daniel Lynch or Jackson Kowar?
What was once a pitching-rich system now skews more position-player heavy, and none has a brighter future than Bobby Witt Jr. who could soar to the top of leaguewide prospect lists in his first full season. The pro debut of Erick Pena, who was signed for $3.9 million in 2019 and has been compared to a young Carlos Beltran, should also have Kansas City fans buzzing.
14. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 17)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Nick Lodolo | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. RHP Hunter Greene | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. C Tyler Stephenson | 24 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Austin Hendrick | 19 | Top 100 |
| 5. SS Jose Garcia | 22 | Top 100 |
| 6. 3B Jonathan India | 24 | Next 50 |
| 7. RHP Tony Santillan | 23 | 3 |
| 8. OF Michael Siani | 21 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Lyon Richardson | 20 | 3 |
| 10. 2B/3B Tyler Callihan | 20 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Bryce Bonnin, 3B Rece Hinds, C Jackson Miller, RHP Riley O'Brien, RHP Christian Roa
Farm System Snapshot
The lost 2020 minor league season gave Hunter Greene additional time to recover from Tommy John surgery, and that could ultimately benefit his development in the long run. He still has the stuff and athleticism to be a generational talent on the mound, and he's still young enough to get back on the developmental track.
Tyler Stephenson and Jose Garcia both received a taste of the big leagues last season, and while both would benefit from a bit more seasoning, it's easy to envision them assuming everyday roles before the 2021 campaign is over. The lack of pitching talent behind Nick Lodolo and Greene is going to be an issue in the near future.
13. Texas Rangers (Previous: 24)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Josh Jung | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. RHP Dane Dunning | 26 | Top 100 |
| 3. C Sam Huff | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Leody Taveras | 22 | Next 50 |
| 5. RHP Yerry Rodriguez | 23 | Next 50 |
| 6. RHP Hans Crouse | 22 | 2 |
| 7. 2B Justin Foscue | 21 | 2 |
| 8. 1B/3B Sherten Apostel | 21 | 3 |
| 9. SS Anderson Tejada | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Cole Winn | 21 | 3 |
Next 5: SS Maximo Acosta, OF Bayron Lora, LHP Joe Palumbo, OF Steele Walker, 3B Davis Wendzel
Farm System Snapshot
The deal that sent Lance Lynn to the Chicago White Sox brought back a pitcher in Dane Dunning who should be able to step right into the MLB rotation. After missing all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery, he returned to make his MLB debut last season and posted a 3.97 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in seven starts.
Catcher Sam Huff and center fielder Leody Taveras also gained valuable big league experience during the shortened season, and they too could be part of the Opening Day roster. With that in mind, there's a good chance this is the peak for the Texas system before an inevitable slide back down the rankings.
12. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 13)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Adley Rutschman | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. RHP Grayson Rodriguez | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. LHP DL Hall | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Heston Kjerstad | 21 | Top 100 |
| 5. 1B/OF Ryan Mountcastle | 23 | Top 100 |
| 6. SS Gunnar Henderson | 19 | 2 |
| 7. LHP Keegan Akin | 25 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Michael Baumann | 25 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Dean Kremer | 25 | 3 |
| 10. OF Yusniel Diaz | 24 | 3 |
Next 5: LHP Zac Lowther, OF Ryan McKenna, LHP Kevin Smith, SS Terrin Vavra, SS Jordan Westburg
Farm System Snapshot
Strong debuts from Ryan Mountcastle (35 G, .878 OPS, 5 HR, 23 RBI) and Keegan Akin (6 GS, 3.27 FIP, 12.3 K/9) were among the biggest positive takeaways for the Baltimore Orioles in another year of rebuilding. That's just the start of what figures to be a steady influx of prospect talent arriving on the scene in the years to come.
With Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg both candidates to shift to third base as they grow into their tall frames and Terrin Vavra profiling more as a utility player, the O's are still looking for their shortstop of the future. Overall, the rebuild looks to be on the right track, and it's only a matter of time before the Adley Rutschman era begins.
11. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 16)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes | 23 | Top 100 |
| 2. SS Oneil Cruz | 22 | Top 100 |
| 3. 2B/SS Nick Gonzales | 21 | Top 100 |
| 4. SS Liover Peguero | 20 | Next 50 |
| 5. RHP Tahnaj Thomas | 21 | Next 50 |
| 6. OF Travis Swaggerty | 23 | Next 50 |
| 7. RHP Cody Bolton | 22 | 2 |
| 8. OF Jared Oliva | 25 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Quinn Priester | 20 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Brennan Malone | 20 | 3 |
Next 5: 2B/SS Ji-Hwan Bae, OF Cal Mitchell, RHP Carmen Mlodzinski, OF Sammy Siani, RHP Eddy Yean
Farm System Snapshot
Ke'Bryan Hayes led all MLB rookies with 1.9 WAR in 2020, and he only played in 24 games and tallied 95 plate appearances. That should make him one of the NL Rookie of the Year favorites entering 2021, as well as a bright spot in the dark abyss that is the current state of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Athletic 6'4" right-hander Tahnaj Thomas is a prospect on the rise who could be ready to break out in a big way, and he joins Quinn Priester and Brennan Malone as extremely projectable arms with electric present stuff. It's going to take some time and patience, but there's a lot of talent in the Pittsburgh pipeline.
10. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 8)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Kristian Robinson | 20 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF Alek Thomas | 20 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Geraldo Perdomo | 21 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Corbin Carroll | 20 | Next 50 |
| 5. LHP Blake Walston | 19 | Next 50 |
| 6. 1B/OF Seth Beer | 24 | Next 50 |
| 7. RHP Levi Kelly | 21 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Bryce Jarvis | 23 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Luis Frias | 22 | 3 |
| 10. OF Wilderd Patino | 19 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP J.B. Bukauskas, RHP Slade Cecconi, OF Stuart Fairchild, RHP Drey Jameson, RHP Corbin Martin
Farm System Snapshot
For all that's made of the potential Ronald Acuna Jr., Cristian Pache and Drew Waters outfield of the future in Atlanta, or the Kyle Lewis, Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez future outfield in Seattle, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a pretty good trio of their own.
Kristian Robinson looks the part of a future middle-of-the-order star, Alek Thomas has the speed, hit tool and glove to be a star in center field, and Corbin Carroll should be one of the first prep prospects from the 2019 draft to reach the majors thanks to his 60-grade hit tool.
There's a wealth of high-ceiling talent in this system and a good balance between hitters and pitchers, giving the D-backs a solid long-term outlook even if the present is a bit murky.
9. Cleveland (Previous: 10)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Nolan Jones | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. RHP Triston McKenzie | 23 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Tyler Freeman | 21 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF George Valera | 20 | Next 50 |
| 5. SS Brayan Rocchio | 19 | Next 50 |
| 6. C Bo Naylor | 20 | Next 50 |
| 7. RHP Ethan Hankins | 20 | 2 |
| 8. LHP Joey Cantillo | 21 | 3 |
| 9. SS Gabriel Arias | 20 | 3 |
| 10. 2B Aaron Bracho | 19 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Tanner Burns, RHP Daniel Espino, OF Daniel Johnson, SS/3B Gabriel Rodriguez, RHP Josh Wolf
Farm System Snapshot
The Francisco Lindor trade did not add anyone to Cleveland's top-10 prospect list, but it did bolster the MLB roster and net a pair of solid second-tier prospects in Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene, both of whom are capable of jumping onto that list in short order.
With that said, the future of the farm system resides in low-level, high-ceiling prospects like George Valera, Brayan Rocchio, Bo Naylor, Ethan Hankins, Gabriel Arias, Aaron Bracho and Daniel Espino.
All seven of those players have the upside to develop into top-100 prospects down the line, and that should provide some level of comfort to a fanbase that just saw its superstar traded for a less-than-thrilling return.
8. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 11)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Royce Lewis | 21 | Top 100 |
| 2. 1B/OF Alex Kirilloff | 23 | Top 100 |
| 3. RHP Jordan Balazovic | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Trevor Larnach | 23 | Top 100 |
| 5. RHP Jhoan Duran | 22 | Top 100 |
| 6. C Ryan Jeffers | 23 | Next 50 |
| 7. SS Keoni Cavaco | 19 | 2 |
| 8. 1B Aaron Sabato | 21 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Blayne Enlow | 21 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Matt Canterino | 23 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Gilberto Celestino, SS Wander Javier, IF Jose Miranda, OF Misael Urbina, OF Matt Wallner
Farm System Snapshot
Both Alex Kirilloff and Ryan Jeffers are likely to break camp with a spot on the Opening Day roster for the Minnesota Twins. Kirilloff made his MLB debut in the postseason and now has a clear path following the non-tender of Eddie Rosario, while Jeffers posted a 118 OPS+ in 62 plate appearances and served as the team's starting backstop in the playoffs.
Top prospect Royce Lewis battled through a disappointing 2019 regular season, but hit .353/.411/.565 with 12 extra-base hits in 22 games in the 2019 Arizona Fall League. Can he pick up where he left off?
Starting pitching is the biggest question mark on the MLB roster right now, and the same is true of a farm system that is thin on quality arms behind Jordan Balazovic and Jhoan Duran.
7. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 6)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Casey Mize | 23 | Top 100 |
| 2. 3B/1B Spencer Torkelson | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. RHP Matt Manning | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Riley Greene | 20 | Top 100 |
| 5. LHP Tarik Skubal | 24 | Top 100 |
| 6. 3B/SS Isaac Paredes | 21 | Next 50 |
| 7. RHP Alex Faedo | 25 | 2 |
| 8. C Dillon Dingler | 22 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Joey Wentz | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Franklin Perez | 23 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Beau Burrows, OF Daniel Cabrera, OF Daz Cameron, OF Parker Meadows, SS Wenceel Perez
Farm System Snapshot
Casey Mize (28.1 IP, 6.99 ERA) and Tarik Skubal (32.0 IP, 5.63 ERA) took some lumps in their first big league action, but both showed flashes of the potential that has earned them a spot among the game's top pitching prospects. Matt Manning, Alex Faedo and Joey Wentz could all get the call in 2021 as the Tigers' youth movement continues.
Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene have a chance to be a special one-two punch in the middle of the Detroit lineup, and the front office could decide to develop them side-by-side with a ticket to Single-A to start the 2021 campaign.
Catcher has been a revolving door in the organization for some time now, so the development of 2020 second-round pick Dillon Dingler will be monitored closely. A center fielder at the onset of his pro career, he has rare athleticism for the position and a good feel for receiving despite limited experience.
6. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 14)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Joey Bart | 24 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF Heliot Ramos | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Marco Luciano | 19 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Hunter Bishop | 22 | Next 50 |
| 5. OF Alexander Canario | 20 | Next 50 |
| 6. LHP Seth Corry | 22 | Next 50 |
| 7. OF Luis Matos | 18 | Next 50 |
| 8. SS/2B Will Wilson | 22 | 3 |
| 9. C Patrick Bailey | 21 | 3 |
| 10. 3B Luis Toribio | 20 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Tristan Beck, LHP Kyle Harrison, RHP Sean Hjelle, OF Jairo Pomares, LHP Nick Swiney
Farm System Snapshot
The San Francisco Giants' climb from the bottom of these rankings to the No. 6 spot in the short time since general manager Farhan Zaidi took over prior to the 2019 season has been nothing short of amazing.
Joey Bart hit .233/.288/.320 with zero home runs in 111 plate appearances as the team's primary catcher last year after Buster Posey opted out, but he maintained his rookie status and could be headed back to the minors for further seasoning.
Heliot Ramos should be the next top prospect to arrive on the scene as he looks to stake claim to the center field job, and there is a wealth of exciting position-player talent behind him led by dynamic power-hitting shortstop Marco Luciano and low-level outfielders Alexander Canario and Luis Matos. It's a pitching-thin system, but it's stocked with talent.
5. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 5)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Ian Anderson | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF Cristian Pache | 22 | Top 100 |
| 3. OF Drew Waters | 21 | Top 100 |
| 4. LHP Kyle Muller | 23 | Top 100 |
| 5. C Shea Langeliers | 22 | Next 50 |
| 6. LHP Tucker Davidson | 24 | Next 50 |
| 7. C William Contreras | 23 | Next 50 |
| 8. SS Braden Shewmake | 23 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Jared Shuster | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Jasseel De La Cruz | 23 | 3 |
Next 5: RHP Bryce Elder, OF Michael Harris, RHP Freddy Tarnok, RHP Patrick Weigel, RHP Victor Vodnik
Farm System Snapshot
The Atlanta Braves' current roster is littered with recent top prospects such as Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Mike Soroka, Max Fried, Dansby Swanson, Kyle Wright, Austin Riley, Touki Toussaint, Sean Newcomb, A.J. Minter and Bryse Wilson.
Despite graduating all of that prospect talent to the MLB roster, they somehow still have a top-five farm system. That could change once Ian Anderson and Cristian Pache drop off the prospect list, which is likely to happen shortly after the start of the 2021 season with both players currently projected for Opening Day spots.
Drew Waters will then become the top prospect in the system, and if he's going to live up to expectations, he'll need to work on making more consistent contact after striking out 164 times at a 28.6 percent clip in 2019.
4. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 2)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Jarred Kelenic | 21 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF Julio Rodriguez | 20 | Top 100 |
| 3. OF Taylor Trammell | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Logan Gilbert | 23 | Top 100 |
| 5. RHP Emerson Hancock | 21 | Top 100 |
| 6. SS Noelvi Marte | 18 | Top 100 |
| 7. RHP George Kirby | 22 | Next 50 |
| 8. C Cal Raleigh | 23 | 2 |
| 9. LHP Brandon Williamson | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Sam Delaplane | 25 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Braden Bishop, RHP Isaiah Campbell, OF Zach DeLoach, OF Jake Fraley, RHP Juan Then
Farm System Snapshot
The No. 2 team in these rankings in the last update, the Seattle Mariners drop two spots after Evan White (No. 5 prospect) and Justin Dunn (No. 9 prospect) both exited the prospect ranks down the stretch.
With that said, this is still an elite farm system with some truly dynamic talent at the top in the outfield tandem of Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez. Both players look like future superstars, and following the stellar rookie season that Kyle Lewis put together, it's easy to dream about that future outfield.
The development of Logan Gilbert, Emerson Hancock and George Kirby will be paramount to the team finally turning a corner, as they are currently thin on impact arms behind Marco Gonzales. It wouldn't be surprising to see Sam Delaplane closing games by the end of 2021 after he struck out 120 batters in 68.2 innings in 2019 and then dominated in the Arizona Fall League.
3. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 4)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Nate Pearson | 24 | Top 100 |
| 2. SS/OF Austin Martin | 21 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Jordan Groshans | 21 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson | 20 | Top 100 |
| 5. RHP Alek Manoah | 22 | Top 100 |
| 6. C Alejandro Kirk | 22 | Next 50 |
| 7. SS Orelvis Martinez | 19 | Next 50 |
| 8. C Gabriel Moreno | 20 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Adam Kloffenstein | 20 | 2 |
| 10. SS/2B Miguel Hiraldo | 20 | 3 |
Next 5: OF Dasan Brown, 2B/SS Leonardo Jimenez, SS Estiven Machado, RHP Eric Pardinho, RHP CJ Van Eyk
Farm System Snapshot
Nate Pearson has some work to do refining his command after a rocky MLB debut, Jordan Groshans needs to stay healthy, and Austin Martin needs to figure out a position, but it's hard not to be excited about the present and future of the Toronto Blue Jays. The fact that five of their top 10 prospects are either 20 years old or younger only further brightens their long-term outlook.
Pearson struggled to a 6.00 ERA and walked 13 batters in 18 innings before missing a month with a flexor strain in his right elbow. His 2.3 BB/9 in 123.1 minor league innings is a good indication of his ability to throw strikes, so he just needs to settle in at the MLB level and avoid further arm issues.
Alejandro Kirk went 9-for-24 with two doubles and a home run in his MLB debut, and despite some questions about his defense behind the plate, he can flat-out hit. He could be the everyday DH in 2021, depending on how the rest of the offseason unfolds.
2. Miami Marlins (Previous: 3)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Sixto Sanchez | 22 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF JJ Bleday | 23 | Top 100 |
| 3. SS Jazz Chisholm | 22 | Top 100 |
| 4. OF Jesus Sanchez | 23 | Top 100 |
| 5. RHP Edward Cabrera | 22 | Top 100 |
| 6. RHP Max Meyer | 21 | Top 100 |
| 7. LHP Trevor Rogers | 23 | Next 50 |
| 8. OF Monte Harrison | 25 | Next 50 |
| 9. OF Peyton Burdick | 23 | 2 |
| 10. 1B Lewin Diaz | 23 | 2 |
Next 5: OF Jerar Encarnacion, LHP Braxton Garrett, OF Kameron Misner, RHP Nick Neidert, OF Connor Scott
Farm System Snapshot
For all the flack that Derek Jeter and the new ownership group took for gutting the MLB roster when they first took control of the Miami Marlins, the team is now fresh off a surprise postseason appearance and poised for sustainable success thanks in large part to all of the pieces they acquired on the trade market.
Sixto Sanchez, Jazz Chisholm, Jesus Sanchez, Monte Harrison and Lewin Diaz were all trade pickups among their current list of top prospects, and they are not the only outside additions.
If you're looking for an under-the-radar breakout prospect for 2021, keep an eye on outfielder Peyton Burdick. He hit .308/.407/.542 with 20 doubles, 11 home runs and 64 RBI in 69 games after going in the third round of the 2019 draft, and he closed out his debut at Single-A.
1. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 1)
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Wander Franco | 19 | Top 100 |
| 2. OF Randy Arozarena | 25 | Top 100 |
| 3. LHP/DH Brendan McKay | 25 | Top 100 |
| 4. RHP Luis Patino | 21 | Top 100 |
| 5. LHP Shane McClanahan | 23 | Top 100 |
| 6. 2B/SS Vidal Brujan | 22 | Top 100 |
| 7. 2B/SS Xavier Edwards | 21 | Top 100 |
| 8. RHP Shane Baz | 21 | Top 100 |
| 9. RHP Joe Ryan | 24 | Top 100 |
| 10. OF Josh Lowe | 22 | Top 100 |
Next 5: RHP Nick Bitsko, RHP JJ Goss, C Ronaldo Hernandez, RHP Brent Honeywell, SS Greg Jones
Farm System Snapshot
The Tampa Bay Rays already had the best farm system in baseball by a fairly wide margin before they added elite pitching prospect Luis Patino and high-ceiling catcher Blake Hunt in the Blake Snell trade.
Randy Arozarena is coming off a postseason for the ages and is still prospect eligible, so pencil him in as the AL Rookie of the Year favorite. He could be joined on the MLB roster in 2021 by Patino, Brendan McKay and Shane McClanahan, who debuted during the postseason.
In the upcoming years, it bears watching how the Rays fit incumbents Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames, along with Wander Franco, Vidal Brujan and Xavier Edwards, into two middle infield spots and perhaps third base. It's a great problem to have, and for a franchise that never has trouble developing pitching talent, it's a welcome sight to see some high-ceiling position-player talent on the horizon.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.