B/R's Updated MLB Farm System Rankings Ahead of 2022 Season
With the 2022 MLB season (hopefully) fast approaching, it's time for an updated look at where all 30 farm systems stand, along with a preview of each organization's top 10 prospects for the upcoming year.
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 will make up B/R's Top 100 prospect list to begin 2022.
- Tier 2: Prospects who have a good chance of becoming impact contributors. These are the players who were in consideration for spots on B/R's Top 100 prospect list and could end up there in the future.
- 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. Chicago White Sox
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Colson Montgomery | 19 | 2 |
| 2. OF Yoelqui Cespedes | 24 | 2 |
| 3. RHP Norge Vera | 21 | 2 |
| 4. SS Jose Rodriguez | 20 | 3 |
| 5. 3B Wes Kath | 19 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Andrew Dalquist | 21 | 3 |
| 7. 3B Jake Burger | 25 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Jared Kelley | 20 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Matthew Thompson | 21 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Sean Burke | 22 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The White Sox selected Indiana prep shortstop Colson Montgomery with the No. 22 pick in the 2021 draft, and he debuted with a .396 on-base percentage in 26 rookie ball games. A three-sport athlete in high school, he could take off now that his full attention is on baseball.
An ugly debut from 2020 second-round pick Jared Kelley (23.2 IP, 7.61 ERA, 26 BB) has opened the door for Cuban defector Norge Vera to emerge as the team's top pitching prospect. The 6'4" right-hander did not allow an earned run in 19 innings while posting a 34-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his pro debut.
29. Oakland Athletics
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Tyler Soderstrom | 20 | 1 |
| 2. SS/2B Nick Allen | 23 | 2 |
| 3. 3B Zack Gelof | 22 | 2 |
| 4. SS Max Muncy | 19 | 2 |
| 5. OF Pedro Pineda | 18 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Colin Peluse | 23 | 3 |
| 7. 1B/OF Lawrence Butler | 21 | 3 |
| 8. OF Brayan Buelvas | 19 | 3 |
| 9. SS Logan Davidson | 24 | 3 |
| 10. OF Jake Suddleson | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Catcher Tyler Soderstrom lived up to his billing as one of the best pure hitters in the 2020 draft by posting a .306/.390/.568 line with 33 extra-base hits in 57 games at Single-A. If his bat continues to develop quickly, the Oakland front office will have a big decision to make on whether to shift him to a less demanding defensive position.
After hitting .333/.422/.565 with 17 extra-base hits in 161 plate appearances, Zack Gelof is one to watch heading into 2022. The University of Virginia standout closed out his pro debut at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he went 7-for-12 in three games.
28. Houston Astros
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Korey Lee | 23 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Hunter Brown | 23 | 1 |
| 3. 2B/SS Jeremy Pena | 24 | 2 |
| 4. SS/OF Pedro Leon | 23 | 2 |
| 5. 3B Joe Perez | 22 | 3 |
| 6. OF Alex McKenna | 24 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Alex Santos | 19 | 3 |
| 8. OF Tyler Whitaker | 19 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Peter Solomon | 25 | 3 |
| 10. OF Colin Barber | 21 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
With the veteran duo of Martin Maldonado and Jason Castro handling catching duties, the path is clear once catcher of the future Korey Lee is ready. The 23-year-old hit .277/.340/.438 with 30 extra-base hits in 88 games last year while also throwing out 43 percent of base stealers.
Most teams preferred Joe Perez as a pitcher in the 2017 draft, but the Astros slotted him at third base, and that decision is paying dividends. Split over three minor league levels in 2021, he hit .291/.354/.495 with 34 doubles, 18 home runs and 61 RBI in 106 games.
27. Washington Nationals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Cade Cavalli | 23 | 1 |
| 2. C Keibert Ruiz | 23 | 1 |
| 3. SS Brady House | 18 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Cole Henry | 22 | 2 |
| 5. OF Yasel Antuna | 22 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Andry Lara | 19 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Jackson Rutledge | 22 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Gerardo Carrillo | 23 | 3 |
| 9. OF Daylen Lile | 19 | 3 |
| 10. SS Armando Cruz | 18 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Along with young right-hander Josiah Gray who finished the season in the MLB rotation, the Nationals also acquired catcher Keibert Ruiz and right-hander Gerardo Carrillo in the Max Scherzer/Trea Turner blockbuster. Add to that a breakout season from Cade Cavalli and first-round pick Brady House and this is a system on the rise.
Ruiz, 23, posted a 105 OPS+ with two home runs and 14 RBI in 23 games following the trade. He is the front-runner to be the Opening Day starter behind the plate in 2022, and at the very least, he'll split time with Riley Adams.
26. Los Angeles Angels
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Reid Detmers | 22 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Sam Bachman | 22 | 2 |
| 3. SS Kyren Paris | 20 | 2 |
| 4. SS/2B Jeremiah Jackson | 21 | 2 |
| 5. OF Jordyn Adams | 22 | 2 |
| 6. SS Arol Vera | 19 | 3 |
| 7. LHP Ky Bush | 22 | 3 |
| 8. SS Denzer Guzman | 17 | 3 |
| 9. OF Alexander Ramirez | 19 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Davis Daniel | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
A little more than a year after going No. 10 overall in the 2020 draft, Reid Detmers made his MLB debut on Aug. 1, 2021. The 22-year-old was dominant in the minors prior to his promotion with a 3.19 ERA and a 108-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 62 innings.
Despite average stuff and some command issues in college, Davis Daniel has forced his way into the prospect picture after racking up 154 strikeouts in 114.2 innings while reaching Triple-A in his pro debut. He underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after the start of his junior season at Auburn in 2019.
25. Philadelphia Phillies
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Mick Abel | 20 | 1 |
| 2. SS Bryson Stott | 24 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Andrew Painter | 18 | 2 |
| 4. RHP Hans Crouse | 23 | 2 |
| 5. C Logan O'Hoppe | 21 | 2 |
| 6. OF Johan Rojas | 21 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Cristian Hernandez | 21 | 3 |
| 8. OF Ethan Wilson | 22 | 3 |
| 9. SS Luis Garcia | 21 | 3 |
| 10. OF Simon Muzziotti | 23 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
After the Phillies announced that Didi Gregorius will need to compete for the starting shortstop job following a disappointing 2021 season, it looks like Bryson Stott will get a long look this spring. The No. 14 pick in the 2019 draft hit .299/.390/.486 with 44 extra-base hits in 112 games, then raked in the Arizona Fall League.
Projectable starter Mick Abel had a 4.43 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 44.2 innings in his pro debut. The 6'5" right-hander has a polished four-pitch repertoire, plus command, and room to grow into even more velocity in the years to come.
24. Toronto Blue Jays
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Gabriel Moreno | 21 | 1 |
| 2. SS/3B Orelvis Martinez | 20 | 1 |
| 3. SS/3B Jordan Groshans | 22 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Gunnar Hoglund | 22 | 2 |
| 5. IF/OF Otto Lopez | 23 | 2 |
| 6. 2B/SS Leo Jimenez | 20 | 3 |
| 7. SS Manuel Beltre | 17 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Ricky Tiedemann | 19 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Sem Robberse | 20 | 3 |
| 10. 2B/OF Samad Taylor | 23 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The Blue Jays farm system has taken a considerable slide down these rankings. They traded away Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson in the Jose Berrios deal and graduated Alek Manoah, Nate Pearson and Alejandro Kirk to the majors.
However, they still have a trio of elite prospects in Gabriel Moreno, Orelvis Martinez and Jordan Groshans headlining the system. Moreno hit .373/.441/.651 with 18 extra-base hits and 45 RBI in 32 games at Double-A last year before suffering a fractured thumb in June.
23. St. Louis Cardinals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 2B/3B Nolan Gorman | 21 | 1 |
| 2. LHP Matthew Liberatore | 22 | 1 |
| 3. 3B Jordan Walker | 19 | 1 |
| 4. C Ivan Herrera | 21 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Michael McGreevy | 21 | 2 |
| 6. SS Masyn Winn | 19 | 3 |
| 7. OF Alec Burleson | 23 | 3 |
| 8. OF Joshua Baez | 18 | 3 |
| 9. 1B/OF Juan Yepez | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Tink Hence | 19 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Slugger Jordan Walker made a strong case for the No. 1 spot in the St. Louis farm system. In his pro debut, he hit .317/.388/.548 with 25 doubles, 14 home runs and 48 RBI in 82 games while striking out at a manageable 23.8 percent clip.
Since Nolan Gorman and Matthew Liberatore are both further along in their development with the potential to make an impact in 2022, they get the higher spot in the rankings, but Walker has the highest ceiling in the system. Speaking of 2022 impact, don't sleep on Alec Burleson making his debut after he reached Triple-A in his first pro season.
22. Boston Red Sox
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 1B Triston Casas | 22 | 1 |
| 2. SS Marcelo Mayer | 19 | 1 |
| 3. 2B Nick Yorke | 19 | 1 |
| 4. SS/2B Jeter Downs | 23 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Brayan Bello | 22 | 2 |
| 6. 3B Blaze Jordan | 19 | 3 |
| 7. OF Gilberto Jimenez | 21 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Jay Groome | 23 | 3 |
| 9. 3B Alex Binelas | 21 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Bryan Mata | 22 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
It looks like Triston Casas (.877 OPS, 14 HR, 59 RBI) and Nick Yorke (.928 OPS, 39 XBH, 13 SB) could share the right side of the infield in Boston for a long time once they reach the majors. Don't sleep on Jeter Downs either, despite a trying 2021 season. He posted an .880 OPS with five home runs and 14 RBI in the Arizona Fall League.
Despite failing to sign No. 40 overall pick Jud Fabian, the Red Sox still landed a powerful college bat in Alex Binelas. The Louisville product had a 19-homer junior season, then hit .309/.390/.583 with nine home runs and 29 RBI in 36 games in his pro debut after Milwaukee selected him in the third round. He was sent to Boston in the Hunter Renfroe-for-Jackie Bradley Jr. swap.
21. Colorado Rockies
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Zac Veen | 20 | 1 |
| 2. C Drew Romo | 20 | 2 |
| 3. OF Benny Montgomery | 19 | 2 |
| 4. OF Brenton Doyle | 23 | 2 |
| 5. 1B Michael Toglia | 23 | 2 |
| 6. SS Ezequiel Tovar | 20 | 2 |
| 7. SS Adael Amador | 18 | 3 |
| 8. OF Ryan Vilade | 22 | 3 |
| 9. 3B Elehuris Montero | 23 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Ryan Rolison | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The Rockies system remains extremely light on impact pitching, which is less-than-ideal for an organization in perpetual need of pitching help. That said, this is still a system on the rise thanks to lower-level prospects like Drew Romo, Brenton Doyle, Ezequiel Tovar and Adael Amador, who all took a step forward in their development in 2021.
Romo, 20, was widely regarded as the top defensive catcher in the 2020 draft class. He threw out 35 percent of base stealers and showed strong receiving skills in his debut while also hitting .314/.345/.439 with 25 extra-base hits and 23 steals to send his stock soaring.
20. Milwaukee Brewers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Garrett Mitchell | 23 | 1 |
| 2. LHP Aaron Ashby | 23 | 1 |
| 3. OF Sal Frelick | 21 | 2 |
| 4. 2B/SS Brice Turang | 22 | 2 |
| 5. LHP Ethan Small | 24 | 2 |
| 6. OF Joey Wiemer | 22 | 2 |
| 7. OF Hedbert Perez | 18 | 3 |
| 8. OF Joe Gray Jr. | 21 | 3 |
| 9. 2B Tyler Black | 21 | 3 |
| 10. C Jeferson Quero | 19 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Left-hander Aaron Ashby showed electric stuff in his MLB debut with 39 strikeouts in 31.2 innings, pitching mostly out of the bullpen. Meanwhile, fellow southpaw Ethan Small logged a 1.98 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 77.1 innings over three minor league levels. This is a pitching-thin system right now, but the Brewers have done an excellent job developing arms in recent years.
Outfielder Joey Wiemer is one to watch after he hit .296/.403/.556 with 27 home runs and 30 steals in 109 games. Drafted more on tools and potential than on-field production after three years at the University of Cincinnati, he turned a lot of heads in his pro debut.
19. Cincinnati Reds
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Hunter Greene | 22 | 1 |
| 2. LHP Nick Lodolo | 23 | 1 |
| 3. SS/3B Elly De La Cruz | 20 | 2 |
| 4. SS Matt McLain | 22 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Graham Ashcraft | 23 | 2 |
| 6. OF Jay Allen | 19 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Bryce Bonnin | 23 | 3 |
| 8. OF Austin Hendrick | 20 | 3 |
| 9. 3B Rece Hinds | 21 | 3 |
| 10. 2B Tyler Callihan | 21 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
There is a clear-cut top two in the Cincinnati Reds farm system, and with Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo both poised to debut in 2022, it will be interesting to see who steps forward as the next headliner of the system.
First-round pick Matt McLain posted an .851 OPS in 31 games in his pro debut, right-hander Graham Ashcraft went 11-4 with a 3.00 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings between High-A and Double-A, and young shortstop Elly De La Cruz hit .296/.336/.539 with 35 extra-base hits and 10 steals in 61 games in his stateside debut.
18. New York Mets
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Francisco Alvarez | 20 | 1 |
| 2. 3B Brett Baty | 22 | 1 |
| 3. SS Ronny Mauricio | 20 | 1 |
| 4. 3B Mark Vientos | 22 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Matt Allan | 20 | 2 |
| 6. RHP J.T. Ginn | 22 | 2 |
| 7. OF Khalil Lee | 23 | 3 |
| 8. OF Alex Ramirez | 19 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Jose Butto | 23 | 3 |
| 10. OF Carlos Cortes | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The "Big Three" atop the New York Mets farm system is enough to prop up a relatively thin system overall, and it could be considered a "Big Four" soon since Mark Vientos hit .281/.352/.581 with 25 home runs and 63 RBI in 83 games in the upper levels of the minors.
Who will emerge as the organization's top pitching prospect? Matt Allan missed all of 2021 recovering from Tommy John surgery, J.T. Ginn had a strong pro debut but didn't miss many bats (7.9 K/9), and Jose Butto will go as far as his 60-grade changeup carries him.
17. Kansas City Royals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Bobby Witt Jr. | 21 | 1 |
| 2. C MJ Melendez | 23 | 1 |
| 3. 1B Nick Pratto | 23 | 1 |
| 4. LHP Asa Lacy | 22 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Jackson Kowar | 25 | 2 |
| 6. OF Kyle Isbel | 24 | 2 |
| 7. LHP Frank Mozzicato | 18 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Ben Kudrna | 1 | 3 |
| 9. SS Nick Loftin | 23 | 3 |
| 10. 1B Vinnie Pasquantino | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Breakout seasons from MJ Melendez (1.011 OPS, 41 HR, 103 RBI) and Nick Pratto (.988 OPS, 36 HR, 98 RBI) have given the Kansas City Royals two more Tier 1 prospects, and those two could join uber-prospect Bobby Witt Jr. (.936 OPS, 33 HR, 97 RBI, 29 SB) in joining the big league club this year.
Pitching was the strength of this system for years, and the front office did well to restock the cupboard with the prep duo of Frank Mozzicato and Ben Kudrna at the top of their 2021 draft haul.
16. San Diego Padres
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS CJ Abrams | 21 | 1 |
| 2. C Luis Campusano | 23 | 1 |
| 3. OF Robert Hassell | 20 | 1 |
| 4. LHP MacKenzie Gore | 22 | 2 |
| 5. OF James Wood | 19 | 2 |
| 6. OF Joshua Mears | 20 | 2 |
| 7. SS Jackson Merrill | 18 | 3 |
| 8. 2B/SS Euribiel Angeles | 19 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Robert Gasser | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Kevin Kopps | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Multiple trades, prospect graduations, and the precipitous decline of MacKenzie Gore (50.1 IP, 1.47 WHIP, 5.0 BB/9) have dropped what was recently one of baseball's elite farm systems to the middle of the pack.
That said, a healthy CJ Abrams provides plenty of reason for excitement, while 2021 second-round pick James Wood had one of the loudest debuts of anyone last year when he hit .372/.465/.535 with three home runs and 22 RBI in 26 games. There's still plenty of talent in this system, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them quickly climb back into the top 10.
15. New York Yankees
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Anthony Volpe | 20 | 1 |
| 2. OF Jasson Dominguez | 18 | 1 |
| 3. SS Oswald Peraza | 21 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Luis Gil | 23 | 2 |
| 5. C Austin Wells | 22 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Luis Medina | 22 | 2 |
| 7. SS Trey Sweeney | 21 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Ken Waldichuk | 24 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Clarke Schmidt | 25 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Yoendrys Gomez | 22 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Despite a disappointing pro debut from wunderkind Jasson Dominguez (.731 OPS, 30.3 K%), the New York Yankees farm system is still an intriguing collection of high-ceiling talent and polished prospects on the cusp of making an impact.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe was the breakout prospect of 2021, hitting .294/.423/.604 with 35 doubles, 27 home runs and 33 steals between Single-A and High-A while playing a strong shortstop. His emergence could be why the Yankees have chosen to sit out the offseason shortstop derby thus far.
14. Detroit Tigers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 1B/3B Spencer Torkelson | 22 | 1 |
| 2. OF Riley Greene | 21 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Jackson Jobe | 19 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Ty Madden | 21 | 2 |
| 5. C Dillon Dingler | 23 | 2 |
| 6. SS Ryan Kreidler | 24 | 2 |
| 7. SS/3B Gage Workman | 22 | 3 |
| 8. SS Izaac Pacheco | 19 | 3 |
| 9. OF Roberto Campos | 18 | 3 |
| 10. 3B Colt Keith | 20 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
No farm system boasts a better prospect duo than Spencer Torkelson (.935 OPS, 30 HR, 91 RBI) and Riley Greene (.921 OPS, 24 HR, 84 RBI), who will both fit comfortably into the top 10 when our top-100 prospect list is released.
They added two of the 2021 draft's top pitchers to the mix when they selected Jackson Jobe (No. 3) and Ty Madden (No. 32). Don't sleep on second-round pick Izaac Pacheco (No. 39) either, who signed for an above-slot $2.75 million bonus. There is not a ton of depth in this system, but the top-tier talent is among the best in the minors.
13. Texas Rangers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Jack Leiter | 21 | 1 |
| 2. 3B Josh Jung | 23 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Cole Winn | 21 | 1 |
| 4. 2B Justin Foscue | 22 | 1 |
| 5. 2B/SS Ezequiel Duran | 22 | 2 |
| 6. 1B/3B Dustin Harris | 22 | 2 |
| 7. OF Evan Carter | 19 | 3 |
| 8. SS Josh H. Smith | 24 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Owen White | 22 | 3 |
| 10. C/1B Sam Huff | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Out of all the trades the Texas Rangers have made over the last two years, the one that could yield the highest return is the under-the-radar deal that sent Mike Minor to the Oakland Athletics at the 2020 deadline. That trade brought back infielder Dustin Harris, who hit .327/.401/.542 with 20 home runs and 25 steals during a breakout 2021 campaign.
Ezequiel Duran and Josh H. Smith were both acquired in the Joey Gallo deal, while Jack Leiter now sits atop the rankings after going No. 2 overall in the 2021 draft. Not to be overlooked, top 2018 draft picks Cole Winn and Owen White are both finally healthy and producing after dealing with injuries.
12. Chicago Cubs
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Brennen Davis | 22 | 1 |
| 2. SS Cristian Hernandez | 18 | 1 |
| 3. LHP Brailyn Marquez | 23 | 2 |
| 4. OF Owen Caissie | 19 | 2 |
| 5. OF Kevin Alcantara | 19 | 2 |
| 6. LHP Jordan Wicks | 22 | 2 |
| 7. OF Pete Crow-Armstrong | 19 | 2 |
| 8. LHP DJ Herz | 21 | 3 |
| 9. SS/3B Reginald Preciado | 18 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Caleb Kilian | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The fact that Ed Howard and Miguel Amaya have both fallen off the Chicago Cubs top-10 prospect list speaks to how much talent has been added to the system in the past year.
Kevin Alcantara (Anthony Rizzo trade), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Javier Baez trade), Caleb Kilian (Kris Bryant trade), and Owen Caissie and Reginald Preciado (Yu Darvish trade) were all acquired in the past year or so, while Jordan Wicks (No. 21 overall) was the team's top draft pick.
11. Atlanta Braves
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Cristian Pache | 23 | 1 |
| 2. C Shea Langeliers | 24 | 1 |
| 3. OF Michael Harris | 20 | 1 |
| 4. OF Drew Waters | 23 | 2 |
| 5. LHP Kyle Muller | 24 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Spencer Strider | 23 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Bryce Elder | 22 | 2 |
| 8. SS Braden Shewmake | 24 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Ryan Cusick | 22 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Jared Shuster | 23 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
After hitting .111 with 25 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances with Atlanta in 2021, it's unclear exactly what to expect from Cristian Pache. He is still just 23 years old, remains an elite defensive center fielder, and as of now, he has a clear path to playing time in the outfield.
Right-hander Spencer Strider is the latest up-and-comer in a system that has churned out pitching talent over the years. A fourth-round pick in 2020, he posted a 3.64 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 94 innings over four minor league levels and made his MLB debut on Oct. 1 after starting the year at Single-A.
10. Minnesota Twins
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS/CF Austin Martin | 22 | 1 |
| 2. SS Royce Lewis | 22 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Joe Ryan | 25 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Jordan Balazovic | 23 | 1 |
| 5. INF Jose Miranda | 23 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Matt Canterino | 24 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Chase Petty | 18 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson | 21 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Jhoan Duran | 24 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Josh Winder | 25 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Amid a disappointing 2021 season, the Minnesota Twins did a nice job retooling, acquiring Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson from Toronto in exchange for Jose Berrios and right-hander Joe Ryan from the Tampa Bay Rays for a two-month rental of Nelson Cruz.
This has quickly become a pitching-rich system, and Ryan sits atop an impressive list of young arms. The 25-year-old was traded during his stint with Team USA in the Olympics, and once he returned, he quickly joined the Minnesota rotation, posting a 4.05 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 26.2 innings.
9. Arizona Diamondbacks
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Jordan Lawlar | 19 | 1 |
| 2. OF Corbin Carroll | 21 | 1 |
| 3. OF Alek Thomas | 21 | 1 |
| 4. LHP Blake Walston | 20 | 1 |
| 5. SS Geraldo Perdomo | 22 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Ryne Nelson | 23 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Drey Jameson | 24 | 2 |
| 8. 3B A.J. Vukovich | 20 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Brandon Pfaadt | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Bryce Jarvis | 24 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The No. 1 player on Baseball America's Top 500 draft prospects list, prep shortstop Jordan Lawlar unexpectedly fell into the D-backs' laps at No. 6 overall. He now sits atop a talented list of top prospects that includes a number of breakout performers.
Ryne Nelson logged a 3.17 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 116.1 innings in his first full professional season, AJ Vukovich hit .272/.320/.446 with 19 doubles, 13 home runs and 16 steals as a 19-year-old in full-season ball, and Brandon Pfaadt had a 3.21 ERA with 160 strikeouts in 131.2 innings after going in the fifth round of the 2020 draft.
8. Baltimore Orioles
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Adley Rutschman | 23 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Grayson Rodriguez | 22 | 1 |
| 3. LHP D.L. Hall | 23 | 1 |
| 4. SS Gunnar Henderson | 20 | 1 |
| 5. SS Jordan Westburg | 22 | 2 |
| 6. OF Colton Cowser | 21 | 2 |
| 7. OF Heston Kjerstad | 22 | 2 |
| 8. OF Kyle Stowers | 24 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Kyle Bradish | 25 | 3 |
| 10. 2B Connor Norby | 21 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The only prospect duo that can rival Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene in Detroit is the one-two punch of Adley Rutschman and Grayson Rodriguez in Baltimore. After hitting .285/.397/.502 with 23 home runs and 75 RBI between Double-A and Triple-A, Rutschman has a solid case for being baseball's top overall prospect, while Rodriguez is in the running for the title of top overall pitching prospect.
Sidelined since August 2020 with myocarditis—a viral inflammation of the heart muscle—Heston Kjerstad finally seems to be getting his playing career back on track. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft hit .343/.421/.590 with 37 home runs in 150 games at the University of Arkansas.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Henry Davis | 22 | 1 |
| 2. SS Oneil Cruz | 23 | 1 |
| 3. 2B Nick Gonzales | 22 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Quinn Priester | 21 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Roansy Contreras | 22 | 1 |
| 6. SS Liover Peguero | 21 | 2 |
| 7. C/OF Endy Rodriguez | 21 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Michael Burrows | 22 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Anthony Solometo | 19 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Bubba Chandler | 19 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Whether he sticks at shortstop or ultimately shifts to the outfield, Oneil Cruz is ready to make an impact. He posted a .970 OPS with 38 extra-base hits in 68 games in the upper levels of the minors, then went 3-for-9 with a home run in his first MLB action.
Roansy Contreras and Liover Peguero will also get a long look this spring, while Nick Gonzales might not be far behind after laying waste to the Arizona Fall League with a .380/.483/.549 line in 87 plate appearances following a terrific season at High-A Greensboro.
6. Seattle Mariners
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Julio Rodriguez | 21 | 1 |
| 2. SS Noelvi Marte | 20 | 1 |
| 3. RHP George Kirby | 23 | 1 |
| 4. RHP Emerson Hancock | 22 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Matt Brash | 23 | 1 |
| 6. C Harry Ford | 18 | 2 |
| 7. LHP Brandon Williamson | 23 | 2 |
| 8. OF Zach DeLoach | 23 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Levi Stoudt | 24 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Connor Phillips | 20 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
How much longer can the Seattle Mariners keep Julio Rodriguez in the minors? Playing the entire 2021 season at the age of 20, he hit .347/.441/.560 with 34 extra-base hits and 21 steals in 74 games between High-A and Double-A. He also went 10-for-24 with two doubles and one home run for the Dominican Republic team that won bronze in the Olympics.
Breakout performances on the mound from Matt Brash (2.87 ERA, 142 K, 97.1 IP), Brandon Williamson (3.39 ERA, 153 K, 98.1 IP), Levi Stoudt (3.31 ERA, 86 K, 81.2 IP) and Connor Phillips (4.62 ERA, 111 K, 76.0 IP) have turned the pitching side of things into a major strength in the system.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Diego Cartaya | 20 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Ryan Pepiot | 24 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Bobby Miller | 22 | 1 |
| 4. OF Andy Pages | 21 | 1 |
| 5. 2B Michael Busch | 24 | 1 |
| 6. 3B Miguel Vargas | 22 | 1 |
| 7. RHP Landon Knack | 24 | 2 |
| 8. SS Wilman Diaz | 18 | 3 |
| 9. IF/OF Eddys Leonard | 21 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Clayton Beeter | 23 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Even after trading away Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray in the Max Scherzer/Trea Turner blockbuster, the Los Angeles Dodgers still have an elite farm system. That is thanks in large part to a number of breakthrough performances on both sides of the ball.
Outfielder Andy Pages (.933 OPS, 31 HR) and third baseman Miguel Vargas (.906 OPS, 23 HR) turned potential into production, while Ryan Pepiot (4.62 ERA, 127 K, 101.1 IP) and Landon Knack (3.18 ERA, 82 K, 62.1 IP) look like the latest homegrown arms poised to make an impact at Dodger Stadium.
4. San Francisco Giants
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Marco Luciano | 20 | 1 |
| 2. C Joey Bart | 25 | 1 |
| 3. OF Luis Matos | 20 | 1 |
| 4. OF Heliot Ramos | 22 | 1 |
| 5. LHP Kyle Harrison | 20 | 1 |
| 6. OF Jairo Pomares | 21 | 2 |
| 7. SS Aeverson Arteaga | 18 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Will Bednar | 21 | 2 |
| 9. RHP Ryan Murphy | 22 | 3 |
| 10. C Patrick Bailey | 22 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
With Buster Posey riding off into the sunset, the catcher position now belongs to Joey Bart, who hit .294/.358/.472 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 46 RBI in 67 games at Triple-A. Outfielder Heliot Ramos is also knocking on the door after holding his own as a 21-year-old in the upper levels of the minors.
Outfielder Jairo Pomares put himself on the top prospect radar by hitting .334/.378/.629 with 27 doubles and 20 home runs in his age-20 season, while right-hander Ryan Murphy is an arm on the rise after logging a 2.52 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 164 strikeouts in 107.1 innings in his pro debut.
3. Miami Marlins
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Max Meyer | 22 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Edward Cabrera | 23 | 1 |
| 3. RHP Sixto Sanchez | 23 | 1 |
| 4. SS Kahlil Watson | 18 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Eury Perez | 18 | 1 |
| 6. OF JJ Bleday | 24 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Jake Eder | 23 | 2 |
| 8. OF Peyton Burdick | 24 | 2 |
| 9. C Joe Mack | 19 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Dax Fulton | 20 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
A consensus top-10 prospect in the 2021 draft, Kahlil Watson slipped to No. 16 overall, where the Miami Marlins added him to an already stacked farm system. He hit .394/.524/.606 with five extra-base hits in nine games in rookie ball.
The trio of Max Meyer, Edward Cabrera and Sixto Sanchez still sit atop the organizational rankings, but it may be only a matter of time before they are overtaken by Eury Perez. The 6'8" right-hander posted a 1.96 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 108 strikeouts in 78 innings in his pro debut while reaching High-A at the age of 18.
2. Cleveland Guardians
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF George Valera | 21 | 1 |
| 2. RHP Daniel Espino | 21 | 1 |
| 3. SS Tyler Freeman | 22 | 1 |
| 4. SS Gabriel Arias | 21 | 1 |
| 5. SS Brayan Rocchio | 21 | 1 |
| 6. 3B/OF Nolan Jones | 23 | 1 |
| 7. RHP Gavin Williams | 22 | 2 |
| 8. LHP Logan Allen | 23 | 2 |
| 9. C Bo Naylor | 21 | 3 |
| 10. SS Angel Martinez | 19 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
The small market Cleveland Guardians rely on cost-controlled homegrown talent to contend, and there's a wealth of it currently climbing the organization ranks. They are loaded with middle infield talent, but you can never have too many good shortstops, and that's often where players start their careers before shifting elsewhere.
Outfielder George Valera posted a .910 OPS with 19 home runs and 65 RBI in 86 games in his first extended action in the minors, delivering on the hype that has long made him a prospect to watch. On the mound, Daniel Espino (3.73 ERA, 152 K, 91.2 IP) and Logan Allen (2.26 ERA, 143 K, 111.1 IP) were two of the most overpowering pitchers in the minors.
1. Tampa Bay Rays
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Shane Baz | 22 | 1 |
| 2. INF/OF Vidal Brujan | 23 | 1 |
| 3. OF Josh Lowe | 23 | 1 |
| 4. 2B Xavier Edwards | 22 | 1 |
| 5. RHP Taj Bradley | 20 | 1 |
| 6. RHP Cole Wilcox | 22 | 1 |
| 7. SS Greg Jones | 23 | 1 |
| 8. RHP Nick Bitsko | 19 | 2 |
| 9. 1B/3B Curtis Mead | 21 | 3 |
| 10. C/OF Heriberto Hernandez | 22 | 3 |
Farm System Snapshot
Even after graduating baseball's consensus No. 1 prospect Wander Franco to the majors, the Tampa Bay Rays still have baseball's best farm system.
Shane Baz was a man among boys in the minors with a 2.06 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 78.2 innings between his time with Team USA in the Olympics, and he pitched well enough in three MLB starts down the stretch to get the ball for Game 2 of the ALDS.
A team that seems to constantly find diamonds in the rough appears to have found two more in 2018 fifth-round pick Taj Bradley (12-3, 1.83 ERA, 123 K, 103.1 IP) and Curtis Mead (104 G, .321/.378/.533, 55 XBH), who was signed out of Australia after beginning his pro career there at the age of 16.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs unless otherwise noted.