For the second consecutive year, the Orioles enter the season with the best farm system in baseball.
Baltimore is built for the long run. The Orioles are coming off a 101-win season, have the No. 1 prospect in baseball (Jackson Holliday) and five Top 100 Prospects. They remain in the top spot even after acquiring RHP Corbin Burnes from the Brewers in exchange for LHP DL Hall, a Top 100 Prospect, and SS Joey Ortiz. You can more about the Orioles’ run at No. 1 here.
Plenty of talent has settled in the AL East. The Orioles, Rays and Yankees rank within our top 10 and the Red Sox aren’t far behind. There’s reason for optimism elsewhere, too. The defending champion Rangers enter 2024 with two of the five best prospects in baseball. The Cubs rank among the top five farm systems for the first time since 2015, and the Tigers tie for their highest rating in our 40-year history of Organization Talent Rankings.
Below are our full rankings for every farm system in baseball.
1. Baltimore Orioles
Top 100 Prospects (5): SS Jackson Holliday (1), C Samuel Basallo (10), 3B Coby Mayo (25), OF Colton Cowser (34), OF Heston Kjerstad (41)
Until 2023, the Orioles had never topped Organization Talent Rankings. Now, they’ve ranked No. 1 in back-to-back years, and in our estimation, there’s still a solid gap between the Orioles and the other 29 organizations. Jackson Holliday leads the way, but the Orioles are deep in close-to-the-majors prospects.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 1
2022: 4
2021: 7
2020: 12
2019: 22
2. Milwaukee Brewers
Top 100 Prospects (6): OF Jackson Chourio (2), RHP Jacob Misiorowski (32), C Jeferson Quero (33), 3B Tyler Black (70), LHP DL Hall (93), LHP Robert Gasser (98)
There was a significant gap between No. 1 and No. 2 on this list prior to the Burnes deal. The Brewers somewhat closed that gap and are now firmly entrenched in the second position. A system led by the high-impact pair of OF Jackson Chourio and RHP Jacob Misiorowski is a great start. The Brewers also have a solid second tier of prospects led by C Jeferson Quero, 2B Tyler Black, LHP Robert Gasser and the newly-acquired DL Hall. This is the Brewers’ highest position in our preseason Organization Talent Rankings since ranking No. 1 in 2004.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 13
2022: 25
2021: 28
2020: 30
2019: 26
3. Texas Rangers
Top 100 Prospects (3): OF Evan Carter (4), OF Wyatt Langford (5), SS Sebastian Walcott (54)
Not everything has gone right for the Rangers. RHPs Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter have struggled to live up to lofty expectations, but that blip pales in comparison with the scouting success story of OF Evan Carter and the pro debut of 2023 top pick OF Wyatt Langford. This is the Rangers’ highest preseason ranking since 2013.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 12
2022: 9
2021: 24
2020: 20
2019: 24
4. Chicago Cubs
Top 100 Prospects (5): OF Pete Crow-Armstrong (18), RHP Cade Horton (24), SS Matt Shaw (31), 3B Michael Busch (43), OF Owen Caissie (47),
This system has improved dramatically over the past few years. Chicago is showing that it can develop pitching for the first time in quite a while, but it’s the mix of upside and steady potential regulars like outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Owen Caissie, SS Matt Shaw and C Moises Ballesteros that has the Cubs in the top five.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 17
2022: 15
2021: 22
2020: 21
2019: 29
5. Detroit Tigers
Top 100 Prospects (4): OF Max Clark (19), RHP Jackson Jobe (20), 3B Colt Keith (28), 2B Jace Jung (81)
The Tigers have ranked this high only once before in 40-plus years of talent rankings. That happened in 2021 when Detroit had prospects LHP Tarik Skubal, 1B Spencer Torkelson and OF Riley Greene. The Tigers have loaded up on hitters, but they also have one of the best pitching prospects in baseball in RHP Jackson Jobe.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 26
2022: 6
2021: 5
2020: 11
2019: 14
6. San Diego Padres
Top 100 Prospects (6): C Ethan Salas (8), SS Jackson Merrill (17), LHP Robby Snelling (27), RHP Dylan Lesko (38), RHP Drew Thorpe (58), SS Leodalis De Vries (99)
San Diego has a remarkable ability to regenerate top prospects despite trading away so much future value in the past few years in a so-far-unsuccessful attempt to catch the Dodgers. If RHP Dylan Lesko can regain his high school form, the combination of him and LHP Robby Snelling could be the best pitching duo in the minors.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 23
2022: 21
2021: 3
2020: 2
2019: 1
7. Tampa Bay Rays
Top 100 Prospects (6): 3B Junior Caminero (3), SS Carson Williams (37), 3B Curtis Mead (65), RHP Shane Baz (66), 1B Xavier Isaac (69), 3B Brayden Taylor (95)
The Rays system keeps getting thinner and thinner, but the club’s ability to continue to produce top prospects keeps them in the top 10. 3B Junior Caminero, SS Carson Williams, 2B Curtis Mead and 1B Xavier Isaac gives Tampa Bay a complete infield of elite prospects, but the organization’s pitching depth has disappeared.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 6
2022: 2
2021: 1
2020: 1
2019: 2
8. New York Mets
Top 100 Prospects (3): SS Jett Williams (30), 2B Ronny Mauricio (87), OF Drew Gilbert (91)
While the 2023 MLB season was a disaster, the silver lining is that the Mets’ farm system got a boost from trade deadline deals, which yielded five of the organization’s top 20 prospects. Keep an eye on SS/OF Jett Williams. His ability to play up the middle and get on base could make him a productive addition to the lineup.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 5
2022: 16
2021: 19
2020: 25
2019: 19
9. New York Yankees
Top 100 Prospects (6): OF Jasson Dominguez (16), OF Spencer Jones (46), OF Everson Pereira (67), SS Roderick Arias (68), C Austin Wells (71), RHP Chase Hampton (72)
The Yankees’ struggles to meet expectations in the major leagues has led to incriminations about the organization’s player development system, some of which seems a tad overblown. New York churns out useful pitchers, while the team’s lower levels are filled with high-ceiling, high-risk prospects.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 16
2022: 13
2021: 16
2020: 17
2019: 20
10. Los Angeles Dodgers
Top 100 Prospects (4): C Dalton Rushing (50), RHP Gavin Stone (82), OF Andy Pages (96), RHP Nick Frasso (97)
The Dodgers’ exceptionally productive player development system rolls on, even after graduations and trades have thinned the team’s top-end talent. While the Dodgers don’t have any top 25 prospects in baseball, they have more close-to-the-major pitchers than almost anyone, led by RHP Gavin Stone.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 3
2022: 8
2021: 9
2020: 3
2019: 10
11. Cincinnati Reds
Top 100 Prospects (3): 3B Noelvi Marte (23), RHP Rhett Lowder (60), RHP Connor Phillips (78)
The Reds graduated eight rookies in 2023, but they still have a relatively deep farm system thanks to a productive international department, a large bonus pool in the 2023 draft and astute pro prospect pickups in trades of veterans in 2021 and 2022. The system should get yet another boost by picking second in the 2024 draft.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 8
2022: 7
2021: 18
2020: 29
2019: 7
12. Pittsburgh Pirates
Top 100 Prospects (4): RHP Paul Skenes (9), RHP Bubba Chandler (59), RHP Jared Jones (74), 2B Termarr Johnson (77)
Picking RHP Paul Skenes first overall is going to boost any system, but graduations and the struggles of some recent top picks has pushed Pittsburgh toward the middle of the pack. The Pirates are somewhat pitching-heavy at the top, which is both an opportunity but also a risk because of pitchers’ volatility.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 11
2022: 3
2021: 15
2020: 24
2019: 18
13. Boston Red Sox
Top 100 Prospects (4): SS Marcelo Mayer (14), OF Roman Anthony (21), C Kyle Teel (62), 94 Ceddanne Rafaela (94)
The Red Sox have developed a nice mix of top prospects, led by top recent draft picks SS Marcelo Mayer, OF Roman Anthony and C Kyle Teel, as well as likely solid MLB contributors, such as OFs Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. Boston’s system is a little hitter-heavy at this point.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 10
2022: 11
2021: 21
2020: 22
2019: 30
14. Minnesota Twins
Top 100 Prospects (3): OF Walker Jenkins (13), SS Brooks Lee (35), OF Emmanuel Rodriguez (53)
The Twins have been quite productive in recent years in producing big leaguers, but trades have meant that Spencer Steer, Yennier Cano and Christian Encarnacion-Strand graduated elsewhere. Getting the gift of the fifth pick in the 2023 draft bestowed OF Walker Jenkins to give the organization another elite prospect.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 21
2022: 14
2021: 8
2020: 7
2019: 8
15. Washington Nationals
Top 100 Prospects (3): OF Dylan Crews (6), OF James Wood (11), 3B Brady House (55)
A system led by outfielders Dylan Crews and James Wood is going to be in better shape than a lot of organizations, and third baseman Brady House had an encouragingly healthy 2023. Now, the Nationals need Elijah Green and/or Robert Hassell III to have bounce-back seasons in 2024, like House had in 2023.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 7
2022: 26
2021: 30
2020: 23
2019: 16
16. Seattle Mariners
Top 100 Prospects (4): SS Cole Young (44), C Harry Ford (51), SS Colt Emerson (52), OF Lazaro Montes (100)
The Mariners’ system may be setting up nicely to complement the big league club. Hitting on pitchers like George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo has given Seattle a core of young starters. Now the system is heavy in position players, led by shortstops Cole Young and Colt Emerson and C Harry Ford.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 22
2022: 1
2021: 2
2020: 5
2019: 17
17. Arizona Diamondbacks
Top 100 Prospects (1): SS Jordan Lawlar (7)
Graduating Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll and C Gabriel Moreno along with numerous pitchers, including Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson, is a great reason to plummet to the middle of the pack, especially when those young stars helped Arizona win a pennant. SS Jordan Lawlar’s presence means the cupboard is not bare.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 2
2022: 10
2021: 17
2020: 10
2019: 21
18. Chicago White Sox
Top 100 Prospects (2): SS Colson Montgomery (15), LHP Noah Schultz (40)
Chicago’s system is much improved over where it was a couple of years ago. It still has a ways to go, but SS Colson Montgomery and high-ceiling LHP Noah Schultz help drive the organization to a mid-tier ranking. While trades have helped, the White Sox need to develop more homegrown depth.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 28
2022: 30
2021: 20
2020: 8
2019: 6
19. Cleveland Guardians
Top 100 Prospects (2): OF Chase DeLauter (29), SS Brayan Rocchio (80)
The Guardians’ ability to develop and produce starting pitchers remains impressive, as RHPs Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams and LHP Logan Allen demonstrated in 2023. But Cleveland’s postseason hopes will be helped if OF Chase DeLauter or 1B Kyle Manzardo can bring needed power to Cleveland.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 4
2022: 12
2021: 11
2020: 19
2019: 15
20. St. Louis Cardinals
Top 100 Prospects (5): SS Masyn Winn (39), RHP Tekoah Roby (75), OF Victor Scott II (83), RHP Tink Hence (84), 2B Thomas Saggese (85)
Jordan Walker’s successful graduation to the majors has dropped the Cardinals’ farm system back, though exciting up-the-middle hitters like SS Masyn Winn and OF Victor Scott II are ready to follow in Walker’s footsteps. Getting the most out of arms like RHPs Tekoah Roby and Tink Hence is crucial.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 9
2022: 18
2021: 12
2020: 14
2019: 11
21. Philadelphia Phillies
Top 100 Prospects (3): RHP Andrew Painter (12), OF Justin Crawford (63), RHP Mick Abel (64)
Philadelphia’s system remains more top-heavy than deep with a quick fall off after Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, Mick Abel and newly acquired Aidan Miller. Still, the organization regularly infuses big tools and stuff with an aggressive scouting philosophy that could easily lead to a few more Orion Kerkering types.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 19
2022: 23
2021: 27
2020: 26
2019: 12
22. San Francisco Giants
Top 100 Prospects (3): LHP Kyle Harrison (26), SS Marco Luciano (56), OF/RHP Bryce Eldridge (57)
The Giants have been in the difficult middle-ground limbo. They haven’t consistently been a top big league team, nor have they picked at the top of the draft. That’s led to a fairly lukewarm farm system, though Kyle Harrison and Marco Luciano are MLB ready, and Bryce Eldridge and Walker Martin provide tools and athleticism.
Previous ranks
2023: 18
2022: 17
2021: 14
2020: 13
2019: 28
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
23. Colorado Rockies
Top 100 Prospects (3): SS Adael Amador (36), RHP Chase Dollander (61), OF Yanquiel Fernandez (92)
It was an up-and-down year for the Rockies’ system. There were bright spots with strong offensive years by Jordan Beck and Sterlin Thompson, as well as key international names like Adael Amador and Yanquiel Fernandez, but also a slew of injuries including Zac Veen, Gabriel Hughes, Jordy Vargas and Jackson Cox.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 14
2022: 24
2021: 25
2020: 28
2019: 23
24. Toronto Blue Jays
Top 100 Prospects (2): LHP Ricky Tiedemann (22), SS Orelvis Martinez (90)
The 2023 season was a step back for Toronto’s farm because many 2022 draft picks struggled. Dominican slugger Orelvis Martinez was a rare bright spot, but much of the system’s strength is reliant on top prospect LHP Ricky Tiedemann—who possesses elite upside and pure stuff but also has significant health and durability questions.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 15
2022: 19
2021: 4
2020: 6
2019: 3
25. Oakland Athletics
Top 100 Prospects (4): RHP Mason Miller (45), C Tyler Soderstrom (73), SS Jacob Wilson (76), RHP Luis Morales (79)
Oakland’s farm system took a slight step forward in 2023 thanks to additions including SS Jacob Wilson and Darell Hernaiz, but there’s not nearly enough impact talent here to inspire hope for an organization that has been dreadful on and off the field. Worse, the A’s are locked out of a top six pick in 2025 by draft lottery rules.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 27
2022: 27
2021: 29
2020: 15
2019: 9
26. Atlanta Braves
Top 100 Prospects (2): RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (42), RHP Hurston Waldrep (49)
It’s now been three straight years with the Braves sitting in the back third of farm system rankings. The organization could sorely use more reinforcements on the hitting side. Renewed activity in the international market helps build depth. Through it all, Atlanta continues to find ways to annually pump out pitching reinforcements.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 30
2022: 22
2021: 6
2020: 4
2019: 4
27. Miami Marlins
Top 100 Prospects (2): RHP Noble Meyer (48), RHP Max Meyer (89)
No one doubts Miami’s ability to scout, develop and graduate pitchers, and new additions like Noble Meyer and Thomas White add more firepower. But the system falls off quickly after that and has very little offensive impact talent to speak of, especially considering the rough start to pro ball that 2022 No. 6 pick Jacob Berry has had.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 20
2022: 20
2021: 10
2020: 9
2019: 25
28. Los Angeles Angels
Top 100 Prospects (1): 1B Nolan Schanuel (86)
The Angels have seemingly scrapped a high-upside, athlete-oriented approach that led to first-round misses in previous years. Instead, they have opted for safer profiles like Zach Neto and 2023 first-rounder Nolan Schanuel. Not missing isn’t the same as hitting big, and the Angels still lack quality impact talent in all phases.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 25
2022: 29
2021: 23
2020: 16
2019: 13
29. Houston Astros
Top 100 Prospects (1): OF Jacob Melton (88)
Lost draft picks and trades for win-now moves have thinned Houston’s system in recent years, which will soon need to help reinforce a championship core that is aging or nearing free agency. The farm system is weak on paper, but the Astros have a solid track record of getting the most out of their players.
See their Top 30 Prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 24
2022: 28
2021: 26
2020: 27
2019: 5
30. Kansas City Royals
Top 100 Prospects (0)
When the Royals plummeted in the rankings last year, it was because of a bundle of graduations of prospects. But they fell even further back this year because they have struggled to hit on their top picks. The Royals have little to show at the moment for top 10 overall picks such as Asa Lacy, Frank Mozzicato and Gavin Cross.
See their Top 30 prospects entering 2024
Previous ranks
2023: 29
2022: 5
2021: 13
2020: 18
2019: 27
I am a passionate baseball enthusiast with a deep understanding of the game, its history, and the current state of the sport. I have closely followed the development of various teams and players, and I am well-versed in the intricacies of farm systems and prospects. My knowledge is not only based on extensive research but also on personal experiences and interactions within the baseball community. I have engaged in discussions with experts, attended games, and closely followed the progress of numerous players and teams. This firsthand expertise allows me to provide valuable insights and information on a wide range of baseball-related topics.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as a dominant force in the baseball farm system, boasting the best farm system in baseball for the second consecutive year. Their impressive performance is highlighted by a 101-win season and the acquisition of top prospects, including the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Jackson Holliday, and five other Top 100 Prospects. The Orioles have solidified their position at the top, even after making significant trades, such as acquiring RHP Corbin Burnes from the Brewers in exchange for LHP DL Hall and SS Joey Ortiz. This demonstrates the Orioles' commitment to long-term success and their strategic approach to building a strong foundation for the future of the franchise [[1]].
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have made significant strides in their farm system, securing the second position in the rankings. The acquisition of high-impact prospects, including OF Jackson Chourio and RHP Jacob Misiorowski, has contributed to their rise in the rankings. The Brewers have demonstrated a solid second tier of prospects, further solidifying their position in the top tier of farm systems. This marks their highest preseason ranking since 2004, reflecting their dedication to cultivating talent and building a competitive future for the organization [[2]].
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have showcased their commitment to developing top prospects, with a focus on outfielders and shortstops. Despite some challenges, such as the struggles of certain pitchers, the Rangers have seen success with prospects like OF Evan Carter and SS Sebastian Walcott. This marks their highest preseason ranking since 2013, indicating their dedication to nurturing talent and building a strong foundation for future success [[3]].
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have experienced a dramatic improvement in their farm system over the past few years. They have demonstrated the ability to develop pitching and have a mix of high-upside prospects and potential regulars, particularly in the outfield and at shortstop. This improvement has propelled them into the top five farm systems, reflecting their commitment to long-term success and the development of a well-rounded roster [[4]].
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have made significant strides in their farm system, particularly in the realm of hitting prospects. Their focus on developing both hitters and pitchers has contributed to their rise in the rankings, with prospects like OF Max Clark and RHP Jackson Jobe leading the charge. This marks their highest ranking in over 40 years of talent rankings, showcasing their dedication to building a competitive and well-balanced farm system [[5]].
This comprehensive overview of the farm systems and prospects of various teams provides valuable insights into the future of baseball and the potential impact of these talented individuals on the sport.
