2019 MLB Organization Talent Rankings
Baseball America presents its updated organization talent rankings following the 2019 trade deadline. We previously updated the rankings in July, taking the 2019 MLB Draft, our updated Top 100 and new team Top 30s into consideration.
"Last rank" refers to the organization's preseason ranking before the 2019 season.
With the expiration of the 2019 trade deadline and abolition of August waiver trades, expect to see prospects stay put until the offseason. That’s because the types of major league stars that can command top prospects in trade are now forbidden from being dealt during the next few months.
Thus we have a static look at all 30 farm systems—at least until the offseason, when veteran-for-prospects trades will resume. Here we take stock of farm system risers and fallers in the wake of the July 31 deadline.
Some of the risers and fallers...
- Braves (down 1 spot)
- Blue Jays (up 3 spots)
- Marlins (up 2 spots)
- Astros (down 8 spots)
- D-backs (up 7 spots)
- Reds (down 3 spots)
- Mets (down 2 spots)
- 1 –Last: 1
Tampa Bay Rays
Notes:2019 Preseason: 2 | 2018: 5 | 2017: 11 | 2016: 13 | 2015: 17 | 2014: 20
8 Top 100 prospects: SS Wander Franco (1), LHP/DH Brendan McKay (10), LHP Matthew Liberatore (35), C Ronaldo Hernandez (56), 2B Vidal Brujan (59), RHP Brent Honeywell (62), RHP Shane Baz (77), 1B Nate Lowe (93)
Notes: Wander Franco leads the way, but even without him, this would still the best farm system in baseball thanks to the Rays' depth of position and pitching prospects. Tampa Bay's 40-man roster is crowded now and will get more crowded this offseason, so they need to trade quantity for quality.Less - 2 –Last: 2
San Diego Padres
Notes:2019 Preseason: 1 | 2018: 3 | 2017: 9 | 2016: 25 | 2015: 14 | 2014: 6
7 Top 100 prospects: LHP MacKenzie Gore (4), 2B Luis Urias (27), RHP Luis Patiño (33), OF Taylor Trammell (40), LHP Adrian Morejon (44), SS CJ Abrams (48), 1B Josh Naylor (85)
Notes: The Padres have already graduated six prospects this summer, including Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Paddack, but the system has the best pitching prospect in baseball in MacKenzie Gore as well as a rare mix of upper-level position prospects and arms.Less - 3Last: 4
Chicago White Sox
Notes:2019 Preseason: 6 | 2018: 4 | 2017: 5| 2016: 23 | 2015: 20 | 2014: 24
5 Top 100 prospects OF Luis Robert (3), 1B Andrew Vaughn (22), RHP Dylan Cease (29), RHP Michael Kopech (31), 2B Nick Madrigal (57)
Notes: Luis Robert's exceptional bounceback from an injury-ruined 2018 season and the acquisition of Andrew Vaughn gives this team a pair of potential lineup cornerstones to join Eloy Jimenez and Yoan Moncada on the White Sox teams of the early 2020s.Less - 4Last: 3
Atlanta Braves
Notes:2019 Preseason: 4 | 2018: 1 | 2017: 1 | 2016: 3 | 2015: 29 | 2014: 26
6 Top 100 prospects: OF Cristian Pache (14), RHP Ian Anderson (26), OF Drew Waters (30), RHP Kyle Wright (46), LHP Kyle Muller (63), RHP Bryse Wilson (74)
Notes: Unlike the Rays and Padres, the Braves' depth isn't what it used to be—this team has graduated a slew of impact major leaguers and it is reeling from MLB-imposed international sanctions. But the Braves' remaining pitching prospects are still the envy of baseball, and Cristian Pache and Drew Waters gives the team a pair of potent outfield prospects as well.
Atlanta dipped into its prospect pitching depth at the deadline, dealing upper-level LHPs Joey Wentz and Kolby Allard and RHP Tristan Beck, to help patch its bullpen with veterans Shane Greene, Chris Martin and Mark Melancon. The Braves also graduated notable rookies RHP Mike Soroka and slugging OF/3B Austin Riley.Less - 5 –Last: 5
Los Angeles Dodgers
Notes:2010 Preseason: 9 | 2018: 9 | 2017: 2 | 2016: 1 | 2015: 3 | 2014: 14
4 Top 100 prospects: SS Gavin Lux (9), RHP Dustin May (25), C Keibert Ruiz (50), C Will Smith (54)
Notes: The Dodgers seem to produce at least one franchise-caliber prospect each year. This year, shortstop Gavin Lux and righthander Dustin May are vying for that title. The team's player development system does an excellent job of getting the most out of each player's talent.Less - 6Last: 9
Toronto Blue Jays
Notes:2019 Preseason: 3 | 2018: 8 | 2017: 20 | 2016: 24 | 2015: 9 | 2014: 15
4 Top 100 prospects: SS Bo Bichette (6), RHP Nate Pearson (15), SS Jordan Groshans (42), RHP Eric Pardinho (95)
Notes: Toronto graduated No. 1 prospect in baseball Vladimir Guerrero Jr. but helped replenish its farm system in the Marcus Stroman trade with the Mets that netted Triple-A LHP Anthony Kay and 18-year-old RHP Simeon Woods-Richardson , the youngest pitcher in the Florida State League. The pitchers moved into the Blue Jays’ top 10.Less - 7Last: 6
Minnesota Twins
Notes:2019 Preseason: 7 | 2018: 12 | 2017: 22 | 2016: 10 | 2015: 2 | 2014: 3
4 Top 100 prospects: OF Alex Kirilloff (16), SS Royce Lewis (20), RHP Brusdar Graterol (34), RHP Jordan Balazovic (97)
Notes: Shortstop Royce Lewis has struggled this year, but this remains a system with a very nice mix of athletic infielders, quality outfield bats and a plethora of power arms.Less - 8Last: 10
Miami Marlins
Notes:2019 Preseason: 13 | 2018: 24 | 2017: 29 | 2016: 29 | 2015: 25 | 2014: 27
5 Top 100 Prospects: RHP Sixto Sanchez (19), OF Jesus Sanchez (47), OF JJ Bleday (59), 2B Isan Diaz (90), RHP Edward Cabrera (91)
Notes: If you're looking for a most-improved farm system, Miami is a great candidate. The team has pitching prospects scattered at all full-season levels and now has added outfielder JJ Bleday as well. The Marlins’ deadline dealing cost them starters Zac Gallen and Trevor Richards and relievers Nick Anderson and Sergio Romo but yielded them a trio of top 10 prospects, all of them upper-level position players. Miami added corner OF Jesus Sanchez, SS Jazz Chisholm and emerging Double-A 1B Lewin Diaz.Less - 9Last: 8
Baltimore Orioles
Notes:2019 Preseason: 22 | 2018: 17 | 2017: 27 | 2016: 27 | 2015: 28 | 2014: 12
5 Top 100 prospects: C Adley Rutschman (5), LHP D.L. Hall (39), RHP Grayson Rodriguez (51), OF Yusniel Diaz (84), 1B Ryan Mountcastle (99)
Notes: Drafting Adley Rutschman is a massive help to any farm system. The Orioles have also seen several pitchers take off this year, including righthanders Grayson Rodriguez and Michael Baumann.Less - 10Last: 12
Cleveland Indians
Notes:2019 Preseason: 16 | 2018: 21 | 2017: 18 | 2016: 17 | 2015: 23 | 2014: 17
5 Top 100 prospects: 3B Nolan Jones (49), RHP Triston McKenzie (72), SS Tyler Freeman (82), LHP Logan Allen (85), OF George Valera (91)
Notes: Cleveland is a sleeper pick to be a top farm system in a year or two, as they have one of the best groups of prospects in short-season and rookie ball. That also means they have more risk than some of the other systems in this range.Less - 11 –Last: 11
Seattle Mariners
Notes:2019 Preseason: 14 | 2018: 30 | 2017: 21 | 2016: 28 | 2015: 24 | 2014: 25
5 Top 100 Prospects: OF Jarred Kelenic (32), OF Julio Rodriguez (45), LHP Justus Sheffield (79), RHP Logan Gilbert (81), 1B Evan White (88)
Notes: The Mariners should send the Mets a gift-basket every year on the anniversary of the Edwin Diaz-Jarred Kelenic trade. Recent first rounders Evan White and Logan Gilbert are also impressing.Less - 12Last: 13
Oakland Athletics
Notes:2019 Preseason: 11 | 2018: 18 | 2017: 17 | 2016: 18 | 2015: 19 | 2014: 23
3 Top 100 prospects: LHP Jesus Luzardo (12), LHP A.J. Puk (24), C Sean Murphy (60)
Notes: Injuries have slowed the progress of many of the A's best prospects, but if they can return to health, there are a number of close-to-the-majors prospects here.Less - 13Last: 14
Detroit Tigers
Notes:2019 Preseason: 15 | 2018: 20 | 2017: 25 | 2016: 26 | 2015: 30 | 2014: 28
3 Top 100 Prospects:: RHP Casey Mize (7), RHP Matt Manning (23), OF Riley Greene (55)
Notes: Between Casey Mize, Matt Manning and the rise of Tarik Skubal, the Tigers have the arms to make up for the fall of Kyle Funkhouser and the continual injury issues of Franklin Perez.Less - 14Last: 15
San Francisco Giants
Notes:2019 Preseason: 28 | 2018: 25 | 2017: 24 | 2016: 19 | 2015: 26 | 2014: 19
4 Top 100 prospect: C Joey Bart (17), OF Heliot Ramos (66), SS Marco Luciano (69), OF Hunter Bishop (96)
Notes: The Giants' 2018 draft and its international signing haul last year are quickly boosting what had been a bottom-tier farm system.Less - 15Last: 7
Houston Astros
Notes:2019 Preseason: 5 | 2018: 11 | 2017: 4 | 2016: 2 | 2015: 10 | 2014: 5
2 Top 100 prospects: RHP Forrest Whitley (8), OF Kyle Tucker (11)
Notes: Houston took the biggest tumble on the organization talent rankings in the wake of their trade for RHP Zack Greinke, not to mention the graduation of OF Yordan Alvarez . The Astros traded three top 10 prospects to the D-backs to acquire the 35-year-old ace: RHPs Corbin Martin and J.B. Bukauskas and 1B Seth Beer.Less - 16Last: 23
Arizona Diamondbacks
Notes:2019 Preseason: 21 | 2018: 26 | 2017: 28 | 2016: 22 | 2015: 6 | 2014: 13
3 Top 100 prospects: RHP Zac Gallen (71), OF Alek Thomas (98), C Daulton Varsho (100)
Notes: Arizona was the biggest post-deadline riser. They swapped Double-A SS Jazz Chisholm to the Marlins for 24-year-old rookie RHP Zac Gallen in the rare prospect challenge trade. The D-backs also traded ace Zack Greinke to the Astros for RHPs Corbin Martin and J.B. Bukauskas, 1B Seth Beer and versatile, hard-hitting infielder Josh Rojas.Less - 17Last: 16
St. Louis Cardinals
Notes:2019 Preseason: 10 | 2018: 13 | 2017: 12 | 2016: 14 | 2015: 15 | 2014: 7
3 Top 100 prospects: OF Dylan Carlson (28), 3B Nolan Gorman (41), 3B Elehuris Montero (80)
Notes: The Cardinals have seen five different prospects make big league contributions this year. The rise of outfielder Dylan Carlson, who has handled an aggressive jump to Double-A, helps as well.Less - 18Last: 17
Los Angeles Angels
Notes:2019 Preseason: 12 | 2018: 14 | 2017: 30 | 2016: 30 | 2015: 27 | 2014: 30
2 Top 100 prospects: OF Jo Adell (2), LHP Jose Suarez (83)
Notes: The Angels have gotten big league help from Luis Rengifo, Ty Buttrey and Griffin Canning this year, but Jo Adell, the next expected arrival, will be the biggest boost.Less - 19Last: 18
Kansas City Royals
Notes:2019 Preseason: 27 | 2018: 29 | 2017: 26 | 2016: 21 | 2015: 13 | 2014: 8
4 Top 100 prospect: SS Bobby Witt Jr. (19), RHP Jackson Kowar (64), LHP Daniel Lynch (76), RHP Brady Singer (92)
Notes: High Class A Wilmington's pitching staff, filled with the Royals' best prospects, has been great. The Wilmington lineup, also filled with the organization's best prospects, has been awful.Less - 20Last: 19
Pittsburgh Pirates
Notes:2019 Preseason: 18 | 2018: 16 | 2017: 7 | 2016: 11 | 2015: 7 | 2014: 1
3 Top 100 prospects: 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (37), RHP Mitch Keller (38), SS Oneil Cruz (65)
Notes: The top 10 on the Pirates' list is solid, but what was once a very deep system is thinner now.Less - 21 –Last: 21
New York Yankees
Notes:2019 Preseason: 20 | 2018: 2 | 2017: 3 | 2016: 16 | 2015: 19 | 2014: 18
1 Top 100 prospect: RHP Deivi Garcia (68)
Notes: The Yankees have very few close-to-the-majors top prospects, but few teams have more high-ceiling lottery tickets in the lower minors, which gives them a lot of potential.Less - 22 –Last: 22
Boston Red Sox
Notes:2019 Preseason: 30 | 2018: 23 | 2017: 14 | 2016: 4 | 2015: 5 | 2014: 2
3 Top 100 prospects: 1B/3B Triston Casas (73), RHP Bryan Mata (87), 3B Bobby Dalbec (94)
Notes: A great Red Sox farm system had turned into a very thin farm system over the last couple of years after successful graduations and shrewd trades to build a World Series winner. It's back on the rise, however, thanks to productive youngsters like Triston Casas, Bryan Mata and Jarren Duran.Less - 23Last: 20
Cincinnati Reds
Notes:2019 Preseason: 8 | 2018: 10 | 2017: 13 | 2016: 12 | 2015: 16 | 2014: 16
2 Top 100 prospects: RHP Hunter Greene (52), 3B Jonathan India (53)
Notes: The Reds lost their top two preseason position prospects. OF Nick Senzel graduated, while 21-year-old Double-A OF Taylor Trammell was dealt as part of a three-team deal for Indians RHP Trevor Bauer. The Reds reversed course when they traded RHP Tanner Roark to the Athletics for OF Jameson Hannah.Less - 24 –Last: 24
Washington Nationals
Notes:2019 Preseason: 17 | 2018: 15 | 2017: 19 | 2016: 5 | 2015: 12 | 2014: 21
2 Top 100 prospects: SS Carter Kieboom (21), SS Luis Garcia (75)
Notes: All of a sudden the once hitter-heavy Nats' system is more stocked with pitchers than hitters, thanks to draftees like Jackson Rutledge and Mason Denaburg.Less - 25 –Last: 25
Philadelphia Phillies
Notes:2019 Preseason: 23 | 2018: 7 | 2017: 6 | 2016: 8 | 2015: 22 | 2014: 22
2 Top 100 prospects: 3B Alec Bohm (36), RHP Spencer Howard (67)
Notes: As Philadelphia has flipped from rebuilding to contending, graduations and trades have pruned the farm system.Less
