Organization Talent Rankings Updated After Trade Deadline

Now that the non-waiver trade deadline has passed, here’s a look at how the farm systems rank. Consider this a snapshot; these rankings will change as players graduate and others establish themselves more firmly. Players change, and we’re always gathering more information, but here’s how we see the systems as of Aug. 1.

Best of the Best

1. Braves

The skinny: Our preseason No. 1 still has depth as well as impact talent.

2. White Sox

The skinny: Massive farm system makeover has White Sox nipping on Braves’ heels.

Elite Farm Systems

3. Phillies

The skinny: Phillies are still deep in upper-level talent but also helped by improvement from young pitchers.

4. Padres

The skinny: Many of Padres best prospects are in Class A and below, but depth of the farm system is notable.

5. Astros

The skinny: Development of Franklin Perez, Forrest Whitley and Yordan Alvarez boosts already deep group.

6. Rays

The skinny: Depth less notable here than strength of the top prospects.

7. Yankees

The skinny: Even after trading to help bullpen and rotation, Yankees are still loaded.

Near-Elite Farm Systems

8. Brewers

The skinny: Big league Brewers have been better than expected in ’17; farm system should keep momentum going in ’18.

9. Blue Jays

The skinny: The system is top-heavy, but the trio of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Anthony Alford is a great way to lead off a system.

10. Dodgers

The skinny: Even after Yu Darvish deal, Dodgers have Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo leading a strong group. L.A. has drafted very well of late.

11. Reds

The skinny: Adding Nick Senzel and Hunter Greene at the top of the last two drafts has buoyed an already deep system.

Middle of the Pack

12. Indians

The skinny: Francisco Mejia/Triston McKenzie are the Indians’ battery of the future.

13. Cardinals

The skinny: While 2017 has been a wasted year for Cards in majors, the farm system has gotten deeper and better.

14. Pirates

The skinny: Graduations have thinned the system, but Mitch Keller is still a great No. 1 prospect.

15. Rockies

The skinny: Rockies graduated Jeff Hoffman, German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland, understandably dropping them in the rankings.

16. Athletics

The skinny: Recent trades have helped bolster the system. If Dustin Fowler and James Kaprielian are healthy next year, the A’s will climb.

17. Mets

The skinny: Injuries have hurt the Mets at the big league and minor league levels.

18. Nationals

The skinny: The top of the Nationals’ Top 10 is really impressive, but system thins out quickly.

Bottom-Third Farm Systems

19. Twins

The skinny: Twins sold off pieces at deadline but lacked the big league talent to land impact prospects in return.

20. Red Sox

The skinny: Michael Chavis‘ development this year helps a trade-thinned system.

21. Rangers

The skinny: Darvish trade can’t fully make up for graduations/trades of past two years.

22. Orioles

The skinny: Austin Hays and Ryan Mountcastle‘s development provides some hope amidst big league struggles.

23. Mariners

The skinny: Mariners have made a ton of trades, but some have hurt more than they have helped.

24. Diamondbacks

The skinny: Good work by Arizona front office allowed it to land impact bat in J.D. Martinez while retaining top four prospects.

25. Tigers

The skinny: With Alex Faedo and Matt Manning developing in the low minors, Tigers will likely rise in next year’s farm system rankings.

Bottom of the Barrel

26. Angels

The skinny: After years of drought, the first green shoots of growth are poking through the topsoil, led by Jordon Adell.

27. Giants

The skinny: Some Giants prospects have taken leaps forward this year, but the lack of impact talent is apparent, as is a lack of upper-level help.