1. Chicago Cubs

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 2

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Addison Russell (2)

Prospects on the BP 101: 7

State of the System: Despite graduating infielders Arismendy Alcantara and Javier Baez, and mildly uninspiring years from former Top 10 prospects like C.J. Edwards and Christian Villanueva, the Cubs are the proud owner of the game’s top system. With the 2014 arrival of shortstop Addison Russell via trade, the explosive emergence of third baseman Kris Bryant, and the selection of a hit-first prospect like Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs remain absolutely loaded with impact talent. The arrival and emergence of those players doesn’t even begin to touch on the continued presence of outfielders Jorge Soler and Albert Almora, as well as quality depth of high ceiling players like Gleyber Torres, Eloy Jimenez, Carson Sands, and Mark Zagunis. The Cubs’ system is loaded to the gills with talent that could help their roster continue to improve internally, or via trade.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Iowa

Prospects to See There: Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Pierce Johnson

2. Minnesota Twins

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 1

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Byron Buxton (1)

Prospects on the BP 101: 8

State of the System: After resting atop these rankings in 2014, the Twins managed to retain their lofty title despite injury-marred seasons from two of the game’s elite prospects, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. Even with their arrivals delayed due to injury, both prospects headline an impressive crop of talent that was augmented by top picks Nick Gordon and Nick Burdi; both of whom offer impact potential. When combined with the continued progress of Alex Meyer, Kohl Stewart, Jose Berrios, and Lewis Thorpe, and depth provided by the likes of Eddie Rosario and Trevor May, the Twins boast an enviable collection of talent with the potential to push them back up the Central Division standings in the years to come.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Chattanooga

Prospects to See There: Jose Berrios, Nick Burdi, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 14

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Corey Seager (7)

Prospects on the BP 101: 4

State of the System: Bolstered by the continued rapid ascent of outfielder Joc Pederson, left-hander Julio Urias, and shortstop Corey Seager, the Dodgers offer a nearly unparalleled crop of talent with plus-plus ceilings. With a strong 2014 draft bringing arms like Grant Holmes and AJ Vanegas, and a quality high school bat with Alex Verdugo, the Dodgers built on their depth previously anchored by mid-rotation arms such as Zach Lee, Chris Anderson, and Chris Reed. With such high-end impact talent at the top of the organization’s Top 10 and impressive depth throughout, the Dodgers should be able to augment their talent–laden roster through minor-league call-ups or trades without completely depleting the farm system.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Tulsa

Prospects to See There: Chris Anderson, Corey Seager, Julio Urias

4. Texas Rangers

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 9

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Joey Gallo (15)

Prospects on the BP 101: 6

State of the System: Your love for the Rangers system directly depends on how you feel about high-risk/high-reward prospects. If you’re a ceiling junkie, you’ll get your high off of players like Nick Williams, Jorge Alfaro, and Lewis Brinson. But if it’s high floor you crave, they have that too in Chi Chi Gonzalez. Top prospect Joey Gallo has both—he’s going to hit for massive power even if it only plays to 75 percent in major-league game power because of his off-the-charts raw ability, and if everything clicks right, he’s got the potential to be the best power hitter in the game. There’s a lot of talent throughout the system in a lot of different forms, but there is also a good deal of development to be done along the way.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Frisco

Prospects to See There: Most of the top hitting talent – Joey Gallo, Jorge Alfaro, Nomar Mazara, Nick Williams

5. New York Mets

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 8

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Noah Syndergaard (9)

Prospects on the BP 101: 6

State of the System: Not the best, but likely the most balanced farm system in all of baseball, the Mets have everything you could want from a group of minor-league players—a potential ace (Noah Syndergaard), a major-league ready, everyday player (Dilson Herrera), an up-the-middle regular (Kevin Plawecki), a next wave of prospects coming behind them (Brandon Nimmo and Steven Matz), potential bats with a few years to go (Dominic Smith and Michael Conforto), and young, unproven, high-ceiling talent (Amed Rosario and Jhoan Urena). Not all of these players are going to work out, but the Mets, as an organizational whole, have enough safety nets to continue to refill their major-league roster for the next few years.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Las Vegas

Prospects to See There: Noah Syndergaard, Dilson Herrera, Kevin Plawecki, Rafael Montero

6. Boston Red Sox

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 4

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Blake Swihart (17)

Prospects on the BP 101: 5

State of the System: The Red Sox have routinely rated as having a strong minor-league system, and while they are routinely criticized for having an over-hyped collection of talent, this version of the Sox farm is legitimately full of big-league talent. Starting at the top with a loaded Triple-A roster that should make a difference in Boston over the course of the 2015 season and beyond, the Red Sox lack the impressive high-ceiling talent of some of the teams ranked ahead of them, but they offer more depth of talent than most organizations in the game. At the lower levels of the system, the Sox offer plenty of talent to dream on, including two fast-rising names in Manuel Margot and Rafael Devers; both of whom burst onto the scene with strong 2014 showings. All told, the Red Sox continue to maintain an impressive pipeline of future major-league players, with depth stretching from top to bottom in the organization.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Pawtucket

Prospects to See There: Matt Barnes, Garin Cecchini, Brian Johnson, Deven Marrero, Henry Owens, Eduardo Rodriguez, Blake Swihart

7. Arizona Diamondbacks

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 15

2015 Top Ten Prospect: Link

Top Prospects: Archie Bradley (11)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: The Diamondbacks have a well-balanced system, featuring a potential ace in Archie Bradley (albeit one with some command issues to overcome), more starting pitching depth in Aaron Blair and Braden Shipley, and potential regular bats in Jake Lamb and Brandon Drury. They also have long-term developmental projects like 2014 first-rounder Touki Toussaint and potential fast-moving bullpen assets like Jimmie Sherfy. As an organization, the Diamondbacks are well-balanced to build for the future with players prepared to make an impact soon, but have enough depth to remain a strong organization even after some promotions.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Mobile

Prospects to See There: Aaron Blair, Braden Shipley, Brandon Drury

8. Pittsburgh Pirates

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 3

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Tyler Glasnow (21)

Prospects on the BP 101: 5

State of the System: While a pitcher of Jameson Taillon’s caliber missing the entire 2014 season with Tommy John surgery would dramatically hurt the standing of many teams, the Pirates continued to display a loaded system that rates among the best in baseball. With Taillon on the shelf, right-hander Tyler Glasnow and outfielders Josh Bell and Austin Meadows picked up the slack by continuing to demonstrate impressive developmental progress. In addition, players like Alen Hanson, Nick Kingham, and Willy Garcia cemented themselves as potential big-league options, giving the Pirates the depth top teams typically demonstrate throughout the minor-league ladder. Though the Pirates get more credit for the upper-level talent discussed above, they do have young talent coming along in the form of shortstop Cole Tucker, right-hander Trey Supak, and outfielders Harold Ramirez and Tito Polo, giving the club another wave of quality talent to fill in behind the upcoming graduates.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Altoona

Prospects to See There: Josh Bell, Tyler Glasnow

9. Colorado Rockies

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 10

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Jonathan Gray (13)

Prospects on the BP 101: 6

State of the System: It’s easy to nitpick the Rockies farm system after Jonathan Gray failed to dominate in his first full season, Eddie Butler came down with injuries, and with David Dahl’s rough 2013 season still visible in the rearview mirror, but with an honest look, the Rox bring a strong group of talent to the table. Gray is still poised to help the Rockies rotation in short order and Dahl looks like an impact bat with monster potential. That doesn’t even touch on outfielder Raimel Tapia or third baseman Ryan McMahon, both of whom have strong believers in the scouting community and potential role 6 futures. Though the Rockies system tapers off a bit after the upper-echelon talent, that top tier is enough to carry them to a high ranking.

Must-See Affiliate: High-A Modesto

Prospects to See There: David Dahl, Kyle Freeland, Ryan McMahon, Raimel Tapia

10. Toronto Blue Jays

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 12

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Aaron Sanchez (25)

Prospects on the BP 101: 4

State of the System: Consistently known for having a deep arsenal of boom or bust prospects, the Blue Jays continue to impress the scouting community with high-ceiling talents that are beginning to reach the major-league level. Led by big-league ready prospects Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris, and Dalton Pompey, and the addition of first-rounder and potential front of the rotation arm Jeff Hoffman, the top of the Blue Jays system could offer some awe-inspiring talent. Coming behind that impressive group, Jays fans can look forward to the development of left-hander Jairo Labourt, right-handers Miguel Castro, Roberto Osuna, and Alberto Tirado, and the wild card that is Anthony Alford. Even with the impending graduations of Sanchez, Norris, and Pompey, the Blue Jays still should have one of the top systems in the game.

Must-See Affiliate: Low-A Lansing

Prospects to See There: Jairo Labourt, Max Pentecost, Sean Reid-Foley, Matt Smoral, Alberto Tirado

11. Washington Nationals

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 18

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Lucas Giolito (6)

Prospects on the BP 101: 4

State of the System: Lucas Giolito. The Nationals system has built up some depth after a few years of quick promotions of top prospects, but Lucas Giolito. A.J. Cole is on the verge of the big leagues but is blocked and Reynaldo Lopez has gained a ton of traction in prospect circles, but Lucas Giolito. Additionally, Rafael Bautista and Wilmer Difo emerged last season as tantalizing offensive prospects, but again, Lucas Giolito. The big right-hander isn’t the only prospect in this system worth mentioning, but he is the best pitching prospect in baseball and is worth more mentions than anyone else in this system. There is additional talent, but the drop off between him and everyone else is great enough (mostly due to his talent) that his success could swing the future of this organization.

Must-See Affiliate: High-A Potomac

Prospects to See There: Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Trea Turner, Rafael Bautista, Wilmer Difo

12. Houston Astros

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 5

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Carlos Correa (3)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: Weaker than it once was thanks to a few big-league promotions and a trade, but any system with Carlos Correa atop it has some bragging rights. The re-emergence of Mark Appel from a strange start to the 2014 season gives the Astros legitimate impact talent on the mound as well as up the middle of the field, something few systems can boast. After that, there is talent surrounded with question marks, but plenty of potential pieces for their future.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Corpus Christi

Prospects to See There: Carlos Correa, Mark Appel, Lance McCullers, Colin Moran, Teoscar Hernandez

13. St. Louis Cardinals

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 6

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Stephen Piscotty (32)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: A perennially strong system, the Cardinals don’t have the impact talent at the top that they typically have to offer, but maintain their standard depth. At every level they feature future major leaguers, with prospects like Stephen Piscotty and Marco Gonzales ready when needed, while youngsters Alexander Reyes and Magnueris Sierra simmer lower in the minors. Once again, the Cardinals are able to find the balance between retaining major-league veterans and replacing them with young, cheap talent from within their own system, continuing their run as one of the best organizations in the game, even during their down years.

Must-See Affiliate: High-A Palm Beach

Prospects to See There: Alexander Reyes, Rob Kaminsky, Luke Weaver, Carson Kelly

14. Kansas City Royals

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 7

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Raul Mondesi (27)

Prospects on the BP 101: 5

State of the System: Fans may be a bit sick of hearing about all the minor-league talent the Royals continue to bring to the table, after having what many considered the best minor-league system in recent memory as prospects like Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Yordano Ventura were coming along. While that may be true, and the Royals’ system doesn’t have the luster of just a couple of years ago, that doesn’t mean they are without impact talent ready to form the next wave of youth. As players like Sean Manaea, Miguel Almonte and Raul Mondesi get closer to the major-league level—not to mention Brandon Finnegan, who had a taste of the spotlight last October, and Hunter Dozier, who has already reached the Double-A level—the Royals will have to hope their latest crew of intriguing low-level talent begins to develop to backfill the minor-league ladder and keep the pipeline flowing.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Northwest Arkansas

Prospects to See There: Miguel Almonte, Hunter Dozier, Sean Manaea, Raul Mondesi

15. Cincinnati Reds

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 16

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Robert Stephenson (16)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: Without the 2014 emergence of outfielder Jesse Winker and right-hander Michael Lorenzen, the Reds system would have a tough time rating in the game’s middle tier. Despite Robert Stephenson headlining the farm system, the Reds lack the punch of most systems rated ahead of them. Beyond the top three talents, Cincinnati’s prospects quickly begin to have substantial holes that could lead to big-league roles that are more middling than impact. One bright spot for the Reds could be outfielder Aristides Aquino, a power bat who could augment the top talent in the system to help boost the Reds rating come 2016.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Pensacola

Prospects to See There: Robert Stephenson, Jesse Winker

16. San Diego Padres

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 11

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Austin Hedges (23)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: The Padres feature a top-heavy system with some impact talent nearing major-league readiness, but there’s a drop-off midway through the top 10. The trio of Austin Hedges, Hunter Renfroe, and Matt Wisler give the Padres a solid core for the future—or a solid trade package for a big-name veteran, with plenty of young talent still remaining after them, albeit with much development in front of them. Rymer Liriano is also on the brink of major-league contribution, though is currently blocked by the Padres glut of major-league outfielders.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A El Paso

Prospects to See There: Austin Hedges, Matt Wisler, Rymer Liriano, Taylor Lindsey

17. Cleveland Indians

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 20

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Francisco Lindor (4)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: It’s easy to fall in love with shortstop Francisco Lindor, catcher Francisco Mejia, and outfielders Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer, and begin believing that the Indians have a high-ceiling system, but there is a substantial gap in talent level between those four prospects and the rest of the system. When the focus shifts to players like Tyler Naquin, Giovanny Urshela, and Mitch Brown, the discussion begins to shift toward likely fringe or below-average profiles that aren’t enough to buoy the Indians system higher than the late teens. As right-hander Dylan Baker and shortstop Willi Castro get their feet under them in 2015, the Indians could see a little boost in their rating, though they will have to figure out a way to compensate for the likely loss of Lindor from the prospect ranks.

Must-See Affiliate: High-A Lynchburg

Prospects to See There: Dylan Baker, Mitch Brown, Clint Frazier, Mike Papi, Bradley Zimmer

18. Chicago White Sox

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 21

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Tim Anderson (39)

Prospects on the BP 101: 2

State of the System: As top-heavy as they come, the White Sox system features one of the largest gaps between their top guys and everyone else. The top two—Tim Anderson and Carlos Rodon—have the potential to be impact players and anchor the next great White Sox team (which may not be that far away). Anderson has major boom-or-bust potential and enters an important year for his development, but if it clicks, he could be a difference-maker. Rodon won’t need nearly as much time to reach the South Side and could make his impact felt this year. After those two, there is an interesting collection of high-ceiling guys with risk and low-ceiling guys with proximity to fill in the gaps.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Birmingham

Prospects to See There: Tim Anderson, Tyler Danish, Courtney Hawkins, Francelis Montas, Jacob May

19. Atlanta Braves

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 24

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Lucas Sims (54)

Prospects on the BP 101: 2

State of the System: Perhaps no system in baseball is more reliant on potential, but there is significant distance between current and future skill throughout the top 10. Players like top prospect Lucas Sims have significant work to do to get his production in line with his talent, while many members of the Braves’ top-10 list will be making their full-season debut in 2015. There is talent on the big-league horizon, however, as Christian Bethancourt and his howitzer arm are ready for a big-league test, and Jose Peraza and his blazing speed may not be too far behind. Over the course of the offseason, they’ve added Mike Foltynewicz and Arodys Vizcaino to that tier of prospects ready to see some time in Atlanta—and that’s without even mentioning the pair of high-profile southpaws who have seen their careers slowed by Tommy John surgery, in Max Fried and Manny Baneuelos. If talent trumps all, the Braves are now positioned strongly to move up this list.

Must-See Affiliate: Low-A Rome

Prospects to See There: Braxton Davidson, Garrett Fulenchek, Ozhaino Albies, Alec Grosser

20. Philadelphia Phillies

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 25

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: J.P. Crawford (36)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: A recently decimated system thanks to trades and poor drafts, the Phillies system is on the upswing thanks to the emergence of J.P. Crawford as an elite prospect and a 2014 draft that featured near major-league ready college picks like Aaron Nola. Trades have added depth to an organization in desperate need of it, especially in useable, major league-caliber arms. Much of the system hinges on the ultimate success or failure of Maikel Franco and whether or not he can remain at third base or ultimately replaces Ryan Howard at first.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Reading

Prospects to See There: J.P. Crawford, Aaron Nola, Roman Quinn, Zach Eflin, Ben Lively, Tom Windle

21. New York Yankees

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 23

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Aaron Judge (49)

Prospects on the BP 101: 2

State of the System: A spending spree last summer in the international market, the depths of which might force a change in the international spending structure, has turned the Yankees system into one of the most balanced in the game. There isn’t a ton of impact talent near the majors, though Aaron Judge is emerging as a key piece of the future, and Luis Severino is going to make an impact soon, though 10 different scouts will give you 10 different answers on how. Then there’s the youth movement from last summer, most of whom are still teenagers and won’t be seen in the big leagues for a half-decade, if at all, but could make for some of the most intriguing GCL teams in the league’s history.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Trenton

Prospects to See There: Aaron Judge, Luis Severino, Greg Bird, Jacob Lindgren

22. Baltimore Orioles

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 13

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Dylan Bundy (8)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: One of the shallower systems in baseball, the Orioles do have some impact talent atop their system which gives them a leg up on some of the teams below them on this list. Two years ago it seemed unlikely that Dylan Bundy would still have prospect eligibility remaining, He’s one of two potential impact arms, along with Hunter Harvey, at the top of this system, but neither of the two has spent any significant time in the upper minors. Bundy, however, could see Camden Yards this season. Beyond the two big arms, the system is littered with low-ceiling guys near the majors and high-ceiling risks that have a long way to go.

Must-See Affiliate: High-A Frederick

Prospects to See There: Hunter Harvey is reason enough, but the Keys should also roster Chance Sisco, Josh Hart, and possibly Stephen Tarpley at some point during the year.

23. Seattle Mariners

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 17

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: D.J. Peterson (62)

Prospects on the BP 101: 2

State of the System: The Mariners system took a small tumble in the rankings after graduating big-league arms like Taijuan Walker and James Paxton, and seeing left-hander Danny Hultzen continue to battle injuries and generally regress. Adding outfielder Alex Jackson and his impact bat, and seeing the continued development of shortstop Ketel Marte and outfielder Gabriel Guerrero helps keep the system from falling too far, and if they make additional strides in 2015, the system could be back closer to the top half of the league in short order. Keep an eye on players like Tyler Marlette, Luiz Gohara, and Greifer Andrade as the next crop of young players who could bolster the M’s system as they further establish their prospect standing.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Tacoma

Prospects to See There: Patrick Kivlehan, Ketel Marte, D.J. Peterson, Victor Sanchez, Carson Smith

24. Tampa Bay Rays

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 26

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Daniel Robertson (66)

Prospects on the BP 101: 2

State of the System: Previously considered one of the gold standards for developing minor-league depth and augmenting the major-league roster with homegrown talent, the Rays minor-league system has fallen on hard times. Even after acquiring big ticket items Daniel Robertson and Steven Souza (as the headliners returning for Ben Zobrist and Wil Myers, respectively) the system still lacks an anchor—a role not filled by Willy Adames, the system’s top prospect before Matthew Silverman started putting his stamp on the organization. As far as holdovers from the 2014 season, the resurgence of the Rays system hinges on the development of Justin O’Conner and the reestablishment of Taylor Guerrieri—who will look to put his injuries and off-field issues behind him. With young talents like Brent Honeywell, Adrian Rondon, and Justin Williams, it’s not difficult to see the system rebounding, but it’s going to take some time, especially given the last half-decade of success the Rays have had at the major-league level.

Must-See Affiliate: Low-A Bowling Green

Prospects to See There: Nick Ciuffo, Casey Gillaspie, Brett Honeywell, Jamie Schultz, Justin Williams

25. San Francisco Giants

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 22

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Adalberto Mejia (86)

Prospects on the BP 101: 3

State of the System: We tend to question things that the Giants do, including the volume of potential major-league contributors bouncing around the minor-league levels, and yet they continue to foster talent that arrives in San Francisco and finds a way to make an impact. While the Giants lack standout depth and there are open questions about the future role or ultimate ceiling of arms like Adalberto Mejia, Kyle Crick, and Tyler Beede, at some point we have to believe the club can develop and get value out of a minor-league system that appears thin on talent. If the Giants can coax catcher Andrew Susac and right-hander Keury Mella to approach their raw ceilings, then this ranking could look a touch low.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Sacramento

Prospects to See There: Ty Blach, Clayton Blackburn, Erik Cordier, Kyle Crick, Adalberto Mejia, Steven Okert, Hunter Strickland, Andrew Susac

26. Milwaukee Brewers

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 29

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Orlando Arcia (93)

Prospects on the BP 101: 1

State of the System: The Brewers did little to augment a minor-league system that ranked near the bottom following the 2013 season, adding intriguing but unknown talents like Kodi Medeiros, Jacob Gatewood, and Monte Harrison through the draft, and third baseman Gilbert Lara via the international signing period. While those prospects represent upside, they also have serious extreme-risk profiles and are difficult to count on in a rating like this. Shortstop Orlando Arcia and outfield Tyrone Taylor represent the system’s best chance to find impact big-league talent, and if the club is to rise in the organizational rankings, lower-level talent will need to step forward to fortify the upper reaches of the Brewers prospect list. The only member of the current top-10 who could impact the major-league club in 2015 is Corey Knebel, acquired in the Yovani Gallardo trade, and even that’s assuming his elbow is healthy.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Huntsville

Prospects to See There: Orlando Arcia, Jorge Lopez, Tyrone Taylor, Tyler Wagner

27. Oakland Athletics

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 28

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Franklin Barreto (74)

Prospects on the BP 101: 1

State of the System: Perhaps no organization in baseball has used their top prospects to retool their big-league club more recently or more diligently than the A’s have over the past 18 months. The charred remains, however, contain as many questions as it does answers. Top prospects like Franklin Barreto and Yairo Munoz have yet to reach a full-season affiliate. Others, like Matt Olson or Renato Nunez, offer big power but potential holes and a lack of upper-minors track record. If you’re looking for the upper-minors track record, the two names that stand out are Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman—both picked up in the Josh Donaldson trade—but they don’t project to be impact players. Overall, it’s a system with some interesting pieces, but the more certain pieces are not going to light the world on fire.

Must-See Affiliate: Double-A Midland.

Prospects to See There: Matt Olson, Renato Nunez, Chad Pinder

28. Los Angeles Angels

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 30

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Andrew Heaney (37)

Prospects on the BP 101: 1

State of the System: It’s difficult to trade for a top prospect and still easily finish as a bottom-five system, but the Angels managed to accomplish that feat with relative ease. Adding left-hander Andrew Heaney from Miami, via the Dodgers, helps give the system at least one prospect that can be expected to provide substantial big-league value in short order, but there is little talent behind Heaney that inspires similar hope. Left-hander Sean Newcomb, third baseman Kyle Kubitza, and newly signed Cuban Roberto Baldoquin have some potential as solid big-leaguers, but each comes with questions that remain unanswered. Barring significant changes at the major-league level that could lead to an infusion of minor-league talent, it is difficult to see the fortunes of the Angels’ farm system changing anytime soon.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Salt Lake City

Prospects to See There: Cam Bedrosian, Kyle Kubitza, Eric Stamets, Nick Tropeano, Alex Yarbrough

29. Miami Marlins

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 11

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Tyler Kolek (NR)

Prospects on the BP 101: 0

State of the System: A system already weakened over the past year by aggressive promotions to the big-league club got even weaker with the trade of Andrew Heaney to the Dodgers (and subsequently, the Angels). The system, as it stands now, hinges on the developmental progress of 2014 second overall pick Tyler Kolek, which is just beginning and has a long way to go. After Kolek, the Marlins feature a muddle of middling talent that should result in some usable pieces, but lacks impact. Overall, this is one of the weaker systems in the game.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A New Orleans.

Prospects to See There: J.T. Realmuto, Jose Urena, Justin Nicolino, Nick Wittgren

30. Detroit Tigers

Farm System Ranking in 2014: 27

2015 Top Ten Prospects: Link

Top Prospect: Derek Hill (98)

Prospects on the BP 101: 1

State of the System: While the Tigers continue to dominate the American League Central, and they continue to find ways to make trades for big-league talent and fill small holes at the major-league level using their minor-league system, the scouting community continues to look at the talent on the farm with a curious stare. The club’s 2014 first-round pick, Derek Hill, is the only talent truly worthy of Top 101 consideration, and other than outfielder Steven Moya, who owns a controversial profile, the Tigers system lacks talent that project as more than a fringe major leaguer. One of the few minor-league bright spots for Tiger fans may be the Tigers ongoing ability to find inexpensive international talent like Anthony Castro, Sandy Baez, Gerson Moreno, and Eduardo Jimenez that could become high-powered pitching prospects as they move up the ladder.

Must-See Affiliate: Triple-A Toledo

Prospects to See There: Buck Farmer, Kyle Lobstein, Dixon Machado, James McCann, Steven Moya, Angel Nesbitt, Kyle Ryan, Drew VerHagen