Spring training has arrived, and it's time for updated rankings of all 30 MLB farm systems.
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 indications 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): That being said, there is a difference between a prospect who has a chance of making an impact at the big league level 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.
- Top 100 Prospects: Prospects who have elite skill sets and All-Star potential. This is the cream of the prospect crop. These players are identified by where they fell in our first top-100 prospect list of the year, which was released Jan. 14.
- Tier 2: Prospects who have a good chance of becoming impact contributors in MLB. These are the players who were in consideration for spots on the leaguewide top-100 list and could end up there.
- 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 AB, 50 IP, 45 days on an active roster prior to Sept. 1) to be included in these rankings.
30. Washington Nationals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Carter Kieboom | 22 | No. 31 |
| 2. SS Luis Garcia | 19 | No. 94 |
| 3. RHP Jackson Rutledge | 20 | 3 |
| 4. RHP Mason Denaburg | 20 | 3 |
| 5. LHP Tim Cate | 22 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Wil Crowe | 25 | 3 |
| 7. SS Yasel Antuna | 20 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Andry Lara | 17 | 3 |
| 9. 3B Drew Mendoza | 22 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Matt Cronin | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Carter Kieboom
Despite hitting just .128 with 16 strikeouts in 43 plate appearances in his first MLB action last season, Kieboom looks ready for the majors. He hit .303/.409/.493 with 43 extra-base hits in 109 games at Triple-A. The 22-year-old should get a shot at winning the starting third base job in spring training.
Top Pitcher: RHP Jackson Rutledge
The No. 17 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutledge has high-octane stuff with a fastball that touches 99 mph and a terrific slider-curveball combination. He had 39 strikeouts in 37.1 innings in his pro debut and could jump onto top-100 lists with a strong first full season.
29. Milwaukee Brewers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Brice Turang | 20 | 2 |
| 2. LHP Ethan Small | 22 | 2 |
| 3. C Mario Feliciano | 21 | 2 |
| 4. LHP Aaron Ashby | 21 | 2 |
| 5. OF Tristen Lutz | 21 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Drew Rasmussen | 24 | 3 |
| 7. SS Eduardo Garcia | 17 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Zack Brown | 25 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Antoine Kelly | 20 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Devin Williams | 19 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Brice Turang
Turang hit .287 with a .384 on-base percentage in 357 plate appearances at Single-A last year but struggled mightily following a midseason promotion to High-A. The 20-year-old has the on-base skills, speed and defensive acumen to be an everyday shortstop.
Top Pitcher: LHP Ethan Small
During his junior season at Mississippi State, Small posted a 1.93 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with 176 strikeouts in 107 innings. That performance vaulted him into the first round of the draft, as he was selected with the No. 28 overall pick. An 0.86 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 21 innings during his pro debut further boosted his stock.
28. New York Mets
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Ronny Mauricio | 18 | No. 79 |
| 2. C Francisco Alvarez | 18 | 2 |
| 3. 3B Brett Baty | 20 | 2 |
| 4. SS Andres Gimenez | 21 | 2 |
| 5. 3B Mark Vientos | 20 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Matthew Allan | 18 | 3 |
| 7. LHP David Peterson | 24 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Thomas Szapucki | 23 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Josh Wolf | 19 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Kevin Smith | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Ronny Mauricio
The Mets gave Mauricio a $2.1 million bonus during the 2017 international signing period. He has one of the highest ceilings of any teenage prospect. The 18-year-old hit a lackluster .268/.307/.357 with just 29 extra-base hits in 504 plate appearances at Single-A last year, but he's still well ahead of the developmental curve.
Top Pitcher: RHP Matthew Allan
Viewed by some as the top prep arm in the 2019 draft class, Allan slipped to the third round because of lofty bonus demands. The Mets gave him a well-above-slot $2.5 million bonus, and he had a 2.61 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 10.1 innings in his debut. There's not much projection left in his 6'3", 225-pound frame, but his stuff will play.
27. Chicago Cubs
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Nico Hoerner | 22 | No. 53 |
| 2. C Miguel Amaya | 20 | 2 |
| 3. LHP Brailyn Marquez | 21 | 2 |
| 4. OF Brennen Davis | 20 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Adbert Alzolay | 24 | 3 |
| 6. OF Cole Roederer | 20 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Ryan Jensen | 22 | 3 |
| 8. SS Aramis Ademan | 21 | 3 |
| 9. 2B Chase Strumpf | 21 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Richard Gallardo | 18 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Nico Hoerner
Rushed to the majors after he was the No. 24 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Hoerner hit .282 with five extra-base hits in 20 games in September while filling in at shortstop for the injured Javier Baez. The 22-year-old will compete with David Bote and non-roster invitee Jason Kipnis for the second base job in spring training.
Top Pitcher: LHP Brailyn Marquez
The best Cubs pitching prospect since Dylan Cease, Marquez turned in a breakout season in 2019. The lanky left-hander took a step forward with his secondary stuff to post a 3.13 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 103.2 innings. His changeup needs further refinement, and his rate of 4.3 walks per nine innings is too high, but the 21-year-old has tremendous upside.
26. Boston Red Sox
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Level | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Jeter Downs | 21 |
No. 68 |
| 2. 1B/3B Triston Casas | 20 |
No. 81 |
| 3. RHP Bryan Mata | 20 | 2 |
| 4. 3B Bobby Dalbec | 24 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Noah Song | 22 | 3 |
| 6. OF Jarren Duran | 23 | 3 |
| 7. OF Gilberto Jimenez | 19 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Tanner Houck | 23 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Thad Ward | 23 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Jay Groome | 21 | 3 |
Top Hitter: SS Jeter Downs
The prospect centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade, Downs hit .276/.362/.526 with 35 doubles and 24 home runs at High-A and Double-A last year. The 21-year-old will likely slide over to second base and join Xander Bogaerts up the middle.
Top Pitcher: RHP Bryan Mata
Mata, 20, turned in a stellar run at High-A to begin the 2019 season with a 1.75 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 51.1 innings. He struggled to a 5.03 ERA in 53.2 innings following a promotion to Double-A, but his future remains extremely bright. With a polished four-pitch mix and improving command, he should be ready to contribute soon.
25. Los Angeles Angels
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Jo Adell | 20 | No. 3 |
| 2. OF Brandon Marsh | 22 | No. 96 |
| 3. OF Jordyn Adams | 20 | 2 |
| 4. SS Jeremiah Jackson | 19 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Chris Rodriguez | 21 | 3 |
| 6. RHP Jose Soriano | 20 | 3 |
| 7. OF D'Shawn Knowles | 19 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Patrick Sandoval | 23 | 3 |
| 9. 2B Jahmai Jones | 22 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Hector Yan | 20 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Jo Adell
A five-tool player, Adell missed time early last season with hamstring and ankle injuries but returned to hit .289/.359/.475 with 37 extra-base hits in 76 games while reaching Triple-A. The Angels cleared a path for the 20-year-old by cutting ties with Kole Calhoun. He should be up before the All-Star break.
Top Pitcher: RHP Chris Rodriguez
Health remains the biggest question mark for Rodriguez. After missing 2018 recovering from a stress reaction in his back, he began last season with 13 strikeouts in 9.1 scoreless innings before back surgery sent him to the sideline once again. Still just 21, he has the highest ceiling of any pitcher in the system.
24. Colorado Rockies
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Brendan Rodgers | 23 | No. 16 |
| 2. LHP Ryan Rolison | 22 | No. 97 |
| 3. SS/3B Ryan Vilade | 20 | No. 100 |
| 4. OF Sam Hilliard | 25 | 2 |
| 5. 1B Michael Toglia | 21 | 3 |
| 6. 3B Colton Welker | 22 | 3 |
| 7. SS Terrin Vavra | 22 | 3 |
| 8. 3B Aaron Schunk | 22 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Ben Bowden | 25 | 3 |
| 10. 1B Grant Lavigne | 20 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers can hit. He has a .296/.352/.503 line in 1,684 plate appearances over five minor league seasons, including a 1.035 OPS and 20 extra-base hits in 37 games at Triple-A last year. He struggled in his MLB debut before a torn labrum ended his season in July, but he still has star upside.
Top Pitcher: LHP Ryan Rolison
The No. 22 pick in the 2018 draft, Rolison was expected to move quickly thanks to a polished four-pitch mix that includes a 60-grade curveball. The 22-year-old had a 4.40 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 131 innings last season. A 2021 debut is not out of the question.
23. Pittsburgh Pirates
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes | 23 | No. 37 |
| 2. RHP Mitch Keller | 23 | No. 51 |
| 3. SS Oneil Cruz | 21 | No. 64 |
| 4. RHP Cody Bolton | 21 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Tahnaj Thomas | 20 | 3 |
| 6. OF Travis Swaggerty | 22 | 3 |
| 7. SS Ji-Hwan Bae | 20 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Quinn Priester | 19 | 3 |
| 9. SS Liover Peguero | 19 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Brennan Malone | 19 | 3 |
Top Position Player: 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
Despite a lackluster .265/.336/.415 line that included 42 extra-base hits in 480 plate appearances at Triple-A last year, Hayes remains a future star. With a terrific feel for hitting, untapped raw power and the defensive chops to be a Gold Glover at third base, he remains a potential cornerstone piece in Pittsburgh.
Top Pitcher: RHP Mitch Keller
On the surface, Keller struggled to a 7.13 ERA over 48 innings in his first taste of the majors. However, his 3.19 FIP and 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings provide plenty of reason for optimism. He has little left to prove in the minors.
22. Texas Rangers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Josh Jung | 22 |
No. 78 |
| 2. C Sam Huff | 22 | No. 93 |
| 3. RHP Hans Crouse | 21 | 2 |
| 4. 2B Nick Solak | 25 | 2 |
| 5. OF Leody Taveras | 21 | 2 |
| 6. 1B/3B Sherten Apostel | 20 | 3 |
| 7. LHP Joe Palumbo | 25 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Brock Burke | 23 | 3 |
| 9. SS Osleivis Basabe | 19 | 3 |
| 10. OF Steele Walker | 23 | 3 |
Top Position Player: 3B Josh Jung
Following a stellar three-year run at Texas Tech, Jung was the No. 8 overall pick after hitting .343/.474/.636 with 23 doubles and 15 home runs during his junior season. A polished hitter with plus power potential, he should move quickly through the minors after hitting .316/.389/.443 over 198 plate appearances in his debut.
Top Pitcher: RHP Hans Crouse
With a 70-grade fastball and a 60-grade slider, Crouse has two electric offerings that give him the highest ceiling of any pitching prospect in the system. The 21-year-old trimmed his walk rate from 3.1 per nine innings in 2018 to 2.0 last year while posting a 4.41 ERA in 87.2 innings at Single-A. Further refinement of his changeup will be the next step in his development.
21. New York Yankees
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Deivi Garcia | 20 | No. 65 |
| 2. RHP Luis Gil | 21 | No. 99 |
| 3. OF Jasson Dominguez | 17 | 2 |
| 4. RHP Clarke Schmidt | 23 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Roansy Contreras | 20 | 2 |
| 6. OF Estevan Florial | 22 | 3 |
| 7. SS Anthony Volpe | 18 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Alexander Vizcaino | 22 | 3 |
| 9. OF Kevin Alcantara | 17 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Luis Medina | 20 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Jasson Dominguez
How good can Jasson Dominguez be?
"He's a long ways from reaching his ceiling but has earned comparisons to the likes of Bo Jackson, Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout," according to MLB.com.
Once the 17-year-old makes his pro debut, he could move quickly to the top of the organizational prospect list and up leaguewide top-100 rankings.
Top Pitcher: RHP Deivi Garcia
It remains to be seen if the 5'9" Garcia will be able to handle a starter's workload at the next level. There is no doubt he has impact stuff, though. After racking up 165 strikeouts in 111.1 innings over three minor league levels last year, he could fill a multi-inning role out of the bullpen in 2020 to begin his MLB career.
20. Cleveland Indians
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Nolan Jones | 21 | No. 42 |
| 2. SS Tyler Freeman | 20 | No. 89 |
| 3. OF George Valera | 19 | 2 |
| 4. RHP Ethan Hankins | 19 | 2 |
| 5. C Bo Naylor | 19 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Daniel Espino | 19 | 3 |
| 7. RHP Triston McKenzie | 22 | 3 |
| 8. SS Brayan Rocchio | 19 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Logan Allen | 22 | 3 |
| 10. 2B Aaron Bracho | 18 | 3 |
Top Position Player: 3B Nolan Jones
With a .409 on-base percentage and 17.3 percent walk rate, Jones has arguably the best on-base skills in minor league baseball. The 21-year-old has yet to fully tap into his plus raw power, but he has 25-homer potential and plenty of present gap power. A shortstop in high school, he has also developed into a solid defender at the hot corner.
Top Pitcher: RHP Ethan Hankins
A candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2018 draft heading into his senior year of high school, Hankins missed time with shoulder tightness that spring and wound up slipping to No. 35 overall, where he was signed to an above-slot bonus. The injury was not structural, and his potential was on full display in 2019 when he posted a 2.55 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 60 innings. His lanky 6'6" frame offers plenty of further projection.
19. Houston Astros
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Forrest Whitley | 21 | No. 27 |
| 2. RHP Jose Urquidy | 24 | No. 49 |
| 3. RHP Cristian Javier | 22 | 2 |
| 4. SS Freudis Nova | 20 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Bryan Abreu | 22 | 2 |
| 6. C Korey Lee | 21 | 3 |
| 7. 3B Abraham Toro | 23 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Tyler Ivey | 23 | 3 |
| 9. SS Jeremy Pena | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Brandon Bielak | 23 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Freudis Nova
Signed to a $1.2 million bonus in 2016, Nova spent two seasons in rookie ball before making his full-season debut in 2019. He hit .259/.301/.369 with 24 extra-base hits and 10 steals in 75 games at Single-A, and while those numbers don't jump off the page, his tools are impossible to ignore. He has a chance for five above-average tools and the defensive profile to stick at shortstop.
Top Pitcher: RHP Forrest Whitley
In terms of pure stuff, Whitley has arguably the best arsenal in the minors with a 70-grade fastball and an above-average secondary repertoire that includes a wipeout slider, a hammer curveball and a devastating changeup. The 22-year-old had a confounding and injury-marred season but shined in the Arizona Fall League with a 2.88 ERA and 32 strikeouts over 25 innings.
18. Philadelphia Phillies
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 3B Alec Bohm | 23 |
No. 20 |
| 2. RHP Spencer Howard | 23 | No. 40 |
| 3. RHP Adonis Medina | 23 | 2 |
| 4. SS Bryson Stott | 22 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Francisco Morales | 20 | 2 |
| 6. SS Luis Garcia | 19 | 3 |
| 7. C Rafael Marchan | 20 | 3 |
| 8. OF Simon Muzziotti | 21 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Enyel De Los Santos | 24 | 3 |
| 10. OF Mickey Moniak | 21 | 3 |
Top Position Player: 3B Alec Bohm
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Bohm reached Double-A last year while hitting .305/.378/.518 with 30 doubles and 21 home runs over three minor league levels. The 23-year-old has been better than expected defensively at third base, and after Maikel Franco was non-tendered, he has a clear path to the majors in 2020.
Top Pitcher: RHP Spencer Howard
Howard has pitched just 211.1 innings since he was selected in the second round of the 2017 draft. The 23-year-old could be brought along slowly in 2020 as a result, but with a 3.28 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 12.0 K/9 during his minor league career, his upside is impossible to ignore. His electric four-pitch mix gives him legitimate frontline upside.
17. Cincinnati Reds
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Nick Lodolo | 22 | No. 56 |
| 2. RHP Hunter Greene | 20 | No. 60 |
| 3. 3B Jonathan India | 23 | No. 88 |
| 4. C Tyler Stephenson | 23 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Tony Santillan | 22 | 2 |
| 6. SS Jose Garcia | 21 | 3 |
| 7. OF Michael Siani | 20 | 3 |
| 8. OF Jameson Hannah | 22 | 3 |
| 9. 3B Tyler Callihan | 19 | 3 |
| 10. 3B Rece Hinds | 19 | 3 |
Top Position Player: 3B Jonathan India
India posted a 1.213 OPS and launched 21 home runs during his junior season at Florida before going No. 5 overall in the 2018 draft. The 23-year-old has a lackluster .779 OPS since beginning his pro career, and his stock has dipped a bit as a result. But his defensive versatility and polished bat should allow him to move quickly.
Top Pitcher: LHP Nick Lodolo
The first pitcher selected in the 2019 draft (No. 7 overall), Lodolo posted a 2.45 ERA with a stellar 30-to-0 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 18.1 innings in his pro debut. The 6'6" left-hander attacks hitters with an advanced three-pitch mix from a steep downhill plane, and he should see the upper levels of the minors during the upcoming season.
16. St. Louis Cardinals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Dylan Carlson | 21 | No. 22 |
| 2. LHP Matthew Liberatore | 24 | No. 38 |
| 3. 3B Nolan Gorman | 19 | No. 54 |
| 4. C Andrew Knizner | 25 | 2 |
| 5. C Ivan Herrera | 19 | 2 |
| 6. LHP Zack Thompson | 21 | 3 |
| 7. 3B Elehuris Montero | 21 | 3 |
| 8. LHP Genesis Cabrera | 23 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Johan Oviedo | 21 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Angel Rondon | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Dylan Carlson
Ranked No. 92 on the Baseball America Top 500 draft prospect list in 2016, Carlson looked like a reach when the Cardinals selected him at No. 33 overall. After a slow start to his pro career, he broke out in a big way in 2019, hitting .292/.372/.542 with 62 extra-base hits and 20 steals between Double-A and Triple-A.
Top Pitcher: LHP Matthew Liberatore
The Cardinals acquired Liberatore from the Tampa Bay Rays in January in a deal that sent Jose Martinez and Randy Arozarena the other way. The 6'5" southpaw used four plus offerings and advanced command to post a 3.10 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 78.1 innings at Single-A. The 20-year-old has middle-of-the-rotation upside with a chance for more.
15. Oakland Athletics
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP Jesus Luzardo | 22 | No. 9 |
| 2. LHP A.J. Puk | 24 | No. 26 |
| 3. C Sean Murphy | 25 | No. 41 |
| 4. SS/OF Jorge Mateo | 24 | 2 |
| 5. SS Robert Puason | 17 | 2 |
| 6. 3B Sheldon Neuse | 25 | 3 |
| 7. SS Nick Allen | 21 | 3 |
| 8. RHP Daulton Jefferies | 24 | 3 |
| 9. OF Austin Beck | 21 | 3 |
| 10. SS Logan Davidson | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: C Sean Murphy
Injuries slowed Murphy's arrival to the majors over the past few years, but he arrived with a bang last September, posting a 137 OPS+ with five doubles and four home runs in 60 plate appearances. The 25-year-old was originally viewed as a defensive-minded backstop, but he has developed into an impact offensive player and a potential two-way standout at the position.
Top Pitcher: LHP Jesus Luzardo
Luzardo, 22, might have made the Oakland roster out of spring training last year if not for a left shoulder strain. He finally made his MLB debut on Sept. 11 and posted a 1.50 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 12 innings down the stretch before tossing three scoreless innings in the AL Wild Card Game. While he pitched out of the bullpen last year, he has a chance to be the ace of the staff by the end of 2020.
14. Toronto Blue Jays
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Nate Pearson | 23 | No. 8 |
| 2. SS Jordan Groshans | 20 | No. 76 |
| 3. RHP Alek Manoah | 22 | No. 84 |
| 4. LHP Anthony Kay | 24 | No. 98 |
| 5. SS Orelvis Martinez | 18 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson | 19 | 3 |
| 7. C Gabriel Moreno | 19 | 3 |
| 8. 3B Miguel Hiraldo | 19 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Adam Kloffenstein | 19 | 3 |
| 10. C Alejandro Kirk | 21 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Jordan Groshans
The No. 12 pick in the 2018 draft, Groshans hit .337/.427/.482 with eight extra-base hits in 96 plate appearances at Single-A last season before that breakout performance was cut short by a foot injury. The 20-year-old might fit best at third base long-term, but he has the offensive tools to profile just fine there.
Top Pitcher: RHP Nate Pearson
Armed with a high-octane fastball that touches 103 mph, a lethal slider and a solid curveball and changeup, Pearson has all the tools to develop into the future ace for a Blue Jays team on the rise. The 23-year-old posted a 2.30 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 119 strikeouts in 101.2 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .176 average in 2019.
13. Chicago White Sox
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Luis Robert | 22 | No. 2 |
| 2. RHP Michael Kopech | 23 | No. 30 |
| 3. 1B Andrew Vaughn | 21 | No. 33 |
| 4. 2B Nick Madrigal | 22 | No. 57 |
| 5. RHP Dane Dunning | 25 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Jonathan Stiever | 22 | 3 |
| 7. C/1B Zack Collins | 25 | 3 |
| 8. OF Blake Rutherford | 22 | 3 |
| 9. OF Micker Adolfo | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Matthew Thompson | 19 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Luis Robert
With a shiny new six-year, $50 million contract and a stellar .328/.376/.624 line that included 31 doubles, 11 triples, 32 home runs and 36 steals last year, Robert looks poised for stardom. The 22-year-old has legitimate 30-30 upside at the next level and the defensive skills to remain in center field as he matures. He'll begin 2020 as the heavy favorite for AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Top Pitcher: RHP Michael Kopech
Kopech has a true 80-grade fastball that regularly touches triple digits and has good late life. The 23-year-old missed the 2019 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he will be on a short leash as a result in 2020. Prior to making his MLB debut in 2018, he had a 3.70 ERA with 170 strikeouts in 126.1 innings at Triple-A.
12. Baltimore Orioles
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Adley Rutschman | 22 | No. 10 |
| 2. RHP Grayson Rodriguez | 20 | No. 35 |
| 3. LHP DL Hall | 21 | No. 48 |
| 4. 1B Ryan Mountcastle | 22 | No. 86 |
| 5. OF Austin Hays | 24 | 2 |
| 6. OF Yusniel Diaz | 23 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Michael Baumann | 24 | 3 |
| 8. SS Gunnar Henderson | 18 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Dean Kremer | 24 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Keegan Akin | 23 | 3 |
Top Position Player: C Adley Rutschman
The No. 1 overall pick last June, Rutschman has a chance to be a generational talent for the rebuilding Orioles. The switch-hitting backstop hit .411/.575/.751 with 17 home runs during his junior season at Oregon State, and he backs his tremendous offensive potential with stellar defensive skills.
Top Pitcher: RHP Grayson Rodriguez
In his first full pro season, Rodriguez dominated Single-A hitter to the tune of a 2.68 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 129 strikeouts in 94 innings. Essentially a finished product physically with a 6'5", 220-pound frame and an advanced four-pitch mix, he could move faster than most prep prospects toward a spot at the top of the Baltimore rotation.
11. Minnesota Twins
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Royce Lewis | 20 | No. 12 |
| 2. OF Alex Kirilloff | 22 | No. 29 |
| 3. RHP Jordan Balazovic | 21 | No. 63 |
| 4. OF Trevor Larnach | 22 | No. 74 |
| 5. RHP Jhoan Duran | 21 | No. 87 |
| 6. OF Brent Rooker | 25 | 2 |
| 7. 3B Keoni Cavaco | 18 | 3 |
| 8. C Ryan Jeffers | 22 | 3 |
| 9. RHP Blayne Enlow | 20 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Matt Canterino | 21 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Royce Lewis
After posting an .803 OPS with 46 extra-base hits and 28 steals as a 19-year-old in 2018, Lewis took a step backward last season with a .236/.290/.371 line in 566 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A. That said, he's still young and continues to possess the impressive raw tools that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2017. A .353/.411/.565 line over 95 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League could be a springboard to a bounceback season.
Top Pitcher: RHP Jordan Balazovic
With Brusdar Graterol traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Balazovic is now the top pitching prospect in the Minnesota system after a breakout 2019 season. The 21-year-old was a fifth-round pick in 2016, and he turned potential into production last year with a 2.69 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 129 strikeouts in 93.2 innings between Single-A and High-A.
10. San Francisco Giants
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. C Joey Bart | 23 | No. 18 |
| 2. OF Heliot Ramos | 20 | No. 34 |
| 3. SS Marco Luciano | 18 | No. 43 |
| 4. OF Hunter Bishop | 21 | 2 |
| 5. RHP Logan Webb | 23 | 2 |
| 6. OF Alexander Canario | 19 | 2 |
| 7. LHP Seth Corry | 21 | 2 |
| 8. SS Will Wilson | 21 | 3 |
| 9. IF Mauricio Dubon | 25 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Sean Hjelle | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: C Joey Bart
Bart, 23, hit .278/.328/.495 with 14 doubles and 16 home runs in 79 games between High-A and Double-A in an injury-shortened season, then he raked in the Arizona Fall League for 10 games before he suffered a second hand injury on a hit-by-pitch. Provided he can stay out of the way of fastballs, he should push Buster Posey to first base at some point before 2020 comes to a close.
Top Pitcher: RHP Logan Webb
Webb returned from an 80-game PED suspension to post a 1.73 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 36.1 innings before making his MLB debut on Aug. 17. The 23-year-old backed his 5.22 ERA with a 4.12 FIP and closed out the season with back-to-back quality starts against the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.
9. Kansas City Royals
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Bobby Witt Jr. | 19 | No. 24 |
| 2. RHP Brady Singer | 23 | No. 66 |
| 3. LHP Daniel Lynch | 23 | No. 85 |
| 4. RHP Jackson Kowar | 23 | No. 95 |
| 5. OF Erick Pena | 21 | 2 |
| 6. LHP Kris Bubic | 22 | 2 |
| 7. OF Khalil Lee | 21 | 2 |
| 8. OF Kyle Isbel | 22 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Austin Cox | 22 | 3 |
| 10. SS Brady McConnell | 21 | 3 |
Top Position Player: SS Bobby Witt Jr.
The No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft has the raw tools and intangibles to become the next face of the franchise for the Royals.
"Scouts rave about his makeup and passion for the game as much as his tools, giving him as much chance as anyone to reach his enormous potential," wrote MLB.com.
Top Pitcher: RHP Brady Singer
The headliner of an impressive collegiate pitching haul during the 2018 draft, Singer slipped to No. 18 overall after entering his junior season as a candidate to be the top pick. The 23-year-old had a 2.85 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 138 strikeouts in 148.1 innings between High-A and Double-A last year, and his MLB debut could be forthcoming in 2020.
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Kristian Robinson | 19 | No. 25 |
| 2. OF Alek Thomas | 19 | No. 47 |
| 3. C Daulton Varsho | 23 | No. 50 |
| 4. SS Geraldo Perdomo | 20 | No. 82 |
| 5. OF Corbin Carroll | 19 | 2 |
| 6. 1B/OF Seth Beer | 23 | 2 |
| 7. RHP Levi Kelly | 20 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Matt Tabor | 21 | 3 |
| 9. RHP J.B. Bukauskas | 23 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Luis Frias | 21 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Kristian Robinson
The 19-year-old Robinson has the highest offensive ceiling of any player in the Arizona system—and perhaps in all of the minors. He hit .282/.368/.514 with 13 doubles and 14 home runs in 291 plate appearances between Low-A and Single-A last year, and he does not turn 20 until December. The sky is the limit.
Top Pitcher: RHP Levi Kelly
An eighth-round pick in 2018, Kelly signed for an above-slot bonus of $350,000 and then went straight to Single-A in his first full season. The 20-year-old posted a 2.15 ERA with 126 strikeouts in 100.1 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .199 average. Simplifying his mechanics has gone a long way, and a similar performance against upper-level hitters could vault him onto leaguewide top-100 lists.
7. Miami Marlins
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Sixto Sanchez | 21 | No. 21 |
| 2. OF JJ Bleday | 22 | No. 45 |
| 3. OF Jesus Sanchez | 22 | No. 52 |
| 4. SS Jazz Chisholm | 22 | No. 59 |
| 5. RHP Edward Cabrera | 21 | 2 |
| 6. OF Monte Harrison | 24 | 2 |
| 7. LHP Braxton Garrett | 22 | 2 |
| 8. LHP Trevor Rogers | 22 | 3 |
| 9. 1B Lewin Diaz | 23 | 3 |
| 10. OF Kameron Misner | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF JJ Bleday
A breakout junior season at Vanderbilt in which he hit .347/.465/.701 with 27 home runs sent Bleday soaring up draft boards last spring, and he ended up going No. 4 overall to the Marlins. His combination of hit tool and power gives him an extremely high offensive ceiling, and his rocket arm gives him the prototypical right field profile.
Top Pitcher: RHP Sixto Sanchez
Healthy once again last season, Sanchez showed why he was the centerpiece of the J.T. Realmuto trade. The 21-year-old posted a 2.76 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 114 innings between High-A and Double-A, and with a 75-grade fastball and plus secondary offerings, he looks like the future ace of the rebuilding Marlins' starting rotation.
6. Detroit Tigers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. RHP Casey Mize | 22 | No. 6 |
| 2. RHP Matt Manning | 22 | No. 17 |
| 3. OF Riley Greene | 18 | No. 44 |
| 4. LHP Tarik Skubal | 23 | No. 46 |
| 5. SS Isaac Paredes | 20 | 2 |
| 6. RHP Alex Faedo | 24 | 2 |
| 7. SS Willi Castro | 22 | 2 |
| 8. C Jake Rogers | 24 | 3 |
| 9. LHP Joey Wentz | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Franklin Perez | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Riley Greene
While he is still growing into his power potential, Greene is more polished than the average prep hitter and should move swiftly through the minors. The 19-year-old will likely be limited to left field defensively, which will put more pressure on his bat, but he has all the makings of a future middle-of-the-order run producer.
Top Pitcher: RHP Casey Mize
A slam dunk choice as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Mize lived up to the hype during his first full professional season. Armed with a mid-90s fastball, a lethal splitter and a plus slider, Mize posted a 2.55 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 106 strikeouts in 109.1 innings during 2019. The Tigers have no reason to rush him, but he might already be the best pitcher in the organization.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 2B/SS Gavin Lux | 22 | No. 4 |
| 2. RHP Dustin May | 22 | No. 15 |
| 3. RHP Brusdar Graterol | 21 | No. 55 |
| 4. RHP Josiah Gray | 22 |
No. 62 |
| 5. C Keibert Ruiz | 21 | No. 71 |
| 6. RHP Tony Gonsolin | 25 | No. 92 |
| 7. 3B Kody Hoese | 22 | 2 |
| 8. C Diego Cartaya | 18 | 3 |
| 9. 2B Michael Busch | 22 | 3 |
| 10. RHP Ryan Pepiot | 22 | 3 |
Top Position Player: 2B/SS Gavin Lux
After a breakout 2018, Lux took his game to another level with a .347/.421/.607 line and 59 extra-base hits in 523 plate appearances in Double-A and Triple-A. He held his own during a late-season MLB promotion and will be given every chance to win the starting second base job this spring.
Top Pitcher: RHP Dustin May
With a fastball, curveball and cutter that all grade as plus offerings, and an improved changeup, May has emerged as one of baseball's top pitching prospects. He pitched well in four starts and 10 relief appearances after making his MLB debut Aug. 2, posting a 3.63 ERA and 2.90 FIP in 34.2 innings, and he'll battle for a rotation spot this spring.
4. Seattle Mariners
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Jarred Kelenic | 20 | No. 11 |
| 2. OF Julio Rodriguez | 19 | No. 14 |
| 3. RHP Logan Gilbert | 22 | No. 39 |
| 4. 1B Evan White | 23 | No. 70 |
| 5. SS Noelvi Marte | 17 | No. 73 |
| 6. RHP Justin Dunn | 24 | No. 83 |
| 7. OF Kyle Lewis | 24 | 2 |
| 8. LHP Justus Sheffield | 23 | 2 |
| 9. RHP George Kirby | 22 | 3 |
| 10. C Cal Raleigh | 23 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Jarred Kelenic
After going No. 6 overall in 2018, Kelenic posted an .839 OPS with 22 extra-base hits in 56 games after signing. Despite that strong showing, the Mets included him in the Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz blockbuster last offseason, and he quickly emerged as one of baseball's most dynamic offensive prospects. He hit .291/.364/.540 with 31 doubles, 23 home runs and 20 steals over three levels in 2019 while reaching Double-A.
Top Pitcher: RHP Logan Gilbert
A standout junior season at Stetson University in which he posted a 2.72 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 112.1 innings made Gilbert one of the top college arms in the 2018 draft, and he ended up going No. 14. He dominated lower-level hitters last year with a 2.13 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 135 innings, and he appears to be on the fast track to a spot at the top of the MLB rotation.
3. Atlanta Braves
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OF Cristian Pache | 21 | No. 7 |
| 2. RHP Ian Anderson | 21 |
No. 19 |
| 3. OF Drew Waters | 21 |
No. 28 |
| 4. RHP Kyle Wright | 24 | No. 58 |
| 5. LHP Kyle Muller | 22 | No. 75 |
| 6. RHP Bryse Wilson | 22 | No. 91 |
| 7. C William Contreras | 22 | 2 |
| 8. C Shea Langeliers | 22 | 2 |
| 9. SS Braden Shewmake | 22 | 3 |
| 10. LHP Tucker Davidson | 23 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Cristian Pache
Long viewed as a future Gold Glove center fielder, Pache improved his offensive game last year with a .277/.340/.462 line and 57 extra-base hits in 130 games in Double-A and Triple-A. He'll join Ronald Acuna Jr. and fellow prospect Drew Waters in the Atlanta outfield soon.
Top Pitcher: RHP Ian Anderson
The No. 3 pick in 2016, Anderson has emerged as the top pitching prospect in an Atlanta system loaded with quality arms. With a terrific fastball-curveball-changeup repertoire and plus command, he posted a 2.68 ERA with 147 strikeouts in 111 innings at Double-A before scuffling down the stretch at Triple-A. Still just 21 years old, he's already knocking on the door.
2. San Diego Padres
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. LHP MacKenzie Gore | 20 | No. 5 |
| 2. RHP Luis Patino | 20 | No. 23 |
| 3. OF Taylor Trammell | 22 | No. 32 |
| 4. SS CJ Abrams | 19 | No. 36 |
| 5. C Luis Campusano | 21 | No. 77 |
| 6. LHP Adrian Morejon | 20 | No. 90 |
| 7. LHP Ryan Weathers | 20 | 2 |
| 8. RHP Michel Baez | 24 | 2 |
| 9. 2B/SS Owen Miller | 23 | 2 |
| 10. SS Gabriel Arias | 19 | 3 |
Top Position Player: OF Taylor Trammell
The Padres acquired Trammell from the Reds last summer in the three-team blockbuster that sent Trevor Bauer to Cincinnati, and he immediately became the center fielder of the future. The 22-year-old took a step back last year with a .234/.340/.349 line, but he still has legitimate five-tool potential, and his second go-around at Double-A could be when he turns a corner.
Top Pitcher: LHP MacKenzie Gore
With a dynamic four-pitch mix, excellent command, a strong 6'3", 195-pound frame and a smooth delivery that includes a deceptive leg kick, Gore has a case for being baseball's top pitching prospect. The 20-year-old had a 1.69 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 135 strikeouts in 101 innings while limiting opposing hitters to a .164 batting average. He could take his place at the top of the San Diego staff during the second half of 2020.
1. Tampa Bay Rays
Top 10 Prospects
| Name | Age | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1. SS Wander Franco | 18 | No. 1 |
| 2. LHP/DH Brendan McKay | 24 | No. 13 |
| 3. LHP Shane McClanahan | 22 | No. 61 |
| 4. 2B Vidal Brujan | 22 | No. 67 |
| 5. 2B Xavier Edwards | 20 | No. 69 |
| 6. RHP Shane Baz | 20 | No. 72 |
| 7. RHP Joe Ryan | 23 | No. 80 |
| 8. SS Greg Jones | 21 | 2 |
| 9. C Ronaldo Hernandez | 22 | 2 |
| 10. RHP Brent Honeywell | 24 | 2 |
Top Position Player: SS Wander Franco
The consensus top prospect in baseball, Franco hit .327/.398/.487 with 43 extra-base hits in 114 games at Single-A and High-A, and he doesn't turn 19 until next month. MLB.com gave him a top-of-the-scale 80-grade hit tool to go with 60-grade power, and he could be the next precocious phenom to reach the majors as a teenager.
Top Pitcher: LHP Brendan McKay
Used as a two-way player throughout his time at Louisville and at the onset of his pro career, McKay looks to have the most potential on the mound. The 24-year-old had a 1.10 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 73.2 innings in the upper levels of the minors last year, and his 4.03 FIP and 56 strikeouts in 49 major league innings provide plenty of optimism for 2020 success.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.
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