A New Champion Emerges in Farm System Rankings
The reign of the Orioles as the top farm system in our preseason rankings has come to an end after three years, paving the way for the Tigers to take the crown. Although the Orioles had previously lost their leading position in the 2024 midseason rankings due to the graduation of several prospects to the major leagues, they are now positioned in the middle tier, highlighting the challenges of maintaining consistent performance and a high-caliber system over the years. With six Top 100 prospects and an impressive lineup of hitters, the Tigers are now challenged to see how long they can stay at the forefront of our farm system rankings.
Two teams among the top five have been particularly successful at sustaining their positions. The Rays could easily have claimed the No. 1 spot for their ongoing success in acquiring talent through the Draft, international signings, and savvy trades. The Dodgers have consistently ranked high, achieving their seventh consecutive placement in the top 10 across preseason and midseason evaluations.
Completing the top five are the Red Sox, who maintain their strong reputation despite trading away Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery in the Garret Crochet deal, and the rapidly advancing Mariners, boasting seven Top 100 hitting prospects.
Explore our updated farm system rankings, which, as usual, will delight one team and its supporters while leaving the other 29 with questions. Enjoy!
1. Detroit Tigers
Previous rankings: 2024 midseason: 6, 2024 preseason: 5, 2023 midseason: 13, 2023 preseason: 25
Top 100 prospects: Jackson Jobe, RHP (No. 5); Max Clark, OF (No. 6); Kevin McGonigle, SS/2B (No. 28); Bryce Rainer, SS (No. 52); Thayron Liranzo, C/1B (No. 81); Josue Briceño, 1B/C (No. 94). The Tigers feature an impressive array of top prospects, with six players ranked in the Top 100. Their foundation of Jobe, Clark, and McGonigle has been further strengthened by Rainer’s arrival from the Draft and breakout performances from Liranzo and Briceño.
2. Tampa Bay Rays
Previous rankings: 2024 midseason: 1, 2024 preseason: 6, 2023 midseason: 7, 2023 preseason: 6
Top 100 prospects: Carson Williams, SS (No. 9); Xavier Isaac, 1B (No. 50); Brayden Taylor, INF (No. 66); Tre’ Morgan, 1B/OF (No. 93); Theo Gillen, OF (No. 98). With the graduation of Junior Caminero, the Rays have seen Williams become the standout prospect. The Rays maintain their depth in position players, complemented by several quality arms, showcasing their perennial strength in talent acquisition.
3. Boston Red Sox
Previous rankings: 2024 midseason: 7, 2024 preseason: 14, 2023 midseason: 16, 2023 preseason: 16
Top 100 prospects: Roman Anthony, OF (No. 2); Kristian Campbell, 2B/SS/OF (No. 7); Marcelo Mayer, SS (No. 12); Franklin Arias, SS/2B (No. 75). The Red Sox have one of the strongest trios of prospects in baseball, showcasing their adeptness at international scouting and a notable progress in pitcher development.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Previous rankings: 2024 midseason: 5, 2024 preseason: 8, 2023 midseason: 6, 2023 preseason: 2
Top 100 prospects: Roki Sasaki, RHP (No. 1); Dalton Rushing, C/OF (No. 30); Josue De Paula, OF (No. 40); Jackson Ferris, LHP (No. 70); Alex Freeland, SS (No. 71); Zyhir Hope, OF (No. 74). The Dodgers maintain their status as a model franchise with a robust farm system, recently securing Sasaki, showcasing their continued success in talent acquisition and development.
5. Seattle Mariners
Previous rankings: 2024 midseason: 9, 2024 preseason: 18, 2023 midseason: 19, 2023 preseason: 24
Top 100 prospects: Colt Emerson, SS/3B (No. 20); Lazaro Montes, OF (No. 42); Cole Young, SS/2B (No. 49). The Mariners have emerged rapidly, now tied for the most prospects in the Top 100, backed by an impressive combination of high school draftees and international signees, signaling a promising future.
