Adley Rutschman was one of many predominant the reason why the Orioles topped MLB Pipeline’s farm system rankings at midseason in 2021 and once more coming into this season. Baseball’s finest catching prospect in years, he has made a case for being the sport’s finest catcher since arriving in Baltimore in late Could and surprisingly spurred his membership into Wild Card rivalry.
There’s extra expertise on the way in which to Camden Yards. Rutschman has graduated from prospect standing, but the Orioles have held onto the No. 1 spot in our up to date system rankings. They nonetheless characteristic three of one of the best prospects on our revamped Prime 100 Prospects record — shortstop/third baseman Gunnar Henderson (No. 2), right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (No. 4) and shortstop Jackson Holliday (No. 14) — and extra depth than they’ve had in fairly some time.
Behind Baltimore, we line up the next-best methods with the Dodgers at No. 2, adopted by the Guardians, Reds and D-backs. Los Angeles is not any stranger to such lofty heights, having positioned No. 1 within the 2016 preseason and No. 3 in mid-2019 and pre-2020. However that is the primary time Cleveland has cracked the highest 10 since we started evaluating group expertise in 2015, in addition to the primary time Cincinnati has crashed the highest 5.
Our full rankings are beneath. They’re based mostly on long-term massive league worth, together with elements resembling potential influence expertise, depth, proximity to the large leagues and steadiness between place gamers and pitchers in addition to ceilings and flooring.
1. Baltimore Orioles
2022 preseason rank: 1
2021 midseason rank: 1
2021 preseason rank: 5
2020 midseason rank: 8
Prime 100 Prospects: Gunnar Henderson, SS/3B (No. 2), Grayson Rodriguez, RHP (No. 4), Jackson Holliday, SS (No. 14), Colton Cowser, OF (No. 43), Jordan Westburg, INF (No. 80), DL Corridor, LHP (No. 92)
That is the third straight time the Orioles have landed within the high spot and it’s now 5 rankings in a row Baltimore has a high 10 farm system. They keep atop the rankings even after shedding Adley Rutschman to commencement, because the O’s nonetheless have two of the highest 4 prospects in all of baseball, three within the high 15 and 6 within the Prime 100 general. Having the No. 1 general choose on this 12 months’s Draft doesn’t harm, however there’s top-end expertise AND depth up and down the system courtesy of the whole Draft and the renewed efforts in Latin America. Extra »
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
2022 preseason rank: 5
2021 midseason rank: 16
2021 preseason rank: 14
2020 midseason rank: 11
Prime 100 Prospects: Diego Cartaya, C (No. 9); Bobby Miller, RHP (No. 27); Miguel Vargas, 3B/OF (No. 44); Michael Busch, 2B/OF (No. 45); Andy Pages, OF (No. 69); Ryan Pepiot, RHP (No. 77); Gavin Stone (No. 81)
The Dodgers proceed to marry profitable within the Majors with churning out influence expertise within the Minors. They’re en path to setting a franchise report for victories for the third straight full season and high all organizations with seven Prime 100 Prospects. Amongst that group, Pepiot is in Los Angeles and Miller, Vargas, Busch and Stone are all knocking on the door in Triple-A. Extra »
3. Cleveland Guardians
2022 preseason rank: 12
2021 midseason rank: 13
2021 preseason rank: 13
2020 midseason rank: 14
Prime 100 Prospects: Daniel Espino, RHP (No. 16); George Valera, OF (No. 32); Gavin Williams, RHP (No. 56); Brayan Rocchio, SS/2B (No. 72); Bo Naylor, C (No. 78)
The Guardians excel at signing gifted younger hitters and serving to pitchers take their stuff to a different stage. José Ramírez and Shane Bieber are one of the best massive league examples, and all 5 of their Prime 100 Prospects fall into a kind of two classes. The system ought to make a huge effect in Cleveland shortly, with 13 of its 15 finest prospects having reached Double-A or increased. Extra »
4. Cincinnati Reds
2022 preseason rank: 15
2021 midseason rank: 10
2021 preseason rank: 20
2020 midseason rank: 22
Prime 100 Prospects: Elly De La Cruz, SS/3B (No. 15), Noelvi Marte, SS (No. 18), Edwin Arroyo, SS (No. 55), Cam Collier, 3B (No. 63), Matt McLain (No. 76)
The Reds’ restocking has are available in a wide range of methods. Their final two first-round Draft picks are within the Prime 100, and a global signee’s ascension offers them some of the thrilling prospects in baseball. Nevertheless it’s been the commerce market the place Cincy has restocked its system essentially the most, with 9 of its Prime 30, and eight of the highest 15, coming in offers. Along with the intriguing expertise on the high, that is the deepest the system has been in a while. Extra »
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
2022 preseason rank: 4
2021 midseason rank: 9
2021 preseason rank: 9
2020 midseason rank: 9
Prime 100 Prospects: Corbin Carroll, OF (No. 3); Druw Jones, OF (No. 12); Jordan Lawlar, SS (No. 13); Brandon Pfaadt, RHP (No. 95)
Arizona is the one group with three prospects ranked amongst Pipeline’s Prime 13 general, following the addition of Jones on this 12 months’s Draft and the spectacular years of Carroll and Lawlar. It’s a far drop from them to Pfaadt, who seems like he has one of the best probability to emerge from a glut of Double-A/Triple-A arms to develop into a bonafide Main League starter in Phoenix. Don’t learn an excessive amount of into the one-spot drop; the D-backs have held function a strong rebuilding system that stands out extra for its high-ceiling expertise than its depth. Extra »
6. Texas Rangers
2022 preseason rank: 9
2021 midseason rank: 11
2021 preseason rank: 21
2020 midseason rank: 24
Prime 100 Prospects: Josh Jung, 3B (No. 39); Jack Leiter, RHP (No. 48), Evan Carter, OF (No. 59); Owen White, RHP (No. 62); Justin Foscue, 2B (No. 82); Brock Porter, RHP (No. 94)
The Rangers have improved their standing for the fourth straight rating, due to a mix of potential star expertise and depth. They might have their deepest crop of pitching prospects ever, beginning with Leiter, White, Porter, Kumar Rocker and Cole Winn, who have been signed out of the Draft for a mixed $21.5 million. They’re well-stocked in place gamers as nicely, led by Jung, Carter, Foscue and Luisangel Acuna. Extra »
7. Pittsburgh Pirates
2022 preseason rank: 7
2021 midseason rank: 4
2021 preseason rank: 8
2020 midseason rank: 16
Prime 100 Prospects: Henry Davis, C (No. 20); Termarr Johnson, 2B/SS (No. 30), Quinn Priester, RHP (No. 47); Liover Peguero, SS (No. 65); Nick Gonzales, 2B (No. 99)
That is the fourth straight time the Pirates’ system is within the high 10. Although they misplaced Oneil Cruz and Roansy Contreras to commencement, they did add 2022 first-round Johnson. This stays a really deep system, bolstered by commerce acquisitions and a few aggressive Drafts, particularly the final two years. Extra »
8. Tampa Bay Rays
2022 preseason rank: 3
2021 midseason rank: 6
2021 preseason rank: 1
2020 midseason rank: 1
Prime 100 prospects: Taj Bradley, RHP (No. 21); Curtis Mead, 3B/2B (No. 38); Carson Williams, SS (No. 86)
On one hand, that is the bottom the Rays have ranked because the 2017 preseason record. On the opposite, that is the twelfth consecutive time Tampa Bay has slotted within the Prime 10, an MLB Pipeline report. Graduations by Shane Baz and Josh Lowe, together with more durable years from Greg Jones and Xavier Edwards, have taken the sting off the group, however the ascensions of Bradley and Mead into two of one of the best prospects at their positions have stored the conveyor belt stocked and shifting towards St. Petersburg. Keep watch over the Draft class. First baseman Xavier Isaac could have been a shock first-rounder, however the Rays actually consider he has the facility to take off within the execs. This player-development group, specifically, could also be well-suited to make that occur. Extra »
9. Colorado Rockies
2022 preseason rank: 24
2021 midseason rank: 26
2021 preseason rank: 27
2020 midseason rank: 28
Prime 100 Prospects: Zac Veen, OF (No. 24); Ezequiel Tovar, SS (No. 28); Adael Amador, SS (No. 64); Drew Romo, C (No. 66)
The Rockies had been making small, incremental progress up the rankings till this enormous leap, placing them within the high 10 for the primary time because the 2017 preseason (after we solely did a high 10). There weren’t any massive trades that prompted the push, however slightly a mix of a number of gamers already within the system breaking out as top-notch prospects (three of the 4 Prime 100 prospects within the system weren’t on the record at first of this season) and a powerful 2022 Draft class — six from the highest 100 of our Draft Prime 250 at the moment are Rockies — that added seven new names to a a lot deeper Prime 30. Extra »
10. Chicago Cubs
2022 preseason rank: 18
2021 midseason rank: 18
2021 preseason rank: 22
2020 midseason rank: 26
Prime 100 Prospects: Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF (No. 31); Brennen Davis, OF (No. 51); Kevin Alcantara, OF (No. 91)
The Cubs system hasn’t been this deep since Chicago was assembling the expertise that gained the 2016 World Sequence. Although all three of their Prime 100 Prospects are outfielders, their pitching depth can be notable. Most of their finest arms have been acquired within the final 13 months, together with Cade Horton, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, Jackson Ferris, Hayden Wesneski and Caleb Kilian. Extra »
11. Boston Crimson Sox
2022 preseason rank: 14
2021 midseason rank: 12
2021 preseason rank: 24
2020 midseason rank: 25
Prime 100 Prospects: Marcelo Mayer, SS (No. 8); Triston Casas (No. 26), Brayan Bello (No. 37)
The Crimson Sox simply missed making the highest 10 for the primary time since they have been No. 7 in mid-2016. The energy of the system is infielders, together with first-round picks Mayer, Casas, Nick Yorke and Mikey Romero. Two of Boston’s most electrical prospects are worldwide outfielders Ceddanne Rafaela and Miguel Bleis. Extra »
12. New York Yankees
2022 preseason rank: 13
2021 midseason rank: 19
2021 preseason rank: 18
2020 midseason rank: 19
Prime 100 Prospects: Anthony Volpe, SS (No. 5); Jasson Dominguez, OF (No. 42); Oswald Peraza, SS (No. 53), Austin Wells, C (No. 87)
Regardless of buying and selling 24 prospects for large league assist in the final 13 months, the Yankees have held onto most of their finest place gamers, together with all 4 of the Prime 100 Prospects above plus Everson Pereira and Trey Sweeney. Whereas its system is hitter-heavy now, New York does a pleasant job of figuring out pitchers who improve their stuff, resembling 2021 eighth-rounder Will Warren, who already has shot to Double-A. Extra »
13. St. Louis Cardinals
2022 preseason rank: 16
2021 midseason rank: 21
2021 preseason rank: 17
2020 midseason rank: 18
Prime 100 prospects: Jordan Walker, 3B/OF (No. 6); Masyn Winn, SS (No. 54); Gordon Graceffo, RHP (No. 83); Matthew Liberatore, LHP (No. 85); Alec Burleson, OF (No. 93); Tink Therefore, RHP (No. 96)
Would you consider that is the best St. Louis has been since Pipeline rankings started in 2016? Years of continuous rivalry will do this (i.e. forestall a membership from making excessive Draft picks), however even beneath these situations, the Cardinals have been capable of develop six Prime 100 prospects, tying them with the Orioles and Rangers for second-most in baseball. 5 of these six (excepting solely Liberatore) have been acquired by the Draft, so the Playing cards have had successes by that course of. Past that half-dozen, St. Louis lacks the depth of a Prime 10 system — the underside of its Prime 30 is notably stuffed with reduction prospects — nevertheless it isn’t far off from becoming a member of that tier for the primary time. Extra »
14. New York Mets
2022 preseason rank: 20
2021 midseason rank: 22
2021 preseason rank: 19
2020 midseason rank: 20
Prime 100 prospects: Francisco Álvarez, C (No. 1); Brett Baty, 3B (No. 19); Kevin Parada, C (No. 40); Alex Ramirez, OF (No. 90)
Having the No. 1 general prospect in MLB Pipeline’s rankings is a good way to climb the ladder, and that is the best the Mets have been since they ranked fifth within the 2015 preseason. New York drafted nicely, including Parada and No. 5 prospect Jett Williams to a gaggle that very a lot wanted depth, and Álvarez and Baty have loved stellar years on the high ranges to maintain their spots as massive names. This nonetheless very a lot stays a top-heavy system, nevertheless, and the Prime 100 contingent can solely carry a lot weight. For now, Baty’s current debut proves that the Mets have abilities within the system to enhance the large strikes on the Majors and assist construct a severe October contender. Extra »
15. Washington Nationals
2022 preseason rank: 23
2021 midseason rank: 20
2021 preseason rank: 30
2020 midseason rank: 30
Prime 100 prospects: Robert Hassell III, OF (No. 23), Elijah Inexperienced, OF (No. 29); James Wooden, OF (No. 35); Cade Cavalli, RHP (No. 58)
Even final 12 months’s blockbuster Commerce Deadline strikes couldn’t push the Nats into the highest half. This 12 months’s swap that despatched Juan Soto to San Diego definitely did. (Because it ought to have.) Hassell, Wooden and No. 8 prospect Jarlin Susana added heft to the group’s high 10 that doesn’t embrace the graduated MacKenzie Gore or CJ Abrams. So did Inexperienced, the fifth general choose on this 12 months’s Draft, together with his loud energy, pace and defensive instruments. If not for accidents from Brady Home and Cole Henry, this group may look even brighter. As an alternative, they solely convey extra query marks to a gaggle that would use as many exclamation factors as potential. Extra »
16. Miami Marlins
2022 preseason rank: 6
2021 midseason rank: 3
2021 preseason rank: 4
2020 midseason rank: 5
Prime 100 Prospects: Eury Pérez, RHP (No. 10), Max Meyer, RHP (No. 46); Jacob Berry, 3B/OF (No. 52)
The Marlins system has slid again into the center of the pack for a wide range of causes, together with graduations (Edward Cabrera), accidents (Meyer) and disappointing performances (Kahlil Watson). However there’s nonetheless a number of intriguing expertise, together with the most effective pitching prospects within the Minors (Pérez) and maybe one of the best mixture of hitting, energy and endurance from the 2022 school ranks (Berry). Extra »
17. Oakland Athletics
2022 preseason rank: 22
2021 midseason rank: 28
2021 preseason rank: 26
2020 midseason rank: 17
Prime 100 Prospects: Shea Langeliers (No. 36), Tyler Soderstrom (No. 50), Ken Wadichuk, LHP (No. 70), Zack Gelof, 3B (No. 100)
The A’s moved up within the preseason after their a number of post-lockout trades they usually have been in the marketplace once more this Commerce Deadline, with Frankie Montas bringing in a Prime 100 man in Waldichuk and three different members of the A’s present Prime 30. Including 4 members of our Draft Prime 100 didn’t harm, both. If a few of the pitchers acquired in trades who’re simply beginning to get again from harm, particularly J.T. Ginn and Gunnar Hogland, can return to type, that would supply one other increase. Extra »
18. San Francisco Giants
2022 preseason rank: 11
2021 midseason rank: 8
2021 preseason rank: 11
2020 midseason rank: 13
Prime 100 Prospects: Marco Luciano, SS (No. 17); Kyle Harrison, LHP (No. 22)
Although their system has dipped a bit in 2022 with a few of the higher prospects regressing, the Giants nonetheless have a pair of high-end abilities in Luciano and Harrison. They’ve additionally had some farmhands take enormous steps ahead, resembling Grant McCray, Eric Silva, Vaun Brown and Mason Black. Extra »
19. Milwaukee Brewers
2022 preseason rank: 25
2021 midseason rank: 25
2021 preseason rank: 28
2020 midseason rank: 29
Prime 100 prospects: Jackson Chourio, OF (No. 11); Sal Frelick, OF (No. 49); Joey Wiemer, OF (No. 89)
Is that this bounce into the Prime 20 solely based mostly on Chourio? We wouldn’t go that far, however the 18-year-old breakout phenom definitely performs a powerful function. Chourio could possibly be the highest prospect within the recreation in some unspecified time in the future as soon as he good points expertise and tightens up a few of his swing-and-miss issues. Frelick is a powerful second-best prospect, having climbed three ranges in his first full season. With Wiemer, Garrett Mitchell and the not too long ago acquired Esteury Ruiz, outfield stays by far the deepest group for Milwaukee. No different place group comes shut, thus the rating. Pitching obtained a lift by trades and the Draft, however the truth that second-rounder Jacob Misiorowski is the top-ranked arm at No. 9 speaks volumes. Extra »
20. Toronto Blue Jays
2022 preseason rank: 21
2021 midseason rank: 14
2021 preseason rank: 7
2020 midseason rank: 7
Prime 100 prospects: Gabriel Moreno, C (No. 7); Ricky Tiedemann, LHP (No. 34); Orelvis Martinez, SS/3B (No. 73)
If Moreno had graduated as many anticipated him to by this level, the Jays would have doubtless slipped a couple of locations. As an alternative, they really rise one from their preseason standing. Moreno, who’s blocked by Toronto at current, continues to point out a plus hit device and particular athleticism behind the plate, whereas on the opposite finish of the battery, Tiedemann has been one of many Minors’ finest breakout pitchers in his first full season, rising from the 2021 third spherical to comfortably inside the Prime 100. Brandon Barriera and Tucker Toman have been strong Draft additions, and Yosver Zulueta (when wholesome) flashes plus stuff throughout the board. What as soon as regarded like a deep group of Toronto infielders has taken a step again, affecting the general well being of the system, and out of doors of the large three, there are questions on how a lot pitching this group can present future Toronto staffs. Extra »
21. Kansas Metropolis Royals
2022 preseason rank: 8
2021 midseason rank: 5
2021 preseason rank: 10
2020 midseason rank: 10
Prime 100 prospects: Gavin Cross, OF (No. 75); Nick Pratto, 1B/OF (No. 84)
A reminder that these (and any) rankings are snapshots in time. Within the preseason, the Royals boasted the still-eligible Bobby Witt Jr., MJ Melendez and Vinnie Pasquantino, and Asa Lacy nonetheless confirmed Prime-100-quality. Their graduations and drop depart Kansas Metropolis with solely two Prime 100 prospects this spherical. However, we would simply be rating the Royals at an advantageous time for them since Pratto, No. 3 Michael Massey, No. 14 Angel Zerpa, No. 16 Nate Eaton and No. 17 Max Castillo may all be graduates by season’s finish. No. 9 Drew Waters additionally simply made his MLB debut on Monday. Because it stands, that Main League readiness is a degree within the system’s favor, however as soon as so many lose prospect standing, anticipate a steep drop. Extra »
22. Detroit Tigers
2022 preseason rank: 10
2021 midseason rank: 7
2021 preseason rank: 2
2020 midseason rank: 2
Prime 100 prospects: Jackson Jobe, RHP (No. 41); Jace Jung, 2B (No. 74)
Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are off prospect lists, but the Tigers proceed their custom of getting first-rounders within the Prime 100 with Jobe (2021) and Jung (2022). Proper-handers Wilmer Flores and Ty Madden give the membership two extra Prime-100-adjacent abilities on the mound. However as an entire, this group lacks the ceiling it had within the preseason when Greene and Torkelson regarded like potential stars, and it isn’t deep sufficient to beat that and push into the Prime 20. Extra »
23. Minnesota Twins
2022 preseason rank: 19
2021 midseason rank: 18
2021 preseason rank: 22
2020 midseason rank: 12
Prime 100 Prospects: Brooks Lee, SS (No. 33), Royce Lewis, SS (No. 61), Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF (No. 97)
It’s been slightly little bit of a combined bag farm system-wise for the Twins, with Lewis’ second knee harm essentially the most notable blow. On the plus facet, they’ve gotten some good contributions from prospects within the massive leagues (resulting in some graduations), placing them in playoff rivalry. That led them to commerce some prospects away (three to the Reds for Tyler Mahle), although including Lee’s superior bat by the Draft helps, as does a first-round expertise in Connor Prielipp, who ought to be at full energy subsequent 12 months. Extra »
24. Seattle Mariners
2022 preseason rank: 2
2021 midseason rank: 2
2021 preseason rank: 3
2020 midseason rank: 4
Prime 100 Prospects: Harry Ford, C (No. 68)
The Mariners started the 12 months with six gamers within the Prime 100. Three, most notably high prospect Julio Rodríguez, graduated from prospect standing. Two extra Prime 100 guys (one who was on the preseason record, one who wasn’t) have been despatched to the Reds within the Luis Castillo deal. The depth of the system was aided by the addition of six members of their 2022 Draft class, however profitable/competing does have its value when it comes to sustaining a system that had been a mainstay within the high 5. Extra »
25. Philadelphia Phillies
2022 preseason rank: 26
2021 midseason rank: 27
2021 preseason rank: 23
2020 midseason rank: 23
Prime 100 Prospects: Andrew Painter, RHP (No. 25), Mick Abel (No. 57)
It’s established order, roughly, for the Phillies’ system. Whereas a number of prospects within the Prime 30 haven’t carried out significantly nicely, the mixture of Painter and Abel give them one of many higher pitching prospect duos within the recreation. Watching 2022 draftee Justin Crawford and No. 5 prospect Johan Rojas duel it out for who one of the best heart subject prospect within the system is ought to be enjoyable to observe over the subsequent couple of years. Extra »
26. Chicago White Sox
2022 preseason rank: 30
2021 midseason rank: 30
2021 preseason rank: 16
2020 midseason rank: 6
Prime 100 Prospects: Colson Montgomery, SS (No. 60)
After graduating a ton of expertise to the large leagues and inserting final in our final two rankings, the White Sox system is climbing again to respectability. Whereas Montgomery is the lone Prime 100 Prospect, Oscar Colas is not far behind and Chicago’s expertise runs deeper than it has in years. Extra »
27. Atlanta Braves
2022 preseason rank: 27
2021 midseason rank: 23
2021 preseason rank: 15
2020 midseason rank: 15
Prime 100 Prospects: Vaughn Grissom (No. 79)
The Braves’ system would possibly proceed to be a bit skinny as they proceed to compete within the NL East/Wild Card, however you need to give credit score the place it’s due. Their lone Prime 100 man at first of the season, Michael Harris II, made the bounce from Double-A to the large leagues, earned an enormous contract extension and may get loads of Rookie of the Yr votes. Their present Prime 100 man, Vaughn Grissom, has made an analogous Double-A to the bigs bounce to contribute as nicely, they usually’ve nonetheless managed to improve their massive league roster utilizing prospects in smaller offers. Extra »
28. San Diego Padres
2022 preseason rank: 17
2021 midseason rank: 17
2021 preseason rank: 6
2020 midseason rank: 3
Prime 100 prospects: Jackson Merrill, SS (No. 88); Luis Campusano, C (No. 98)
The truth that the Soto commerce didn’t utterly sink San Diego to No. 30 is a testomony to the place the farm was earlier than the blockbuster of the century. Regardless of a wrist harm that stored him out for almost three months, Merrill has continued to provide evaluators loads of causes to consider he could be a high quality on a regular basis Main Leaguer. Campusano stays a Prime 100 prospect, albeit barely, as a possible starting-quality backstop with a superb general bat, and the Draft picks of Dylan Lesko and Robby Snelling added much more upside. That is nonetheless and not using a prospect among the many Pipeline Prime 85 or a ton of depth past the names listed, so that they land within the backside three. Extra »
29. Houston Astros
2022 preseason rank: 29
2021 midseason rank: 29
2021 preseason rank: 29
2020 midseason rank: 27
Prime 100 Prospects: Hunter Brown, RHP (No. 71)
The Astros rank next-to-last for the fourth straight time, however that hasn’t stopped them from reaching 5 straight American League Championship Sequence whereas getting contributions from homegrown expertise. Unheralded prospects Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier and Chas McCormick have grown into key roles and Jeremy Peña has carried out a pleasant job changing the departed Carlos Correa. Extra »
30. Los Angeles Angels
2022 preseason rank: 28
2021 midseason rank: 24
2021 preseason rank: 25
2020 midseason rank: 21
Prime 100 Prospects: Logan O’Hoppe, C (No. 67)
The Angels have lengthy had some depth when it comes to younger, and uncooked, gamers with excessive ceilings. A lot of them haven’t taken the steps ahead the Angels hoped to see. On the optimistic facet, they did add O’Hoppe, one of many higher catching prospects within the recreation, on the deadline and he may quickly be joined on that record by Edgar Quero. Zach Neto, their 2022 first-rounder, offers them one other Prime 100 contender within the close to future. Extra »
