The 2024 MLB season is well underway, and fans are eagerly awaiting the call-ups of top prospects that could change the trajectory of their favorite teams. However, not all organizations have the same level of talent in their farm systems. Some teams have a wealth of promising young players waiting in the minors, while others are lacking in future stars. Here, we take a look at the five best and worst farm systems in MLB, based on prospect rankings from MLB.com.
Among the top farm systems in MLB are the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals boast a strong offensive future but are reliant on the health of their pitchers. The Pirates have an impressive group of young pitchers, led by standout prospects like Jared Jones and Paul Skenes. The Brewers have a promising crop of prospects, with Joey Ortiz already making an impact in the majors. The Cubs have a deep pool of talent reminiscent of their championship-winning team from the early 2010s. And the Orioles continue to lead the pack with top prospects like Adley Rutschman and Dax Holliday.
On the other end of the spectrum, the worst farm systems in MLB include the Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Angels. The Braves have few top prospects to rely on if injuries or regression hit their major league roster. The Royals are hoping for breakout performances from international prospects to boost their farm system. The Athletics are facing a shortage of young talent in their system, with most of their top prospects already in the majors. The Astros have struggled to build a strong farm system in recent years, impacting their overall performance. And the Angels have a lack of top prospects, raising concerns about their long-term success.
While some teams are poised for success thanks to their strong farm systems, others are facing challenges due to a lack of talent in the minors. The success of these organizations will depend on how well they can develop and integrate their young prospects into the major league roster. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see which teams benefit from their farm systems and which teams struggle to compete. The future of these franchises will be shaped by the quality of talent waiting in the wings, making the farm system rankings a crucial factor in MLB success.
