Cbs sports has published a ranking of major league baseball's best and worst farm systems, placing the los angeles dodgers at the top for their impressive player development. The evaluation, which follows their top 100 prospects list earlier this week, weighs high-end talent against depth. Seattle mariners and milwaukee brewers round out the top three, while houston astros, colorado rockies, and kansas city royals rank at the bottom.
Cbs sports approached minor-league prospects from an organizational perspective, ranking the three best and worst farm systems in mlb. The rankings are subjective and represent a snapshot in time, as player development evolves quickly with spring training underway.
The los angeles dodgers top the list due to their renowned player development machine. Despite rarely making sell trades or picking high in the draft—often selecting 10 spots lower because of luxury tax penalties—they consistently produce talent. Executives from other teams credit the dodgers' large staff and individualized development plans. Their system features high-end outfield prospects like josue de paula, eduardo quintero, and zyhir hope, alongside significant depth.
Seattle mariners rank second, boasting the most top-100 prospects with seven players. Infielder colt emerson offers a promising lefty bat who may stick at shortstop, while pitchers kade anderson, ryan sloan, and jurrangelo cijntje highlight their pitching prowess. Outfielders lazaro montes and jonny farmelo add boom-or-bust potential to an impressive group.
Milwaukee brewers come in third, with five top-100 prospects including infielders jesús made and luis peña, who have high ceilings—made could become the no. 1 prospect by next year. Infielder/outfielder jett williams, right-hander logan henderson, and catcher jeferson quero contribute to their depth, plus near-misses like cooper pratt and pitchers bishop letson and brandon sproat. Other contenders included pittsburgh pirates, cleveland guardians, and new york mets.
On the low end, houston astros have no top-100 prospects, a result of win-now trades over the past decade, including dealing jacob melton and anderson brito for mike burrows this winter. They must continue finding pro-level contributors for depth.
Colorado rockies rank second-worst with two lower-than-expected top-100 players: first baseman charlie condon, who has disappointed since being a top-five draft pick, and shortstop/third baseman ethan holliday, whose swing-and-miss issues raise concerns. A new front office may overhaul development.
Kansas city royals finish last with just one low-ranked top-100 prospect, though arms like kendry chourio and david shields show promise. Recent graduations include jac caglianone and noah cameron in 2025.
