In the latest MLB Pipeline Executive Poll, front office executives ranked the Los Angeles Dodgers as having the best farm system, excluding their own teams. The survey, part of a series started in 2023, also praised the Seattle Mariners for drafting and the Milwaukee Brewers for international signings. Results show a diverse field with no clear consensus across categories.
The MLB Pipeline Executive Poll's fourth installment shifts focus from individual players to organizational strengths in prospect development. Launched in 2023, this year's edition instructed executives to exclude their own franchises, though not all complied. The poll covers key areas like farm systems, drafting, international markets, trades, and player development.
For the best overall farm system, the Dodgers led with significant votes, followed by the Mariners in second. The Brewers and Detroit Tigers tied for third, while 10 teams received votes and five garnered double-digit percentages. This aligns with midseason rankings where the Dodgers topped the list, the Mariners placed third, and the Brewers and Tigers fourth and sixth, respectively. Other notable mentions included the Orioles, Reds, and Twins.
In drafting, the Mariners topped the poll, boasting all five first-round picks from 2018-2022 reaching the majors, plus third-rounder Cal Raleigh and later-round arms Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller. The Brewers, Tigers, and Dodgers also earned multiple votes, alongside the Mets, Orioles, Padres, and Reds.
The Brewers dominated international signings, with Jackson Chourio in the majors, Jesús Made near the top of prospect lists, and Luis Peña adding depth. The Dodgers and Padres were aggressive pursuers, while teams like the Astros, Marlins, Mets, Orioles, Phillies, Rangers, Rays, and Red Sox received votes.
For acquiring prospects via trades, the Rays led consistently, exemplified by deals for Brody Hopkins and Slater de Brun using prior acquisitions like Randy Arozarena and Shane Baz. The Dodgers followed, gaining Zyhir Hope in 2024 and Adam Serwinowski at the trade deadline. Others included the Astros, Guardians, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Phillies, Red Sox, and Twins.
The Pirates earned the most underrated farm system votes, with the Marlins second among 17 teams. Previously underrated Brewers now rank among the best. Hoarding prospects saw past leaders Guardians and Orioles slip, with Cleveland favoring internal promotions.
Pitcher development crowned the Dodgers first, excelling in rehabilitation, followed by the Guardians and Mariners in the top four. The Mets rose with Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. Hitter development also favored the Dodgers, with six of seven Top 100 prospects as hitters, overtaking last year's co-leaders Orioles and Red Sox. Boston's Roman Anthony and Detroit's Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark drew praise.
Sleeper prospects saw the Brewers take first, swapping with the Dodgers for second, and Rays third—the same top trio for three years. Milwaukee excels internationally and in drafts, while the Dodgers and Rays shine in trades.
