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MLB Top Prospects: Farm System Rankings for all 30 teams

By Benjamin Chase

MIAMI, FL - JULY 9: Members of the World Team are seen on the base path during player introductions prior to the SirusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on Sunday, July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 9: Members of the World Team are seen on the base path during player introductions prior to the SirusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on Sunday, July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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MLB Top Prospects
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 29: Lewis Brinson /

13. Miami Marlins

2017 Ranking: 27
Prospects in the top 150: 5
Projected starters 25 and under: 4

Even rival fans seem to pity the plight of Marlins fans. After developing an enviable young outfield, one of the most dynamic young starting pitchers in the game, and an exciting speedster at the top of the lineup, tragedy struck in September of 2016 when Jose Fernandez was tragically killed in a boating accident.

The 2017 season seemed to be in a bit of a fog, as the Marlins had a club that should have been able to compete, the NL MVP, and even hosted the All-Star game, but the team just could not get their feet underneath them, finishing 77-85 on the season.

With new ownership coming in and multiple players about to get quite expensive, the Marlins undertook a tear-down style rebuild. Gone were Dee Gordon, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, and Giancarlo Stanton, and in were a slate of prospects. That has drastically improved the ranking of one of the worst farm systems in the game just last offseason, but further positive developments will be needed before we can simply trust the Marlins to bring these players to the majors.

Recent issues with high school arms drafted in the first round certainly have to concern fans and new owners alike. The lack of polish shown by many hitters in the system as they hit the upper minors is another thing that seems to indicate a system-wide concern. So, while there is plenty of talent now throughout the farm system, new owners will leave how the organization will develop that talent as an “incomplete” grade for now.

MLB Top Prospects
TEMPE, AZ – FEBRUARY 24: Brandon Woodruff /

12. Milwaukee Brewers

2017 Ranking: 4
Prospects in the top 150: 6
Projected starters 25 and under: 2

A legit top-5 farm system before the 2017 season, the Brewers saw some significant regression among players within the system, graduations, and a major trade strip away some of the top guys within the system, but there is still plenty of depth here.

When looking at MLB top prospects lists, the Brewers are still represented well, even if not in the top 25 prospects on the list. Of course, if trading four prospects (three top 150 guys) for Yelich is part of what brings a playoff berth to Milwaukee, no Brewer fan will blink an eye at where the team’s players are on MLB top prospects lists.

However, if the current iteration of the Brewers is unable to get past the Cubs and Cardinals within their own division and other teams within the NL for the Wild Card for a playoff spot, there are many who will be frustrated at seeing the accumulation of talent that the Brewers did over the last few seasons turn into just a few seasons of “almost”.

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