21. Los Angeles Angels
2017 Ranking: 30
Prospects in the top 150: 5
Projected starters 25 and under: 1
One of the biggest jumps over the offseason certainly has come from the Los Angeles Angels coming up farm system rankings. Adding three players that make my top 10 for the Angels system certainly will help to jump up the team’s rankings. On top of that, one of those three is the #2 overall prospect in my top 150 prospects!
The Angels have done more than just bring in three prospects this offseason, though. Under Billy Eppler, the Angels have shown Eppler’s previous experience in the scouting end of the game as they have made excellent draft picks and international signings to build the depth of their system, which would have provided for an improved system ranking even without the major signings this offseason.
With this offseason, Shohei Ohtani will be off the prospect lists by midseason, but Kevin Maitan and Livan Soto could be impact players for years to come for the Angels, and with the impressive amount of outfield prospect talent in the system, the Angels really have set up an impressive line of high-ceiling talent within the system.
20. Detroit Tigers
2017 Ranking: 24
Prospects in the top 150: 5
Projected starters 25 and under: 3
The Detroit Tigers have seen their farm system filtered to the major leagues or to trades for so many years that when the organization changed directions to a rebuilding effort, it was obvious that the team would need to see some big showings out of players already in the system along with some excellent returns on deals.
While not all deals brought MLB top prospects in return, they did end up getting plenty of depth in high-ceiling talent. The production from those players already in the system certainly came in droves in 2017, especially in the pitching as a number of players who had impressive ceilings had productive seasons. Many of those players still have work to do to polish to be ready for the majors, but the strides in 2017 show there is a legit major league future for a number of the arms in the farm system.
The Justin Verlander trade brought in some significant talent to the Tigers organization. Adding in the depth of talent through trade that was brought in along with a very impressive 2017 draft class will set up the Tigers as they prepare for the 2018 draft, where they will have the #1 overall selection.
Next: #18/19