It seems like we can never get enough of rankings and lists. However, when I conceived of a power ranking for MLB farm systems, I wanted it to be both different as well as actually useful. How can we wrap our arms around an entire organization’s worth of prospects and gain some perspective?

In an effort to be more creative, I decided to utilize the statistical performance of each organization’s top 30 prospects on a regular basis, rather than the traditional end-of-year summary. Instead of waiting for the dust to settle, I wanted to zoom in to see how different decisions and results impact the strength of individual systems. Ultimately, I want each week to be a snapshot of how an MLB team’s pipeline is (or is not) progressing.

 

Ground Rules

 

• This list is made at my discretion. So yes, this is completely subjective.

• This is a weekly rankings list. If the #1 overall prospect gets called up, that team’s farm system will likely be negatively impacted in the rankings. If a pitcher suffers a blowup or a hitter slumps during the week, it’s going to impact the rankings. This is not just based on general Future Value or else I’d make an end-of-year list like everyone else.

• Why is Team X above Team Y? See bullet point #1.

• Yes, I do actually watch minor league games during the week including reviewing specific ABs or innings that I may have missed.

• No I do not hate __________. I keep an open mind about whatever results come in and whoever may be producing them.

• This is supposed to be fun, so let’s have fun with it!

Risers

Atlanta Braves: Michael Harris II is on fire and even Drew Waters is hitting again. On the mound, it seems like Atlanta has multiple arms at every level with serious ML potential.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll and Jordan Lawlar have shone like the future stars they are but Arizona simply isn’t being discussed as having some of the best pitching talent depth in the majors. This week, Bryce Jarvis finally showed up in a big way along with Drey Jameson and Blake Walston having outstanding starts yet again.

New York Yankees: This is more indicative of the teams that are ranked lower. The Yankees didn’t really do anything of note last week to earn jumping up 7 spots but someone has to be slotted here.

 

Fallers

 

Oakland Athletics: As pleasant a surprise as the Athletics position players have been, this week is a glaring reminder of their lack of pitching depth.

Colorado Rockies: What seemed like an ascendant system was rather stagnant this week. Still waiting for Benny Montgomery to realize the season has started…

Featured image by Shawn Palmer (@Palmerdesigns_ on Twitter)