2026 MLB Farm System Rankings: Prospects

Having recently compiled a list of the premier 100 Major League Baseball prospects for the upcoming 2026 season (supplemented by an analysis of individuals categorized from 101 to 200), the moment has arrived to evaluate the standing of all thirty minor league systems. Notably, for the second consecutive year, a different organization claims the top position.

The methodology for these classifications largely mirrors my earlier iterations. During my tenure at FanGraphs, Craig Edwards (currently employed by the MLB Players Association) conducted studies that uncovered objective surplus monetary valuations for each prospect’s future value category. This allows for an impartial assessment of farm systems, based on my team-specific rosters slated for release next week.

An advantage of this system is the flexibility it provides to challenge a particular placement; for instance, if one team possesses talent valued at an additional half-million dollars, yet another team, ranked lower, showcases players more aligned with your preferences. This equips you with insights into the precise proximity of each team’s standing and a more detailed perspective on the attributes of their developing players relative to the other twenty-nine organizations.

Let’s now examine the promising outlook for your preferred Major League Baseball squad.

Navigate to specific team:

American League
ATH | BAL | BOS | CHW | CLE
DET | HOU | KC | LAA | MIN
NYY | SEA | TB | TEX | TOR

National League
ARI | ATL | CHC | CIN | COL
LAD | MIA | MIL | NYM | PHI
PIT | SD | SF | STL | WSH


Last year: 8th, $225 million

Top 100 prospects: 8

Top-ranked prospect: Jesus Made (No. 3)

In discussions regarding exemplary baseball organizations, individuals both within and outside the sport frequently cite the Dodgers, immediately followed by the Rays, given that sustained achievement with fiscal constraints is inherently more challenging than with a substantial budget. The Guardians are also often brought into the conversation.

The focus of this discourse is gradually moving, with most industry observers now highlighting the Brewers, occasionally as their primary example, contingent on their specific sector. While Milwaukee has long maintained a robust international presence, its current streak of success could become a topic of discussion for many years: Made, Jackson Chourio, and Luis Pena represent the forefront of their latest talent pool.

Within the realm of the amateur draft, the Brewers have established themselves as preeminent in unearthing late-round gems, frequently from high school and junior college ranks, with Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Cooper Pratt, Bishop Letson, Luke Adams, and Josh Adamczewski notable examples. Their professional scouting (identifying talent among opposing minor leaguers) and player cultivation (enhancing their own athletes) have also yielded numerous recent triumphs, including Andrew Vaughn, Caleb Durbin, Quinn Priester, and Chad Patrick, all emerging as major league contributors in 2025.

Beyond these diverse talent acquisition methods, the Brewers typically acquire prospects through transactions — Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat were obtained from the Mets in exchange for Freddy Peralta, both achieving top 100 status — instead of divesting them. Amalgamating these players makes it clear why Milwaukee’s attainment of this distinction was unavoidable – a first since I began these evaluations.


Last year: 11th, $213 million

Top 100 prospects: 7

Top-ranked prospect: Travis Bazzana (No. 23)

The Guardians trail Milwaukee only slightly across nearly all metrics, showcasing a distinct combination of premier talent and substantial depth, consistently achieving success across various domains despite restricted financial outlays.

Cleveland’s scouting focus appears to be broadening, now evaluating hitter profiles that the organization previously overlooked. Traditionally, the Guardians heavily favored infielders prioritizing contact over power – frequently not the largest or most physically imposing athletes, but highly proficient performers.

In line with this, Jace Laviolette (a 2025 first-round selection), Ralphy Velazquez (a 2023 first-round pick), and Alfonsin Rosario (a recent acquisition via trade) all feature among their top 11 prospects, each characterized by a power-first hitting profile. The Guardians were also reportedly considering Jac Caglianone for the top selection in the 2024 draft before ultimately choosing Bazzana. This pattern might indicate an evolving risk appetite, a reaction to market dynamics, or simply an isolated occurrence, which I intend to monitor closely.


Last year: 20th, $179 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Konnor Griffin (No. 1)

The financial valuations and subsequent farm system standings are derived from research conducted by Craig Edwards, formerly of FanGraphs (now with the MLBPA), applying historical data to the FV (future value) framework employed by my colleagues and me at FanGraphs, and which I still utilize. A notable, yet unsurprising, finding from this methodology is that the leading prospect in baseball commands a significantly higher value than the subsequent few, sometimes exceeding 40%. The difference between the top two prospects can vary; at times it’s marginal, while at others, it’s substantial. Given that prospective Hall of Famers frequently occupy the pinnacle, the empirical basis for this phenomenon is evident.

Consequently, the Pirates’ valuation receives a considerable uplift due to Griffin’s occupancy of the premier position across the entire sport. My assertion is that he is the foremost prospect by a significant margin – essentially disrupting the algorithm I devised for this procedure – making the current disparity between him and the subsequent prospects seem appropriate. Should Griffin be hypothetically removed from the Pirates’ system, their standing would fall to the mid-tier of these assessments; and given Griffin’s potential to join the major league roster from spring training, this shift could occur within months of the season’s start. Furthermore, the second-highest ranked prospect, Bubba Chandler (12th overall), is also anticipated to advance early in the season.

However, Pittsburgh enthusiasts, there’s no cause for concern! The essence of baseball lies in securing victories, not in displaying a banner proclaiming “Farm Rankings Champions.”


Last year: 1st, $420 million

Top 100 prospects: 5

Top-ranked prospect: Josue De Paula (No. 21)

For detractors of the Dodgers, this provides minimal solace. While no longer holding the top farm system designation, they share the leading position with the Rays in “talent richness,” a metric representing the cumulative count of prospects evaluated above a 40 Future Value (FV). The underlying premise is that historically, every minor league system possesses a multitude of 40 FV prospects (comparable to third- to fifth-round selections), classifying them as “common” in baseball card terminology. Consequently, any prospect exceeding this threshold represents a caliber of talent that not all teams possess in abundance; some systems this year feature as few as five or six.

The Dodgers boast eighteen such talents, surpassing the Brewers by one. My estimation is that four or five of these eighteen will see major league action this season, though I don’t anticipate any of them becoming future luminaries. Therefore, 2026 might be a less prolific year for the Dodgers in terms of introducing high-impact rookies, but that trend is expected to resume in 2027. I believe the primary roster will perform adequately in 2026 even without this additional aid.


Last year: 11th, $222 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Nolan McLean (No. 13)

The Mets recently exchanged a pair of top 100 prospects for Freddy Peralta, and prior to that transaction, their system led baseball by approximately a 10% margin. To illustrate, the six top 100 prospects the Mets held before the Peralta trade would, by themselves, have constituted the eighth-ranked farm system. A mere six players!

The key takeaway is that this data-driven framework significantly prioritizes highly ranked top 100 prospects over numerous lower-tiered ones, and the Mets’ system notably leans heavily on a select few exceptionally high-ranking talents. Furthermore, the system possesses some underlying strength, with five players situated within the 101-200 category (and a potential sixth, as RHP Jack Wenninger narrowly missed).

Beyond those, the reserves are competent but rather unremarkable, though this is also influenced by the advancement of several prospective or already established major leaguers in recent seasons: Christian Scott, Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuna (subsequently exchanged for Luis Robert Jr.), and Ronny Mauricio.


Last year: 3rd, $298 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Kevin McGonigle (No. 2)

Similar to the Mets, the Tigers’ organizational worth is primarily vested in four exceptional prospects, complemented by decent, though not outstanding, system depth, which has been influenced by the graduation of numerous young major league players in recent years.

There exists a possibility that five out of the top six talents within this system will make their major league debut by the close of this year or early next, compelling Detroit to prioritize developing prospects from recent draft and international signing classes to cultivate a fresh influx of talent. The fortunate aspect is that the previous wave, along with the one on the verge of debuting, is so formidable that the system might not require significant additional contributions for several years.


Last year: 7th, $241 million

Top 100 prospects: 5

Top-ranked prospect: Colt Emerson (No. 5)

The talent identification and cultivation apparatus continues its progression, seeing Cole Young advance and Harry Ford moved from last year’s compilation. Emerson appears ready to influence the senior squad at some point in 2026, with Kade Anderson, Michael Arroyo, and Lazaro Montes closely trailing (and Ryan Sloan and Jurrangelo Cijntje potentially part of that same cohort). This represents a substantial number of prospective difference-makers nearing readiness for what is currently considered the American League’s third-strongest team on paper.


Last year: 6th, $257 million

Top 100 prospects: 6

Top-ranked prospect: Walker Jenkins (No. 9)

The upper echelon of the Twins’ inventory largely mirrors last year’s composition, having seen Luke Keaschall and Zebby Matthews ascend to the majors, their spots filled by Eduardo Tait, a centerpiece from the Jhoan Duran transaction. Kendry Rojas was also secured at the trade deadline, positioned at 163rd, while Mick Abel narrowly graduated after being part of the Duran package.

Their recent draft class appeals to me, featuring Marek Houston, a shortstop with a solid foundational skill set, and Quentin Young, who might possess the highest potential among all draft picks, complemented by Riley Quick, arguably the college pitcher with the greatest upside.

Monitor Dasan Hill (161st) for a potential surge, and also the 54th-ranked prospect, Connor Prielipp, who could emerge as an understated Rookie of the Year candidate if he secures a rotation spot promptly.


Last year: 19th, $184 million

Top 100 prospects: 5

Top-ranked prospect: JJ Wetherholt (No. 7)

The leading quartet of the Cardinals’ system captivates my interest. Wetherholt potentially offers the most assured foundational skills among the top 100, yet retains All-Star caliber potential. Rainiel Rodriguez is an uncommon talent, possessing the capability to be an average or superior defensive catcher while hitting 25 to 30 home runs annually. Liam Doyle could influence the major league club as either a starter or reliever as early as 2026, and already projects as a fan favorite. Joshua Baez demonstrated one of the most significant improvements in the minor leagues – consistently exhibiting raw talents worthy of an All-Star – and his recent output now aligns with this potential. Should he achieve a .250 batting average, Baez could also hit 25 to 30 home runs in the majors, having also stolen 54 bases in the minors last season.


Last year: 15th, $197 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Thomas White (No. 18)

The Marlins are beginning to show improvement, with Jakob Marsee, Kyle Stowers, and Agustin Ramirez advancing to become key contributors alongside Eury Perez. Presently, the subsequent cohort of talent is on the cusp of arrival, spearheaded by White and Robby Snelling in pitching, and Joe Mack and Owen Caissie bolstering the batting order.

The group following that has been strengthened by acquisitions through trades and the most recent pair of draft and international signing periods. They are presently achieving a critical mass of emerging talent within their minor league system, with almost 60 players earning a prospect evaluation (35+ Future Value or superior), the highest count in the league.


Last year: 4th, $278 million

Top 100 prospects: 5

Top-ranked prospect: Payton Tolle (No. 22)

The Red Sox feature merely one position player, Franklin Arias, among the top 200, possibly even the top 250, prospects in baseball. However, a sound explanation exists: Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell completed their minor league eligibility last year, following closely by Carlos Narvaez, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela, and Jarren Duran before them.

Furthermore, Boston’s initial two selections in the 2025 draft were pitchers; they also exchanged two previous first-round position players to acquire Garrett Crochet, and another top 200 position player for Johan Oviedo. This situation isn’t problematic considering the team’s overall structure, but it warrants acknowledgment.


Last year: 5th, $270 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Carson Williams (No. 39)

The Rays possess extraordinary systemic depth, sharing the top spot with the Dodgers in my qualitative depth assessment (most prospects exceeding a 40 Future Value) with eighteen individuals. This explains the Rays’ high ranking, despite having only a single prospect within the sport’s top eighty. Only six pitchers belong to that elite group, though Tampa Bay boasts several promising arms outside that tier with potential to emerge. Nevertheless, there’s no immediate concern, as the Rays project only one locally developed pitcher on their Opening Day roster.


Last year: 14th, $207 million

Top 100 prospects: 3

Top-ranked prospect: Samuel Basallo (No. 4)

The Orioles dispatched four players from their considerable minor league reserves to the Rays as part of the Shane Baz transaction, yet Baltimore still holds the seventh position in terms of talent depth. Basallo, Trey Gibson, and Dylan Beavers constitute the top three prospects within the system, all expected to participate in major league play this season.

Beyond this trio lies a strong stratum of almost twenty prospects, each with the potential to be among the sport’s top 200 by next winter; thus, I anticipate this segment of the system to advance considerably, while Basallo and Beavers are likely to move up to the majors during the initial half of the year.


Last year: 12th, $212 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Eli Willits (No. 41)

Under the leadership of new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, the Nationals have demonstrated significant activity, securing the 82nd, 117th, 133rd, and 190th ranked prospects in baseball this offseason. I am impressed by Willits, Travis Sykora, Luke Dickerson, and Seaver King, draftees from the preceding administration, who augment this talent pool in a subsequent wave poised to emerge in 2027, complementing James Wood as a foundational player for the organization. Luis Perales could experience a substantial ascent on next winter’s rankings if he can elevate his command to near-average levels, and Landon Harmon is an emerging pitcher to monitor.


Last year: 13th, $210 million

Top 100 prospects: 3

Top-ranked prospect: Sal Stewart (No. 17)

Stewart has experienced a remarkable ascent. My initial assessment of him during the draft was overly conservative. I became a fervent supporter early in his professional career and my conviction was validated. Should he enhance his defensive capabilities at third base in 2026, he possesses the potential for an All-Star caliber career.

Alfredo Duno exhibits immense promise, equipped with the attributes to remain a catcher and the hitting ability to reach his thirty-homer potential, provided he maintains his health. Tyson Lewis and Steele Hall are the two individuals projected for significant advancement in 2026, contingent on their bat velocity translating into improved contact percentages.


Last year: 24th, $151 million

Top 100 prospects: 4

Top-ranked prospect: Trey Yesavage (No. 14)

Yesavage boasts one of the most reliable skill foundations in recent top 100 history, having already demonstrated the effectiveness of his distinctive blend of pitches and delivery against elite baseball hitters in critical moments.

I hold high expectations for JoJo Parker, a 2025 first-round selection, who could achieve a .275 batting average with 20 home runs from the shortstop position if everything aligns, and Johnny King, a 2024 draftee, who shows ace-level potential if his control and tertiary offering advance. Ricky Tiedemann is slated to return from elbow surgery this spring, featuring three above-average pitches at his peak. Additionally, watch for Sam Shaw and Juan Sanchez, who are understated infield prospects with the capacity to reach top 100 status.


Last year: 17th, $188 million

Top 100 prospects: 3

Top-ranked prospect: Aidan Miller (No. 10)

Miller, Justin Crawford, and Dante Nori each saw their stock rise in 2025 within the system, all being high school position players and first-round selections from 2022 to 2024. I was also particularly impressed by Gage Wood, the Phillies’ 2025 first-round pick, who possesses the attributes necessary to become a top-tier starter if his durability and control endure a heavier pitching burden. Furthermore, 2026 could at last be the season where the much-touted right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter debuts in the major leagues and fulfills the long-standing expectations, following an extended recovery from elbow surgery. Outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. could also subtly emerge as a significant major league contributor in 2026.


18. Athletics ($163 million)

Last year: 23rd, $160 million

Top 100 prospects: 3

Top-ranked prospect: Leo De Vries (No. 11)

The Athletics have experienced a remarkable period of promoting competent to highly skilled prospects over the last several years. Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, Max Muncy, Denzel Clarke, Darell Hernaiz, Colby Thomas, Zack Gelof, and Brett Harris comprise the position player group. Luis Morales, Jacob Lopez, Luis Medina, Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner, J.T. Ginn, and Joey Estes are the pitchers.

However, a further cadre of promising young players is still advancing! De Vries clearly represented an uncommon deadline acquisition of an exceptional prospect, while left-handers Gage Jump (who achieved significant progress in 2025), Jamie Arnold (a superb value selection in the 2025 first round), and Wei-En Lin might now be poised to serve as substantial-innings pitchers.


Last year: 29th, $109 million

Top 100 prospects: 3

Top-ranked prospect: Josuar Gonzalez (No. 30)

The Giants appear to have seized the distinction of the premier organization in the high-end international signing arena from the Padres. Gonzalez, last year’s most prized acquisition, currently ranks as the 30th overall prospect in baseball (leading his class); and this year’s top international signing, Luis Hernandez, holds the 142nd position before even participating in a professional contest. Furthermore, Jhonny Level, a significant signee from the 2024 class, is now within the top 100. My interest is also piqued by two lower-level international pitching prospects, Keyner Martinez and Argenis Cayama.

Pay attention to Parks Harber, a third baseman acquired at the trade deadline, who has experienced a remarkable ascent since joining the Yankees as an undrafted free agent in the summer of 2024.


Last year: 2nd, $313 million

Top 100 prospects: 3

Top-ranked prospect: Caleb Bonemer (No. 34)

The White Sox have executed competently in their last two draft cycles, securing Billy Carlson, Jaden Fauske, and Kyle Lodise in 2025, subsequent to drafting Bonemer, Hagen Smith, and Sam Antonacci in 2024. I categorize all of them within the system’s top twelve prospects.

Through a trade, Chicago brought in Braden Montgomery from the 2024 class as part of the Garrett Crochet transaction. Montgomery displays potential for a regular roster spot, however, I’m growing concerned regarding both his hitting for contact and his capacity to translate his raw power into game situations.

Christian Oppor and Tanner McDougal are both ascending pitching talents with a strong likelihood of comfortably entering the top 100.


Last year: 25th, $139 million

Top 100 prospects: 1

Top-ranked prospect: Ryan Waldschmidt (No. 63)

Arizona saw Jordan Lawlar, Adrian Del Castillo, Tyler Locklear, and Andrew Saalfrank complete their minor league eligibility last year. This season, Tommy Troy, Kohl Drake, Cristian Mena, Brandyn Garcia, Andrew Hoffmann, and potentially Ryan Waldschmidt will follow suit; four of these six were obtained through trades in the previous twelve months. I view several other pitchers acquired in recent transactions as potential climbers in 2026: David Hagaman, Mitch Bratt, Ashton Izzi, and Hunter Cranton.


Last year: 16th, $192 million

Top 100 prospects: 2

Top-ranked prospect: Sebastian Walcott (No. 5)

The Rangers’ reserve talent was diminished by this month’s MacKenzie Gore trade, as Gavin Fien, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Alejandro Rosario all fall within the 101-200 rank, and Yeremy Cabrera is a lower-minor league dark horse who could ascend to that category next year.

Walcott exhibits the trajectory of a prospective star. Caden Scarborough has the potential for a significant leap in the rankings this season; he is a favored choice among evaluators to excel this year. Jose Corniell, Winston Santos, and David Davalillo are candidates to become major league starters as early as this year. A.J. Russell and Josh Owens represent two compelling 2025 draft selections with breakthrough potential.


Last year: 21st, $166 million

Top 100 prospects: 2

Top-ranked prospect: George Lombard Jr. (No. 20)

Over the last few years, Ben Rice, Austin Wells, Jasson Dominguez, Cam Schlittler, and Will Warren have advanced to the senior circuit, while several prospects were dispatched to Miami for Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan Weathers, to Pittsburgh for David Bednar, to Milwaukee for Devin Williams, and to San Francisco for Camilo Doval.

The organizational reserves have largely been depleted, with only recent draft picks and international signings constituting the consequential prospects. Spencer Jones could represent the highest-variance talent within the top 200. Dax Kilby is among the most significantly improved 2025 draftees. Carlos Lagrange may project as a relief pitcher, but a proficient one. Elmer Rodriguez was an astute acquisition (though the cost of Carlos Narvaez was considerable). Lombard is anticipated to be a solid everyday performer, possibly exceeding expectations.


Last year: 22nd, $163 million

Top 100 prospects: 1

Top-ranked prospect: Carter Jensen (No. 25)

The Royals selected two of my preferred players in the 2025 draft, shortstop Josh Hammond and right-handed pitcher Michael Lombardi, and also possess one of my favored lower-minor league pitchers in right-hander Kendry Chourio. Catcher Carter Jensen is set to influence the major league squad this season, yet the remainder of the system primarily consists of utility players and individuals with greater outcome uncertainty. Jac Caglianone and Noah Cameron were prominent figures in last year’s group that progressed to the majors.


Last year: 10th, $215 million

Top 100 prospects: 2

Top-ranked prospect: Moises Ballesteros (No. 51)

The Cubs recently exchanged top 100 prospect Owen Caissie with the Marlins as part of the deal for Edward Cabrera and Cade Horton. Matt Shaw advanced to the major leagues last season, while Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ben Brown, and Jordan Wicks exhausted their minor league eligibility the preceding year. Furthermore, acquiring Michael Busch two years prior necessitated Chicago relinquishing Zyhir Hope, now the 40th-ranked prospect in baseball, and Jackson Ferris, ranked 128th.

Therefore, a deficit in scouting capabilities isn’t necessary to account for the Cubs’ diminished farm system ranking this year. I was pleased with their acquisitions from the 2025 draft: Ethan Conrad, Kane Kepley, Josiah Hartshorn, and Kaleb Wing. Additionally, I believe Moises Ballesteros and Jaxon Wiggins are poised to significantly contribute to the 2026 major league club.


Last year: 27th, $133 million

Top 100 prospects: 1

Top-ranked prospect: Cam Caminiti (No. 53)

The Braves consistently promote proficient players who spent only brief periods among the top 100, with Drake Baldwin being the latest, and Hurston Waldrep having ascended just as he was poised to climb these rankings.

Caminiti might make his debut as early as 2027, whereas the other two top 100 prospects, J.R. Ritchie and Didier Fuentes, are probable to join the major league rotation at some juncture in 2026. The depth of position players is not extensive, but recent first-round shortstop Tate Southisene and international signee center fielder Diego Tornes stand out as the strongest talents in this segment.


Last year: 28th, $129 million

Top 100 prospects: 1

Top-ranked prospect: Tyler Bremner (No. 56)

Over the last half-decade, the Angels’ minor league system has fluctuated between the 23rd and 30th positions. Zach Neto, Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers, Jo Adell, Logan O’Hoppe, and Nolan Schanuel have demonstrated some promise during this interval, and I hold positive expectations for several pitchers from recent drafts, as well as George Klassen, obtained through a transaction.

Denzer Guzman and Nelson Rada appear poised to become consistent major league players in the near future, while Joswa Lugo and Raudi Rodriguez exhibit some promise in the lower minor league levels. The talent pool is not empty, but it’s not as abundant as one might desire.


Last year: 18th, $185 million

Top 100 prospects: 1

Top-ranked prospect: Ethan Holliday (No. 66)

The Rockies underwent a leadership change this offseason, and observing the evolving priorities in scouting and player development will be intriguing; currently, substantial data remains elusive.

The last first-round selection from the previous administration is Holliday, a divisive player possessing considerable potential alongside significant uncertainties, and their sole top 100 prospect. I favored the deadline acquisition of second baseman Roc Riggio, obtained from the Yankees. However, no other player ranks within the top 200, or perhaps even the top 250, with much of the system’s remaining talent situated further down the rankings.


Last year: 30th, $104 million

Top 100 prospects: 0

Top-ranked prospect: Brice Matthews (No. 109)

The Astros exchanged two prospects whom I valued more highly than many (Jacob Melton, Anderson Brito) to acquire Mike Burrows, thereby strengthening their pitching rotation. Their 2025 draft class appealed to me, featuring third baseman Xavier Neyens as a high-risk, high-reward initial pick, succeeded by my understated favorite, right fielder Ethan Frey, in the third round; early professional assessments of Frey are highly positive. I would also closely watch center fielder Anthony Huezo, a power-first hitter demonstrating immense raw power capability and robust in-game power execution.


Last year: 26th, $135 million

Top 100 prospects: 0

Top-ranked prospect: Ethan Salas (No. 110)

The Padres retain the lowest position, a ranking they initially secured following the trade deadline, despite having descended into the bottom five minor league systems the preceding year. Prior to the 2024 season, they boasted the fourth-highest ranked system in baseball, thereby clearly indicating the precise juncture at which General Manager A.J. Preller opted to commit his resources.

The premier catching prospect, Salas, has experienced some plateaus and also sustained injuries, concurrently, the high school left-handers chosen with their last two first-round selections (Kruz Schoolcraft and Kash Mayfield) are receiving favorable appraisals, and right-handed pitcher Tucker Musgrove is a favored underdog among analytically inclined observers.