The start of the 2021 MLB season is almost here with spring training set to begin in two weeks and the start of the regular season in less than two months from today. Teams will be inviting some of their top prospects from their farm system to see what they have.
Over the past year, teams have improved their farm systems through this year’s draft as well. Here are the top five farm systems going into the 2021 season.
1. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are coming off of a season in which they were a couple of games away from a World Series pennant. Their system has the #1 ranked prospect with shortstop Wander Franco. He scheduled to come up to the majors sometime this season with left-hander Brendan McKay
Newly acquired infielder Xavier Edwards has untapped potential to become a utility player with righty Shane Baz also looking like a mid-tier starter or reliever for the Rays.
2. San Diego Padres
The Padres’ new-look roster has World Series potential and they still have top prospects who can potentially be stars on this team. MacKenzie Gore, the 5th overall prospect in all of baseball may finally get major league action this year after injuries. Shortstop CJ Abrams, the 26th best prospect league-wide, can become a utility player on this team as well.
3. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have a deep pool of highly touted prospects in their system, starting with the 12th best prospect in baseball, outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who has all the tools to be a superstar in the league. Next, the 19th overall prospect in baseball, Julio Rodriguez, has the same potential to become a star along with 37th overall prospect Emerson Hancock, and No. 42 overall prospect pitcher Logan Gilbert, who will both be future star pitchers in this Mariners rotation.
4. Miami Marlins
The Marlins who made the playoffs last season surprised many people as they are rebuilding and have a few gems in their prospect pool. The 24th best prospect Sixto Sanchez will be their future ace alongside the 29th best prospect outfielder JJ Bleday, who will be a staple in the Marlins lineup for years.
The 40th ranked prospect Max Meyer was just drafted in the first round and has years to develop alongside No. 70 prospect Jazz Chisolm, 86th prospect outfielder Jesus Sanchez, and pitcher Edward Cabrera.
5. Kansas City Royals
The Royals have found their shortstop of the future with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. the No.11 overall prospect in baseball, and their new ace in this year’s first-round pick left-handed pitcher Asa Lacy the 32nd overall prospect in baseball along with right-handed pitcher Brady Singer (No. 61) and left-handed pitcher Daniel Lynch (No. 63).