In the world of Major League Baseball, a recent executive survey has stirred up some intriguing discussions. This year, we shifted our focus from players to the teams themselves, prompting a deeper look into how front offices evaluate each other’s capabilities. This final installment of our MLB Pipeline Executive Poll aims to uncover essential insights from an organizational standpoint: which teams boast the finest farm systems, excel at trading for prospects, and develop pitching talent most effectively?
To make things interesting, we adjusted the rules this time around. Understanding that executives naturally take pride in their teams’ accomplishments, we specifically requested them to refrain from voting for their own organizations. While not everyone adhered to this guideline, the results are still illuminating.
Which team possesses the best farm system?
Other contenders included: the Orioles, Reds, and Twins.
The responses to this question serve as a great introduction to our upcoming farm system rankings set to be released in March. The results revealed a lack of consensus, with ten different organizations receiving votes and five of them garnering double-digit percentages. Interestingly, while it may seem unexpected for the Los Angeles Dodgers to lead this list after clinching back-to-back World Series championships, they have consistently ranked highly. In fact, they topped our midseason system rankings as well. The Seattle Mariners, who came in second in this survey, were ranked third in our earlier evaluations. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers, who tied for third in this poll, were placed fourth and sixth in the summer rankings, respectively.
Which team is the best at drafting?
Also receiving votes: Mets, Orioles, Padres, Reds.
The Seattle Mariners stand out with an impressive track record—every one of their first-round picks from 2018 to 2022 has made it to the major leagues. Notably, Cal Raleigh, drafted in the third round, was part of this successful cohort. Talents like Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller emerged from later rounds, and the team’s near miss of reaching its first World Series certainly played a role in this recognition. The Brewers, Tigers, and Dodgers also garnered multiple votes, reinforcing their reputations for effective drafting.
Who excels in the international market?
Other teams that received votes include the Astros, Marlins, Mets, Orioles, Phillies, Rangers, Rays, and Red Sox.
Here, there’s a clear frontrunner: the Milwaukee Brewers. Their success is evident in the emergence of players like Jackson Chourio in the big leagues and Jesús Made climbing the prospect rankings. With additional talents like Luis Peña bolstering their roster, it's no wonder they stand out. The Dodgers and Padres also aggressively pursue international talent, further highlighting the competitive landscape in this arena.
Which organization is most proficient at acquiring prospects through trades?
Other notable mentions: Astros, Guardians, Mariners, Mets, Padres, Phillies, Red Sox, Twins.
When it comes to securing prospects through trades, you can almost always count on the Tampa Bay Rays. This franchise has developed a reputation for consistently bringing in valuable prospects, even as part of larger deals focused on major league players. For instance, they acquired promising pitcher Brody Hopkins when trading Randy Arozarena to the Mariners, and they utilized Shane Baz to bring in Slater de Brun from the Orioles this offseason. The Dodgers have similarly engaged in strategic trades while aiming for championship success, adding players like Zyhir Hope and Adam Serwinowski to their roster.
Which team has the most underrated farm system?
Other teams nominated include: A’s, Blue Jays, Giants, Nationals, Yankees.
A total of 17 organizations received votes in this category. It’s noteworthy that last year’s leader, the Brewers, has now risen from being undervalued to being recognized among the best. This year, the Pittsburgh Pirates took the top spot, while the Miami Marlins, despite their strong showing, did not receive similar accolades for their farm system.
Which team hoards prospects the most?
Other teams considered: Angels, A’s, Mariners, Mets, Rays, Royals.
In the previous two years, both the Guardians and Orioles were recognized for their ability to stockpile prospects. However, Baltimore has seen a drop in its ranking, although it still holds onto its core talent. The Guardians are known for promoting talent from within, maintaining a philosophy that favors developing homegrown prospects over trading away valuable assets for established major leaguers.
Which organization develops pitchers most effectively?
Other nominees included: Blue Jays, Pirates, Reds, Royals, Tigers, Twins.
The Guardians and Mariners had previously finished in the top three for two consecutive years and remain strong contenders this time around. However, the Dodgers have emerged as leaders in this category, showcasing exceptional skill in rehabilitating injured pitchers and enhancing the performance of new talent. The development journeys of Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong have significantly contributed to the Mets' rise in this category.
Which team is best at developing hitters?
Other teams mentioned: Cardinals, Cubs, D-backs, Guardians.
The Dodgers have overtaken the Orioles and Red Sox, who shared the top spot last year, primarily due to the strength of their current pipeline rather than just recent success stories. Six out of their seven Top 100 prospects are hitters, and three of them rank prominently within that list. The forthcoming Top 100 will be unveiled at the end of January. The Red Sox continue to receive accolades for their prospects like Roman Anthony, while the Tigers have made a name for themselves thanks to the exceptional performances of Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark, and others.
Which organization excels at identifying and nurturing sleeper prospects?
Other teams that received votes include: Astros, Braves, Cardinals, Guardians, Mariners, Orioles, Red Sox, Twins.
For the third consecutive year, the top three teams remain the same, although their order has changed: the Brewers have moved from third to first place. Milwaukee has been particularly adept at scouting hidden gems in the international market, earning praise for both their Draft efforts and their ability to find undervalued talent. The Dodgers and Rays continue to add depth to their rosters by uncovering sleeper prospects through trades, demonstrating their commitment to long-term success.
This executive poll sheds light on the diverse strategies that teams employ in building and sustaining their rosters. As opinions vary, what’s your take on these rankings? Do you agree with the executives’ assessments, or do you think certain teams deserve more recognition? Let us know your thoughts!
