Best MLB Farm Systems 2023: Top Farms in Baseball

Even in the middle of the MLB season, now is a good time to look at the best MLB farm systems in 2023.

There is so much good that can come from a world class farming system. Because even if a team doesn’t have a good season, the future could be bright for the baseball teams with the best prospects.

Best MLB Farm Systems 2023

Of course, teams’ hope is that with one of the best MLB farm systems in 2023, they can lead to success in 2024 and beyond. But a strong farm system can even help this season. Top prospects can easily become one of the leading players under 25 in MLB or trade chips in one of the best trades in league history, helping a team in the short term.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the baseball teams with the best prospects right now by counting down the top 10 MLB farm systems of 2023.

10. Boys

If the Cubs want to get back to the top of the NL Central, they will certainly need reinforcements. Luckily, they seem to have something special in Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was once among the best high school players in the country and continues to shine in the minor classes.

The Cubs are unlikely to hire his services until 2014, but the potential for him is great. Chicago has another talented outfielder in Kevin Alcantara who is also a year or more away from the big leagues. But just because the Cubs aren’t getting instant help from their farm system in 2023 doesn’t mean they aren’t amassing plenty of talent.

9. Nationals

In recent years, the Nationals have replaced players like Max Scherzer, Trea Turner and Juan Soto. Those moves have helped Washington have a young roster with players like Keibert Ruiz, CJ Abrams and others who were once top prospects.

But the closet is far from empty, as more help is on the way. The hottest prospect in the Washington system is outfielder James Woods, the No. 1. 7 prospect in baseball.

Also worth noting are fellow outfielders Robert Hassell III and Elijah Green, although both, like Woods, are a year or more away from the Minors. The Nats also have top 100 prospects in Cade Cavalli and Brady House. Right now, most of Washington’s top candidates aren’t particularly close to the big leagues. But this is a system on the rise that could be baseball’s best in a year or two.

8. Diamondbacks

In terms of depth, Arizona’s farming system still leaves a little to be desired. But there’s no denying that the Diamondbacks have top-flight talent.

Shortstop Jordan Lawlar and outfielder Druw Jones are both among the top 10 contenders still in the minor classes. Neither will affect this season, but Arizona’s youngsters are already doing some damage in the majors and more help is on the way.

The D’Backs also have high hopes for Brandon Pfaadt, who has already made his MLB debut and remains one of baseball’s top pitching candidates.

7. Rangers

The rest of the AL West better watch out because Rangers have made huge strides in 2023 and they’re only going to get better. At this point next season, outfielder Evan Carter, the No. 9 contender in the Minors, could be in the big leagues and give Texas a five-tool outfielder.

Meanwhile, the Rangers will also get plenty of pitching help over the next few years. Owen White is one of the top 50 contenders getting closer and closer to the big leagues. Also, Jack Leiter, the son of longtime top league player Al Leiter, and Brock Porter are among the top 100 candidates in the pipeline looking to break into the top leagues in the next few years.

6. Rays

If there’s one thing the Rays consistently do better than other teams, it’s developing young players. Even after players like Wander Franco have been sent to the big leagues in recent years, Tampa’s farming system still has a lot going for it.

Pitcher Taj Bradley is the No. He is currently 16 and has already made his MLB debut. Top-50 contenders Curtis Mead and Kyle Manzardo, both infielders, are both all but ready to help out the Rays this season if needed. There’s even more depth to the system with infielders Carson Williams and Junior Caminero. Pitching depth isn’t quite what it normally is right now, but Tampa’s farm system still ranks among the best in baseball.

5. Pirates

Pittsburgh’s farm system has ranked among the best in baseball for several years. Pirates Oneil Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes and others have been there, and it’s not finished yet. Second baseman Termarr Johnson is the No. 20 overall prospect and could one day join Cruz and Hayes in the Pittsburgh infield, though he still plays at A-ball.

The Pirates also have two other prospects in the top 50 in catcher Henry Davis and the versatile Endy Rodriguez. Both should be in the big leagues by the end of 2024 and contribute to a bright future in Pittsburgh.

4. Red

The pinnacle of Cincinnati’s farming system is undoubtedly Elly De La Cruz. He’s a 6’5” shortstop with incredible ability and impressive performance. He’s also ready for the big leagues, which should help the Reds rebuild.

In addition to De La Cruz, the Reds are almost overloaded with infielders. Cincinnati’s top five talents are all infielders and all are among baseball’s top 100 talents, including Matt McLain, who already plays in the major leagues. Edwin Arroyo and Noelvi Marte are also two names to watch closely in the years to come.

3. Guardian

Cleveland often struggles to retain star players, but the Guardians also have plenty of young talent in the pipeline, including six of baseball’s top 60 youngsters.

Not surprisingly, the system is rich in pitching talent. Tanner Bibee is already in the big leagues, while No. 17 overall contender Gavin Williams and No. 59 overall winner Daniel Espino should be there by the end of the season. Also, don’t sleep on midfielder Brayan Rocchio or catcher Bo Naylor, the younger brother of current Cleveland first baseman Josh Naylor.

2. Dodgers

Not only have the Dodgers spent the last decade dominating the NL West, but they also have one of the best MLB farm systems in 2023. Over the past several years, they’ve used this farm system to handle some important trades, but the talent keeps growing.

Catcher Diego Cartaya is the top contender, while top pitching contender Bobby Miller is already playing in the big leagues. In fact, MLB lists seven prospects in the top 70 in the LA farm system, most of whom are already in the Triple-A league or the big leagues, which explains why the Dodgers didn’t spend as much last season break.

1st oriole

The youth movement in Baltimore started way back in 2023, and the Orioles appear to be looking like a bona fide playoff contender. But the cavalry are still on the move, which is a scary thought.

The Orioles have eight of baseball’s top 100 youngsters, including four in the top 50. Shortstop Jackson Holliday is the ball’s most valuable possession despite remaining a year or more away from the big leagues.

Outfielders Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad are also likely to make an impact sooner rather than later. The Orioles’ only flaw is that their system has many position players but few pitchers outside of DL Hall. Still, Baltimore has done an excellent job of attracting young talent.