Best MLB farm systems after trade deadline? Power rankings of all 30 teams
The MLB trade deadline is behind us, and numerous All-Stars have been shipped elsewhere to play out the remainder of the 2026 season. With the departure of those superstars comes an influx of minor league talent, players that may not be household names just yet, but they may very well be in a few years.That said, there may not be such a massive shift in these rankings. Prior to the start of the trade frenzy, USA TODAY Sports rated the Los Angeles Dodgers as boasting the best farm system in Major League Baseball. Despite trading for the crown jewel of the deadline in two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, the Dodgers didn't have to give up very much at all, only giving up one of their top-five prospects in the deal.So, do the Dodgers retain their top spot? Who's the biggest riser? And who gave up the most of their future? We're looking beyond the 2026 trade deadline at which teams boast the best pool of prospects in their minor league systems.Power Ranking MLB farm systemsNOTE: Top prospects listed per mlb.com30) San Diego Padres - Previous Ranking: 27Top 5 prospects:C Ethan SalasLHP Kruz SchoolcraftC TJ HarveyOF Ryan WidemanRHP Bryan BalzerA team everyone thought would sell wound up buying at the deadline, acquiring LHP Robbie Ray from divisional rival San Francisco. In doing so, they did need to give away a top-five prospect in Miguel Mendez, though. They also needed to send another borderline top-10 prospect as well.They couldn't stop there though. The Padres also acquired Casey Mize and Gage Workman from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for their No. 2 prospect Kash Mayfield. The Padres have somehow managed to give away all of their future talent not named Ethan Salas over the last few seasons.An already shallow pool of prospects was made even shallower.29) Houston Astros - Previous Ranking: 29Top 5 prospects:OF Kevin Alvarez3B/SS Xavier NeyensC/1B Jason SchiavoneSS/3B Albert FermnRHP Bryce MayerWhile Alvarez and Neyens are two of the best prospects the Astros have had in years, the Astros still don't boast a very impressive farm system. The team had a great opportunity to sell at this year's deadline but after winning 11 of 12 games between July 20 and August 2, the team burst into the buyer category, thus putting their farm system at even greater risk.Thankfully for the organization's future, the team did not make any deals involving prospects, though Houston did trade starting RHP Spencer Arrighetti to the Toronto Blue Jays for Daulton Varsho. Maybe it's because they realized they couldn't afford to trade away what little talent they had left. Or maybe it was because the team continuously got outbid by teams with better prospect pools.28) Chicago Cubs - Previous Ranking: 24Top 5 prospects:OF/1B Josiah HartshornC/1B Owen AyersOF Ethan ConradOF Kane KepleyRHP Jaxon WigginsThe Cubs did well at this year's deadline to acquire exactly what they needed without giving up too much in return. Still, in acquiring starting pitcher and two-time All-Star Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays, the Cubs did have to send away two solid prospects in CF Brett Bateman and SS Ty Southisene.The pair have each immediately jumped into the Blue Jays' top-20 prospects, who don't have a bad farm system themselves. That shows you the level of talent they gave up, hence why they fall in these updated rankings.The biggest loss was in the acquisition of Clay Holmes, trading away No. 2 prospect Jefferson Rojas to the New York Mets.27) Arizona Diamondbacks - Previous Ranking: 26Top 5 prospects:2B/3B Demetrio CrisantesSS Kayson CunninghamRHP David Hagaman2B JD DixRHP Daniel EagenThe recent graduation of key prospects such as Ryan Waldschmidt drastically lower the ceiling for this group. Just a few weeks ago, Waldschmidt was still considered a prospect, hence why they were rated slightly higher in our previous rankings. The only move of note from the D-Backs was the acquisition of Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals, which slightly lowers the D-Backs in our rankings.26) New York Mets - Previous Ranking: 30Top 5 prospects:RHP Jonah TongLHP Jonathan SantucciSS Elian Pea3B/1B Jacob ReimerSS/2B Mitch VoitWhen we last ranked these teams, the Mets stood in last place, and despite trading away players like Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazobn, and Freddy Peralta, the team didn't add any game-changing prospects until the Clay Holmes trade. Adding Jefferson Rojas is a huge get for the Mets, and a huge blow for the Cubs.While the team did add some depth beyond their top 10 in players like Aidan Smith, milien Pitre, and Gary Gill Hill, their trade deadline lacked any serious punch to immediately enhance their future. It's a good step for a lowly farm system, but given how weak it was before, adding depth doesn't do much to help.25) Los Angeles Angels - Previous Ranking: 28Top 5 prospects:RHP Tyler BremmerOF Nelson RadaLHP Johnny SlawinskiRHP George KlassenC/3B Gabriel DavalilloFinally! It seems like the Angels are actually starting a rebuild. The shining moment of the trade deadline was undoubtedly the move to send Jose Soriano to the Blue Jays. Acquiring Arjun Nimmala was a massive get for this team as he will likely slot into the Angels' top-five prospects immediately.24) Kansas City Royals - Previous Ranking: 25Top 5 prospects:RHP Kendry ChourioSS/3B Josh HammondLHP David ShieldsOF Angeibel GomezC Blake MitchellThe Royals didn't have much to offer at this year's deadline but did make slight improvements to their farm system, adding Lucas Braun to the team via the Lane Thomas trade. Braun is a borderline top-10 prospect within the Royals' organization but adds to an already loaded group of right-handed pitchers near the top of the farm system.23) Toronto Blue Jays - Previous Ranking: 19Top 5 prospects:SS JoJo ParkerRHP Nolan PerryLHP Johnny KingLHP Ricky TiedemannINF Sean KeysIn trading away Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays were able to add a bit of depth to a somewhat top-heavy farm system. It was a solid move and about as much as the team could've expected to get for someone of Gausman's caliber.The big blow came when the team traded away SS Arjun Nimmala to the Angels. Given the strength of the AL East this season, the lack of high-end talent in the farm currently, and Soriano's struggles as the 2026 season has worn on, this feels like a poor deal that has set the Blue Jays' farm system back.22) Atlanta Braves - Previous Ranking: 21Top 5 prospects:LHP Cam CaminitiOF Eric Hartman2B/SS Tate SouthiseneLHP Briggs McKenzieSS Alex LodiseThe Braves were able to grab some depth at key places on their roster without giving up too much. The biggest prospect that departed with was pitcher Lucas Braun who was sent to Kansas City, but he doesn't even crack the Royals' top 10.The Braves fall slightly in our rankings, but fans in Atlanta should not be discouraged about the team's future.21) Philadelphia Phillies - Previous Ranking: 18Top 5 prospects:RHP Gage WoodSS Aidan MillerOF Francisco Renteria2B Aroon EscobarOF Dante NoriThe additions of Luis Arraez and Brooks Raley came at a cost, but not too hefty. Considering how sought after both of those players were, you'd expect the team to have given up one of their top prospects, and while the loss of Ramon Marquez is certainly a hit, it could've been much worse.Marquez's departure certainly thins out an already shallow pitching pool, but the Phillies could certainly afford to move off Marquez since they still flex four pitchers within their top-10 prospects.20) Boston Red Sox - Previous Ranking: 12Top 5 prospects:SS Franklin AriasRHP Anthony EyansonOF Justin GonzalesRHP Kyson WitherspoonOF Enddy AzocarThe Boston Red Sox certainly gave up a lot of prospects for Adley Rutschman: right-handers Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, center fielder Enddy Azocar and catcher Carlos Narvaez Will it be worth it? Probably not, and in doing so, they've helped bolster a division rival's future.19) Texas Rangers - Previous Ranking: 23Top 5 prospects:SS/3B Sebastian WalcottRHP Caden ScarboroughRHP AJ RussellC Malcolm MooreSS/3B Yolfran CastilloThe Rangers' farm system remains mostly intact following the trade deadline. While they did give away a mid-tier prospect in Angel Arredondo in exchange for Logan O'Hoppe and Chase Silseth, they also acquired Adam Macko.Neither player is a real game-changer in the system, meaning the Rangers pretty much stand in the same spot they did before the deadline.18) Cincinnati Reds - Previous Ranking: 20Top 5 prospects:C Alfredo DunoSS Steele HallOF Hctor RodrguezSS/3B Tyson LewisRHP Aaron WatsonSometimes the best move is no move at all. The Reds have a rather young roster and are currently last place in the NL Central. But despite being in last place, the team is just a few games under .500. They could've taken this opportunity to trade away some of their stronger pieces but instead, they opted to keep everyone intact and hope their current core can develop into a playoff-contending team within the next few years.17) Tampa Bay Rays - Previous Ranking: 13Top 5 prospects:OF Theo GillenC Nathan FlewellingC Caden BodineINF Cooper FlemingRHP Brody HopkinsIn acquiring Freddy Peralta from the Mets, the Rays did need to give away some solid mid-tier prospects in Aidan Smith, Emilien Pitre, and Gary Gill Hill. However, given how deep the Rays' farm system is and how bad the Mets' system is, the loss isn't too bad.All three of those guys were borderline top 30 for the Rays but immediate top-20 impacts for the Mets. With that in mind, the addition to the Mets was much greater than the subtraction from the Rays.The real loss came with the acquisition of Liam Hicks. Brayden Taylor, Adrian Santana, and Jacob Kisting were mid-to-high-tier prospects, making this deal feel like a bit of an overpay for the Miami catcher.16) Athletics - Previous Ranking: 17Top 5 prospects:SS Leo De VriesLHP Jamie Arnold2B/SS Joshua Kuroda-GrauerSS Johenssy ColomeLHP Wei-En LinThe A's didn't really have the means to do anything. Their talent is either too high a price, too young to properly evaluate yet, or not worth anything at all. With that in mind, their decision to do nothing fits. While the team still needs to find some pitching, no amount of prospects would've been worth getting rid of guys like Kurtz or Langeliers.The A's remained stagnant at the deadline, and they remain pretty stagnant in our rankings.15) Pittsburgh Pirates - Previous Ranking: 15Top 5 prospects:RHP Seth HernandezOF/1B Edward Florentino3B Murf GraySS Wyatt SanfordOF Jhostynxon GarciaPrior to the deadline, the Pirates didn't boast a great system. It was rather mediocre, middle of the pack. However, despite that, the team was able to acquire one of the more sought-after arms in Luke Weaver without giving up a top-five prospect in return.The price certainly wasn't cheap by any means, needing to give away a top-10 project in Sammy Stafura, but all in all, it was a great move that didn't compromise the team's future all that much.14) Baltimore Orioles - Previous Ranking: 22Top 5 prospects:OF Nate GeorgeOF/1B Ike IrishLHP Joseph DzierwaSS Wehiwa Aloy2B/OF Aron EstradaTrading away Taylor Ward should've given the Orioles something, anything. But the Mariners, with their deep farm system were able to acquire the outfielder without spending any of their top-to-mid tier pitching prospects.The three names barely move the needle on Baltimore's farm system, but at least this team didn't give any prospects away in the deal. Then, the Adley Rutschman trade happened. My oh my, what a haul. Baltimore was able to acquire four of Boston's top-21 prospects, two of their top three, three of their top five, and two top-100's in the deal. That's a huge get for a team that was looking rather stagnant at the deadline.13) Colorado Rockies - Previous Ranking: 16Top 5 prospects:SS Ethan HollidayOF/2B Roldy Brito1B/OF Charlie CondonOF Jared ThomasOF Cristian ArguellesThe decision to deal Brenton Doyle was a smart one and netted the Rockies two depth pieces. It doesn't add much, but it's enough to feel good about Colorado's deadline despite holding onto someone with immense value like Hunter Goodman.The acquisitions of Connor Norby and Aiden May also help slightly but don't do enough to really elevate the Rockies.12) New York Yankees - Previous Ranking: 10Top 5 prospects:INF George Lombard Jr.SS Dax KilbyRHP Elmer RodrguezRHP Carlos LagrangeRHP Ben HessIn acquiring Luis Garcia Jr. from the Nationals, the Yankees gave away three prospects in Yovanny Cruz, Jake Bird, and Ben Grable. It was a reasonable price for someone who has been near the top of the league in home runs since the start of June.Given the depth of the Yankees' system, none of those prospects will be missed too sorely, but they were some valuable depth to the system. New York falls ever so slightly in our rankings.11) San Francisco Giants - Previous Ranking: 14Top 5 prospects:SS Josuar GonzlezSS Luis HernndezSS Jhonny LevelSS/2B Gavin KilenOF Dakota JordanObviously, Giants fans would've loved to see guys like Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers, and/or Willy Adames shipped away this year, but the team didn't need to give away too much while acquiring some solid prospects.Guys like Miguel Mendez, Joniel Hernandez, and Ramon Marquez are all immediate top-30 guys in the Giants' system and give the team some much needed pitching depth.The Heliot Ramos deal also acquired a borderline top-five prospect from the Yankees in Henry Lalane. This was a massive get for the Giants, offering them much more pitching depth in the minors than they came into the deadline with.10) Minnesota Twins - Previous Ranking: 7Top 5 prospects:OF Walker JenkinsSS Kaelen CulpepperOF Emmanuel RodriguezC Eduardo TaitSS Marek HoustonFor a team that couldn't decide whether to buy or sell, the choice to trade for A.J. Minter and Dean Kremer was certainly one of the strangest decisions of this year's deadline. While none of the prospects given up were that highly-touted, the Twins' strength was their depth and now that has been thinned. If they do not reach the postseason, this deadline will feel like a hugely missed opportunity.9) Cleveland Guardians - Previous Ranking: 6Top 5 prospects:1B/OF Ralphy VelazquezSS Angel GenaoC Cooper IngleRHP Braylon DoughtyOF Jaison ChourioThe loss of Jacob Cozart stings. Cozart was a rare left-handed hitting catcher with very solid pop. Sure, he had some strikeout issues, but the minor leagues are meant to iron out those problems. Outside of that deal though, the Guardians didn't see much change in their farm system.As for the Foster Griffin trade with the Nationals, the Guardians really didn't give up all that much, only sacrificing one top-30 prospect for an All-Star pitcher. That's well worth it.8) Chicago White Sox - Previous Ranking: 5Top 5 prospects:3B/SS Caleb BonemerLHP Hagen SmithSS Billy CarlsonRHP Tanner McDougalOF Jaden FauskeAt the time of the original ranking, Braden Montgomery was still considered a prospect. His graduation to the big leagues already would've seen the White Sox fall a few spots. However, the moves for Brenton Doyle and Huascar Brazoban also thinned out the team's prospects without much in return. Albeit, Chicago did not give up much in those deals.7) Detroit Tigers - Previous Ranking: 11Top 5 prospects:OF Max ClarkOF Zyhir HopeSS Bryce RainerC/1B Josue BriceoRHP River RyanWhile the Tigers likely could've gotten more for Tarik Skubal, there's no denying that their farm system has improved dramatically, with two new players entering their top-five prospects immediately, both of whom should be ready for the majors by 2027.The Tigers also added one of the Padres' top prospects in Kash Mayfield by dealing away Casey Mize to the Padres. That was an excellent get as well that moves the Tigers up substantially in these rankings.6) Miami Marlins - Previous Ranking: 9Top 5 prospects:LHP Thomas WhiteLHP Robby SnellingSS Aiva ArquetteRHP Karson MilbrandtSS/2B Starlyn CabaThe Hicks trade put some solid pieces into the Marlins' system in Brayden Taylor, Adrian Santana, and Jacob Kisting. All three are immediate top-25 prospects for the Marlins, giving Miami one of the most impactful trades that will likely go by quietly.5) St. Louis Cardinals - Previous Ranking: 8Top 5 prospects:C Rainiel RodriguezLHP Liam DoyleOF Joshua BezRHP Tanner FranklinC Leo BernalThe Cardinals took advantage of a desperate Brewers team, willing to overspend to acquire some pitching help. Dustin May and JoJo Romero were not worth two mid-tier prospects, which is exactly what St. Louis got in return. While Frias and Ragsdale are not expected to be massive, huge-impact players, they will provide depth and potential big league value to the club in the future.4) Milwaukee Brewers - Previous Ranking: 2Top 5 prospects:SS Jess MadeINF Luis PeaOF Luis Lara3B/SS/OF Jett WilliamsOF Josh AdamczewskiIn acquiring Dustin May and JoJo Romero, the Brewers slightly overpaid, offering two mid-tier prospects and losing a bit of depth along the way.But, Milwaukee still boast one of the deepest farm systems in baseball with a myriad of high-tier guys as well.3) Washington Nationals - Previous Ranking: 4Top 5 prospects:SS Eli WillitsRHP Travis SykoraRHP Jarlin SusanaSS Seaver KingINF Ronny CruzThe Luis Garcia Jr. deal certainly added some pop to the Nationals' farm system. While none of the players acquired crack the team's top-20 prospects, they are clear top-30 in the system and provide some serious depth to an already loaded farm.The Nationals certainly could've gotten more for Foster Griffin though, only acquiring one top-30 prospect in the deal with the Guardians. It helps, but not enough to climb into the top-two.2) Los Angeles Dodgers - Previous Ranking: 1Top 5 prospects:OF Josue De PaulaOF Mike SirotaOF Zyhir HopeOF Eduardo QuinteroSS Emil MoralesOh, the Dodgers lost one of their dozens of great outfield prospects? Whatever will they do. Given how deep the Dodgers' prospect pool is and how highly-touted their top prospects are, the acquisition of Skubal was merely a small scratch on a Ferrari.1) Seattle Mariners - Previous Ranking: 3Top 5 prospects:LHP Kade AndersonRHP Ryan SloanSS Felnin CelestenOF Lazaro Montes2B/OF Michael ArroyoWhile acquiring Taylor Ward obviously cost the Mariners some prospects, the guys they gave up weren't the cream of their crop. In fact, it's hard to argue against Seattle rising in our rankings at all after this deadline. They kept basically all of their potentially impactful guys and acquired an immediate-impact outfielder.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Best MLB farm systems after trade deadline? Power rankings of all 30 teams
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