Orioles, Cubs, Brewers Top MLB’s Farm System Rankings for 2024 Season

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVMarch 9, 2024

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The Baltimore Orioles once again have the best farm system in Major League Baseball, topping the 2024 preseason rankings.

Rounding out the top five are the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers.

The full preseason farm system rankings are as follows:

Baltimore OriolesChicago CubsMilwaukee BrewersSan Diego PadresDetroit TigersTampa Bay RaysTexas RangersLos Angeles DodgersPittsburgh PiratesCincinnati RedsNew York YankeesWashington NationalsNew York MetsBoston Red SoxMinnesota TwinsArizona DiamondbacksSan Francisco GiantsSeattle MarinersCleveland GuardiansChicago White SoxColorado RockiesPhiladelphia PhilliesSt. Louis CardinalsToronto Blue JaysOakland AthleticsAtlanta BravesHouston AstrosKansas City RoyalsMiami MarlinsLos Angeles AngelsAfter missing the playoffs in six straight seasons and being one of MLB’s worst teams for much of that timeframe, the Orioles took a big step forward last season, and the development of former top prospects was a big reason why.

Baltimore won the American League East and had the best record in the AL last season at 101-61, and it was led by young stars such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Grayson Rodriguez, all of whom were 25 years of age or younger.

As good as the Orioles were last year, they have the potential to become the dominant team in baseball in the coming years if their top prospects turn out to be as good as advertised.

Baltimore’s status as the top farm system is bolstered by the presence of No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday. The 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick hit .323 with 12 home runs, 75 RBI and 24 stolen bases in the minor leagues last season and he has a strong chance to make the Opening Day roster this season.

The O’s also boast four other top-32 prospects in Samuel Basallo, Colton Cowser, Coby Mayo and Heston Kjerstad.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have seven top-100 prospects, led by outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong at No. 16, and the Brewers have five top-100 prospects, including four in the top 50.

Milwaukee’s system is headlined by No. 2 prospect Jackson Chourio, who signed an eight-year, $82 million contract with the Brewers in December before ever appearing in his first MLB game.

Chourio, who turns 20 next week, hit .283 with 22 homers, 91 RBI and 44 steals in the minors last season, making him a potential 30/30 or 40/40 threat at the next level once he develops.