9 farm systems that improved the most in 2025
We talk about individual breakouts throughout the season -- hitters and pitchers who exhibited impressive growth to unlock another level in their prospect stock. Pile enough of those up, maybe throw in some nice additions through trades and the Draft and you'll notice that farm systems as collectives can have
Cards get two RHPs (including rising 19-year-old Fajardo) in deal for Contreras
ST. LOUIS -- In yet another sign that the Cardinals are at the beginning stages of a full rebuild of a roster after they missed the playoffs each of the past three seasons, St. Louis dealt first baseman Willson Contreras to the Red Sox for three pitching prospects on Sunday
After impressive debut, Stewart could be key piece for Reds in '26
ORLANDO, Fla. -- As the Reds were pushing to make the playoffs in September, their home run leader for the month wasn't Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer or any other veteran player. It was rookie Sal Stewart, who was promoted on Sept. 1 and led the club with five
New No. 6 prospect Garcia can help Bucs in '26 and beyond
When you look at the top of the Pirates’ prospect rankings, what stands out the most is how close many of these players are to being contributors in Pittsburgh in 2026. Their top prospect Konnor Griffin will have a chance to break camp with the team or at least debut
No. 2 prospect Ballesteros poised to step up for Cubs in '26
CHICAGO – The Cubs always felt that Moisés Ballesteros ’ skills in the batter’s box could carry him quickly up the organizational ladder. Even if there was still development left on the catching front, he was too good of a hitter to leave in the Minor Leagues for that reason
Ritchie could be latest Braves' pitching prospect to burst into bigs
ATLANTA -- A little less than a full decade ago, JR Ritchie was a 5-foot-4 seventh grader who had aspirations to become the NFL’s next Brett Favre. The 6-foot-2 hurler now has legit aspirations to become the Braves’ next impressive young starting pitcher. Ritchie, whom MLB Pipeline ranks as Atlanta's
Now fully healthy, Henderson ready to build on brilliant start to career
MILWAUKEE – Logan Henderson would have loved to pitch for the Brewers in the National League Championship Series. But just being there, ready to go, represented a springboard into what the 23-year-old hopes is a healthier 2026. Henderson still has rookie status going into 2026 – he’s No. 5 on
These are the top tools in the Dodgers' farm system
One key to evaluating prospects is identifying the tools that can carry them to the Major Leagues. The Dodgers’ farm system is loaded with players who stand out for one defining skill that separates them from their peers. From bat-to-ball ability to speed, arm strength and defensive feel, these prospects
No shelves for these elves! Pitching prospect trio ready to impact Mets
This story was excerpted from Anthony DiComo's Mets Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
These are the top tools in the Yankees' farm system
From bat-to-ball ability to speed, arm strength and defensive feel, the Yankees' farm system features prospects flashing loud tools that should give them a chance to impact games at the highest level. Here’s a look at the Yankees prospects with the best individual tools in the system:
Tampa Bay lands four ranked prospects, Comp. Round A pick in deal for RHP Baz
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays didn’t necessarily head into this offseason looking to trade starter Shane Baz. The right-hander is under club control for three more seasons, just made a career-high 31 starts and still has the potential of a front-end starter. Then the Orioles came calling with an offer
Rays receive top prospects Melton, Brito in 3-way trade
ST. PETERSBURG -- Speaking at the Winter Meetings last week, Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander sounded neither eager nor obligated to trade longtime second baseman Brandon Lowe. He pointed to how Tampa Bay had held onto Lowe and teammate Yandy Díaz, the Rays’ relatively good standing from a
Who will be the No. 1 prospect in each system one year from now?
This story was excerpted from MLB Pipeline's newsletter. Subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
How new acquisition Jake Bennett fits the Red Sox pitching mold
Mountains, hosses, hog mollies ... the Red Sox front office seems to have a type when it comes to pitchers: physical specimens who could double as linebackers during the offseason. Craig Breslow, Boston's chief baseball officer, reinforced that notion when he acquired 6-foot-6 left-hander Jake Bennett from the Nationals in
What position will Ballesteros play long term?
Moisés Ballesteros has developed into one of the best prospects in baseball (MLB No. 53) and top catching prospects (No. 5), in particular, because of his next-level hitting ability. The 22-year-old has displayed elite bat-to-ball skills since signing for $1.2 million out of Venezuela in 2021 and has continued to
Will Phillies No. 2 prospect Aidan Miller stick at shortstop?
One question has followed Aidan Miller since his days as a Florida prep star: will he stick at shortstop long term? The 6-foot-1, 205-pound infielder shifted to third base as he physically matured in high school, but when the Phillies selected MLB's No. 32 prospect in the first round of
Why Yankees made Winquest their first Rule 5 pick since 2011
The last time the Yankees made a selection in the Rule 5 Draft, it was 2011: Netflix was still mailing DVDs in red envelopes, and hitching a ride to the airport in a stranger’s car was more cautionary tale than everyday convenience. Most surprised to see that streak end this
Rule 5 pick Susac has a chance to carve out key role with Giants
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Top 100 prospects: Injuries & roster moves
Here is the latest on injuries and roster moves involving MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects:
Potential solution to KC's offensive needs? Caglianone and Jensen
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals have been searching for ways to improve their offense for 2026, both from a personnel standpoint and a procedural standpoint. They believe that their core hitters -- Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez -- will carry the bulk of run production,
Mets' fast-rising prospect Benge could impact '26 plans
NEW YORK -- From the outset of this offseason, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns made it clear that he wants to keep Carson Benge in his plans. “When you have good players at the upper levels of the Minor Leagues,” Stearns said in November, “we have to find
Could top prospect McGonigle play way onto Tigers' Opening Day roster?
Kevin McGonigle will arrive at Spring Training looking to make his case for the call to Detroit. Part of that case will be his impressive plate discipline, honed by his ability to pick up pitches. The infielder's work in the Arizona Fall League was impressive enough for his potential next
Mendez has potential to provide much-needed pitching depth
SAN DIEGO -- The Padres’ rotation depth is thin. That’s not exactly a secret. Even with Michael King returning, Dylan Cease signed with the Blue Jays, and Yu Darvish is slated to miss the entire 2026 season following elbow surgery. But the question marks extend beyond that. The Padres have
How DeLauter's postseason debut could position him for big '26
CLEVELAND -- When the Guardians made the surprising move to add Chase DeLauter to their postseason roster this fall, when he had yet to play in a big league game, they were confident he could provide them a boost.
Remember Blue Jays prospect Ricky T? You should
TORONTO -- Nearly three years ago, Ricky Tiedemann threw one pitch that no one could stop talking about. They still talk about it, actually. In a Spring Training game in late February 2023, a 20-year-old Tiedemann blew a 99 mph fastball past Javier Báez for strike three. Baseball games in