The Twins had a surprisingly competitive MLB season, and just as importantly, their minor‑league system took a meaningful step forward. While 2027 could be a slight step back — the big‑league club probably played a bit over its head — the long‑term outlook is becoming increasingly encouraging.

The Twins have a “big four” that I’d stack up against most organizations’ top prospects. Walker Jenkins continues to impress every time he’s on the field, and if he stays healthy, he’ll be a legitimate ROY contender in 2027. Kaelen Culpepper also looked very good during his time in Minnesota, and the Twins placed him on the IL late in the season to cap his service time (yes, I’m being cynical). Marek Houston is far better than I expected at the draft table and is my biggest riser in the system. Finally, Vahn Lackey — the third overall pick last July — should move quickly and has a chance to become one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.

Those four players should begin helping the Twins in 2027 and complement the core already in place. There’s more further down the list, but I’ll let you explore them.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Walker Jenkins
• Biggest Mover: Marek Houston
• Biggest Disappointment: Quentin Young – He’s stuck out 45% of the time; he’s just not going to hit enough
• Emerging Prospect: Enmanuel Merlo

You can access the entire list here.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when digging into the Royals system, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of intriguing players. First, there’s Kendry Chourio, who reminds me a lot of a young Eury Pérez — big stuff, fast mover, and the kind of arm the Royals might even consider pushing in 2027. The most exciting prospect, though, is Angelibel Gomez, their top international acquisition who exploded in the DSL this season. The volatility is high, but the upside matches it.

The Royals also surprised everyone at the draft table by selecting Zion Rose. Some believe he’ll eventually grow into power, but we’ve been waiting for that with players like Enrique Bradfield and it still hasn’t materialized. I remain bullish on Josh Hammond — there’s a ton of athleticism, and as he gets stronger, the power should come.

The Royals need plenty at the big‑league level, and while Bobby Witt Jr. 2.0 isn’t hiding in the minors, there are enough interesting pieces here to help the team over the next few years.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Kendry Chourio
• Biggest Mover: Angeibel Gomez
• Biggest Disappointment: Gavin Cross
• Emerging Prospect: Jaider Suarez

You can access the entire list here.

With the promotion of Max Clark, it’s a good thing the Tigers made the Tarik Skubal deal — otherwise they might have been staring at a bottom‑five minor‑league system. But when you add players like Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith, things suddenly look far more promising. Hope has legitimate superstar potential, particularly as a fantasy asset, and I still believe Ryan can pitch at the top of a rotation if he can ever stay healthy. Smith is also sneaky good and could develop into a solid mid‑rotation starter.

After those three — and Josue Briceno — things get dicey. Bryce Rainer posted a 36% strikeout rate, Thayron Liranzo hit .211, Jaden Hamm didn’t pitch, and Franyerber Montilla has barely played in two seasons due to a knee injury.

Still, there’s enough here to give the Tigers a solid mid‑pack ranking.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Zyhir Hope
• Biggest Mover: Brady Smith
• Biggest Disappointment: Thayron Liranzo
• Emerging Prospect: Angel De Los Santos

You can access the entire list here.

The Guardians continue to churn out pitching. In 2026, it was Peter Messick who exploded into one of the best pitchers in the league. Could Braylon Doughty be that guy in 2027? Maybe. He throws strikes with average stuff, but with the Guardians’ developmental magic, their pitchers often exceed initial prospect evaluations. I also wouldn’t discount Liam Peterson in FYPDs — he fits the model Cleveland loves.

But it’s the hitting that continues to frustrate. While the system still has plenty of light‑hitting middle infielders, there are also some intriguing power bats who look a bit like Jo Adell. Ralphy Velazquez hits flat‑footed yet still managed 29 home runs. Jace LaViolette and Alfonsin Rosario may not hit enough, but they can run into home runs with the best of them in the minors. These players aren’t stars, and I don’t see any in the system outside of Welbyn Francisca. I’ve long been a fan, and he delivered an exceptional bounce‑back season. If he hits with pop in Double‑A, it might finally be time to get excited.

Net‑net, it’s a solid system, but it still lacks a true complement for José Ramírez — who is now starting to show signs of age.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Ralphy Velazquez
• Biggest Mover: Welbyn Francisca
• Biggest Disappointment: Gabriel Rodriguez
• Emerging Prospect: Alejandro Blasco

You can access the entire list here.

The White Sox had an incredible season — going from last to first in the American League Central. Is it sustainable? Time will tell, but their all‑or‑nothing offense will likely be an issue moving forward. They need players who can make contact and get on base to complement all the sluggers. They should have that in Roch Cholowsky, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft. He shouldn’t be far away and brings an excellent blend of bat‑to‑ball skills and power that should make him a mainstay in the lineup. Billy Carlson, their first‑round pick in 2025, is another player with a quality hit tool and strong defense, though he’s a bit further off.

From a pitching standpoint, the system has some exciting arms, but likely more bullpen pieces than true top‑of‑the‑rotation starters. Hagen Smith looked great down the stretch in a relief role, and both Tanner McDougal and David Sandlin may ultimately fit best in the bullpen as well.

I expect the White Sox to take a small step back in 2027, but the ship is finally pointed in the right direction.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Roch Cholowsky
• Biggest Mover: Kyle Lodise
• Biggest Disappointment: William Bergola Jr.
• Emerging Prospect: Sebastian Romero

You can access the entire list here.

The Pirates graduated several high‑end prospects, including Konnor Griffin, yet the system remains strong — anchored by one of the few pitching prospects you can realistically project as a future fantasy ace: Seth Hernandez. Edward Florentino and Murf Gray both delivered excellent 2026 campaigns and look poised to help Pittsburgh in 2028, or 2029 at the latest. The Pirates played it safe at the draft table in July with Derek Curiel, but he should hit and has a chance to produce steady 15‑15 seasons.

The depth doesn’t stop with the top four players. There are plenty of gems throughout the system. In fact, the Pirates boast four Top‑100 prospects and 19 players inside the Top‑500.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Seth Hernandez
• Biggest Mover: Murf Gray
• Biggest Disappointment: Termarr Johnson
• Emerging Prospect: Johan De Los Santos

You can access the entire list here.

It’s difficult to label any minor‑league system as the best in baseball, but when you have the No. 1 prospect in the game, 23 Top‑500 players, and five Top‑100 players, you can make a strong argument that the Brewers now own the top system in the sport.

Jesus Made didn’t deliver the drop‑the‑mic season I hoped for, but he still hit 14 home runs, stole 36 bases, and struck out only 14% of the time as the youngest player in Double‑A. There’s clear superstar potential and why he’s our Top prospect in the game. Luis Peña — his partner‑in‑crime for much of the season — also excelled, though staying on the field proved challenging. His speed and on‑base ability give him legitimate top‑of‑the‑lineup upside.

Plenty of others had standout seasons, including Braylon Payne’s 28‑25 campaign, Blake Burke’s 34‑28 line, and Eric Bitonti’s 25‑24 season. In fact, had Bitonti stolen one more base, the Brewers would have had three of the 11 players who finished 25‑25. And not to bury the lede: Andrew Fischer set the modern record for most home runs in a single minor‑league season with 48.

It was truly a remarkable year across the Brewers’ system.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Jesus Made
• Biggest Mover: Braylon Payne and Blake Burke
• Biggest Disappointment: Jett Williams
• Emerging Prospect: Diego Frontado and Ricki Moneys

You can access the entire list here.

The Reds have long embraced a philosophy of building around athletic players with loud tools but real questions about how much they’ll hit. Elly De La Cruz is the blueprint — an explosive athlete who has hit enough to become a star. Whether Steele Hall, Tyson Lewis, and Justin Lebron can hit enough to follow in his footsteps remains the open question.

That’s not the case with Alfredo Duno, their top prospect. He looks like the real deal and is getting close to helping in Cincinnati. I’d expect him to join the big‑league club at some point in 2027, with a chance to develop into one of the best catchers in the game.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Alfredo Duno
• Biggest Mover: Hector Rodriguez
• Biggest Disappointment: Cam Collier
• Emerging Prospect: Eider Gutiérrez

You can access the entire list here.

Josiah Hartshorn and Owen Ayers were two of the biggest breakout players in the minor leagues in 2026 and now rank as the top two prospects in the Cubs’ system. After that, there are some solid pieces in Jaxon Wiggins and Kane Kepley, but overall the system is thin, lacking both high‑end upside and meaningful depth. Their draft did add some pitching help in Cade Townsend, who has a big arm but real questions about how many strikes he’ll ultimately throw. I’m 50/50 on whether he stays in the rotation.

That said, the Cubs are firmly in their competitive window and already have a strong core at the big‑league level. They’ll likely use their minor‑league talent as complementary pieces or trade assets. With that as the objective, the system should be more than adequate.

Prospect Snapshot

• Top Prospect: Josiah Hartshorn
• Biggest Mover: Owen Ayers
• Biggest Disappointment: Kevin Alcantara
• Emerging Prospect: Johan Geraldo

You can access the entire list here.