For the first time, the Orioles rank as the No. 1 farm system in our organization talent rankings.
Baseball America began ranking the farm systems in 1984. We look at the totality of talent in each organization, with an emphasis on top prospects but also factoring depth.
For most of the 40-year run of org talent rankings, the Orioles have been nowhere near the top. From 1984 to 2020, they never ranked higher than No. 8. Baltimore moved up to seventh in 2021, fourth last year and now first.
The Orioles are the 19th different organization to lead our talent rankings. Last year, the Mariners ranked No. 1 for the first time with a farm system led by Julio Rodriguez and George Kirby. The Rays held the top spot in 2020 and 2021. The Padres ranked No. 1 in 2019, and the Braves ranked No. 1 in 2017 and 2018.
1. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Last year: No. 4
Top 100 Prospects (eight): SS Gunnar Henderson (1), RHP Grayson Rodriguez (6), SS Jackson Holliday (15), OF Colton Cowser (41), LHP DL Hall (75), 3B Jordan Westburg (76), 2B Connor Norby (93), SS Joey Ortiz (95)
Baltimore boasts the No. 1 overall prospect in shortstop Gunnar Henderson and one of the best pitching prospects in the game in Grayson Rodriguez. Both should make an impact at Camden Yards, and there’s plenty of upper-level depth with outfielder Colton Cowser and infielders Jordan Westburg and Connor Norby. Henderson and Rodriguez are the best, but there’s plenty more in the nest.
2. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Last year: No. 10
(five): OF Corbin Carroll (2), C Gabriel Moreno (12), SS Jordan Lawlar (13), OF
