MLB 26-and-Under Team Rankings: No. 15-11
Yahoo Sports senior MLB analyst Jordan Shusterman evaluates several MLB teams based on their top young talent.
Video Transcript
JORDAN SHUSTERMAN: It's our 26 and Under Power Rankings, teams 15 to 11. Let's start with number 15, the Chicago Cubs. Unquestionably, one of the best farm systems in baseball, but how much will that farm help them win in 2024? We've seen some young players like Christopher Morel and Jordan Wicks start to contribute already. Will we see Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw, Cade Horton later this season? I think we will.
Number 14, the New York Yankees. Hey, Juan Soto somehow still qualifies for this list, but we didn't want to overrate him too much because it's possible he leaves in free agency. The good news for the Yankees is they still have a ton of exciting, young prospects, as well as players at the big league level already contributing-- of course, the Gold Glover, the shortstop, Anthony Volpe.
At number 13, the St. Louis Cardinals. I think this is a very underrated farm system, but the reason why they score so well is because of how many hitters they already have doing it at the Major League level, guys like Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman. I think Jordan Walker is primed for a massive season. We're going to see Masyn Winn at shortstop. That collection of offensive talent, 26 and under, already helping in the big leagues, is why the Cardinals score in the top half of the league.
At number 12, the Boston Red Sox, another team with some exciting young hitters. Triston Casas, a guy who could be one of the best first basemen in baseball. Brayan Bello, just signing an extension to be one of the anchors of their rotation for years to come. And they have more coming on the way, one of the strongest collections of hitting prospects in the minor leagues with Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kyle Teel.
Boston-- are they going to win the division this year? Probably not, but I think their future is pretty bright.
And at 11, the Minnesota Twins. They finally won a postseason game in 2023, and they couldn't have done it without Royce Lewis, who seems to be blossoming into one of the best all-around players in baseball. If he can stay healthy, he should be the face of their franchise for years to come, alongside Carlos Correa and hopefully, Byron Buxton.
On the mound, Jhoan Durán. He's still eligible for this list, one of the most incredible relievers we have in the game. And we'll see if this farm can add some firepower to this lineup as the season goes on. Brooks Lee primed to make his debut this year as well.
That's 15 through 11. Keep an eye out for our next batch on our 26 and Under Power Rankings.
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