Baseball America: Boston Has MLB's #2 Farm System

Baseball America ranks the organizational talent of all 30 major league teams.

The top five farms: Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, Twins, and Mets. ... The Yankees rank #18.

2. Boston Red Sox
2014 Rank: #2
2013 Rank: #6

TOP 10 PROSPECTS

 1. Yoan Moncada, 2B
 2. Blake Swihart, C (17)
 3. Henry Owens, LHP (44)
 4. Rusney Castillo, OF (21)
 5. Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP (59)
 6. Brian Johnson, LHP (82)
 7. Rafael Devers, 3B (99)
 8. Manuel Margot, OF (72)
 9. Matt Barnes, RHP
10. Deven Marrero, SS

How They Got Here: An aggressive spender under the old draft rules, Boston has attacked the Cuban market aggressively, spending more than $130 million on Yoan Moncada and Rusney Castillo in bonuses, guaranteed major league contracts and international bonus pool penalties. Their top lefthanded starters all had success in Double-A or higher in 2014.

High-Ceiling Sleeper: Hard-throwing RHP Michael Kopech has one of the fastest and liveliest arms of any 2014 draft pick. He has a somewhat unconventional delivery for a starter, but the Red Sox will let him take his time to develop.

2015 Rookies: Castillo will challenge 2014 rookies Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley for a spot in Boston’s crowded outfield. Matt Barnes could ease into a relief role. Henry Owens, Brian Johnson and Eduardo Rodriguez all could pitch their way to Boston in 2015.

Note: Moncada signed with the Red Sox after BA had compiled its Top 100 list.