It's behind a paywall, so you'll have to click on this link and be subscribed to see the entire write up.
1. Moncada
6. Johnson
7. Travis
8. Marrero
9. Basabe
10. Chavis
I've soured on the idea of numbered lists but that top 4 has to be in the discussion for the best collection of 4 prospects in the game. Those first 7 names probably put them in the discussion for best farm system. I'll be surprised if they've fallen out of the top 5 after the Kimbrel trade. This was easily the best system in the league before paying that price.
I'm guessing they end up with 6 or 7 on the top 100. If Travis isn't in it, he'll probably be an honorable mention.
1. Moncada
2. DeversScouting Report: Physically, Moncada stands out. “He could be a defensive back for Ohio State,” one scout said. That physicality lends itself to explosiveness in games, though it remains to be seen if that will manifest itself as power or in the rest of his game. At Greenville, his level swing plane created hard liners to the gaps instead of loft, meaning he might profile more as a standout two-hole hitter than a middle-of-the-order threat. Even if that proves the case, Moncada will offer plenty of impact with 10-12 homers, given bigger baserunning and defensive upside than anticipated. While he made errors in bunches at times, he made some spectacular plays at second base that showed above-average defensive potential at the position and the athleticism (and offensive profile) to move nearly anywhere but shortstop depending on team need. Though Moncada’s disciplined approach is more advanced from the left side, where his swing draws frequent comparisons with that of Robinson Cano, he put up better numbers as a righthander and shows the overall skill to be a true switch-hitter. His power projection ranges from average to plus. Moncada suffers from occasional concentration lapses, and he still needs to learn how to handle the physical rigors of a full season, but he’s a rare physical talent who engenders all kinds of daydreaming projections.
3. BenintendiScouting report: Devers launches the ball to all fields with a lefhanded swing that generates both loft and backspin. Though he hit just 11 homers in 2015, few doubt he will build on that total as he adds strength and gains a greater understanding of when to turn on pitches for pull power. Devers’ physical development will determine if he stays at third base—a position he has the hands, feet, and arm to play—or moves to first. One evaluator described him as a still-maturing player who could either shed his baby fat or who will struggle with weight in a fashion reminiscent of Pablo Sandoval. At either corner, his bat should play. He surprises evaluators with his athleticism and baserunning ability.
4. EspinozaScouting report: Many view Benintendi as the system’s top prospect, given that he could quickly become an above-average big leaguer. Though so small that his name is difficult to squeeze across his jersey back, he finished his pro debut at low Class A Greenville and hit a cumulative .313/.416/.556 with 11 homers and 35 walks in 54 games. Benintendi’s exceptional approach helps him unlock surprising thunder. Though he’s not a burner, he glides to the ball with advanced instincts, convincing most evaluators that he can be at least an average center field defender. He was sidelined for much of the instructional league as the Red Sox cautiously rehabbed his quadriceps injury.
5. KopechScouting Report: Espinoza’s precocious feel for a high-quality, three-pitch mix and efficient delivery are uncommon traits for a teen, to say the least. Despite his slight build, he generates striking velocity with an easy, repeatable delivery, while also featuring a curveball and changeup that grade as big league average now, with plenty of projection for improved command. The fact that Espinoza throws so hard at such a young age and with such a slight build raises questions about whether he can remain healthy. But if he can, he has obvious front-of-the-rotation talent and makeup.
6. Johnson
7. Travis
8. Marrero
9. Basabe
10. Chavis
I've soured on the idea of numbered lists but that top 4 has to be in the discussion for the best collection of 4 prospects in the game. Those first 7 names probably put them in the discussion for best farm system. I'll be surprised if they've fallen out of the top 5 after the Kimbrel trade. This was easily the best system in the league before paying that price.
I'm guessing they end up with 6 or 7 on the top 100. If Travis isn't in it, he'll probably be an honorable mention.