Yankees: MLB.com’s farm system rankings should get fans nervous about the future

The New York Yankees were in possession of one of the league’s best farm systems over the last few seasons, and that quality has been proven thanks to the likes of Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres and Luis Severino evolving into stars. While the Yankees have built division champions through their minor league system, the depth of said system has eroded over the last few seasons.

Rivals like the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles have had vastly different results over the last few seasons, but all three of them have committed to restocking their roster through the draft and signing young international free agents.

While the Blue Jays have given fans a taste of what their future could hold given the success of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette, they and their AL East companions are built well for the long haul. According to some experts, those three are positioned for more success than the Yankees are.

The Yankees and Boston Red Sox were both outside of the Top 10 on MLB.com’s rankings of the best minor league systems in baseball. While that might not be the most concerning thing in the world, the rival Rays were at the very top of the list. Tampa was joined in the Top 10 by the Orioles at No. 5 and the Blue Jays at No. 7.

Should the New York Yankees fear their competition’s prospects?

The Rays own the top prospect in all of baseball, shortstop Wander Franco, in addition to six other Top 100 prospects like World Series hero Randy Arozarena, flamethrower Luis Patino, and two-way stud Brendan McKay.

Baltimore’s system is led by the second-best prospect in baseball in catcher Adley Rutschmann. In addition, a No. 2 overall pick in power-hitting outfielder Heston Kjerstad and a promising left-hander in DL Hall give Baltimore plenty of depth. Toronto has former Vanderbilt star Austin Martin and explosive starter Nate Pearson in their ranks.

The Yankees are by no means slouches. Even if Jasson Dominguez is far away from the majors, the likes of Clarke Schmidt, Deivi Garcia, and Austin Wells give the Yankees plenty of quality in the minor leagues. However, that doesn’t change the fact that they are a few tiers below their division rivals.

The Yankees will have more financial resources at their disposal than their rivals, which could help them paper over the cracks. However, Toronto, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay are lapping the Yankees right now, and that could come back to bite them.

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