While Major League Baseball (MLB) doesn’t currently impose a salary cap, their rules create hurdles for the wealthiest teams to sustain top-notch farm systems. This is primarily through penalties on draft picks and limits on international contracts, which are intended to hinder MLB’s highest spenders from boosting their minor leagues.
Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Dodgers have navigated these challenges effectively.
As teams gear up for spring training next week, farm system rankings for 2026 are emerging. The Dodgers consistently rank among the top five in most assessments, with a standout No. 1 position in a recent survey conducted by major league executives, although Baseball America placed them at No. 13.
For Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, keeping the farm system strong has been pivotal. He acknowledged in a recent conversation that this goal is challenging but has contributed significantly to the franchise’s success. Friedman emphasized that having a robust farm system has allowed the Dodgers to enhance their major league roster, address gaps through trades, and attract top free agents by showcasing sustainable growth.
Reflecting on a meeting with Shohei Ohtani two offseasons ago, he shared Ohtani’s astonishment at their ability to maintain a competitive edge despite numerous obstacles. “No matter how you define success over the last decade, we felt prepared to excel even further,” Friedman recalled Ohtani asking, “How? How can you do that?”
In recent times, the Dodgers have had to adopt a different strategy. Since 2022, they’ve managed only two draft picks higher than 40th and just seven within the top 90. This trend is expected to persist due to losing four of their top six picks as penalties for signing players like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz. Meanwhile, their international signing bonus pool has shrunk each year due to luxury tax penalties, with last year’s pool almost entirely allocated to securing Roki Sasaki.
This has forced the organization to be resourceful. They’ve increasingly relied on discovering hidden gems, successfully developing players, and executing smart trades to ensure their pipeline remains filled.
“Being in the top three to five consistently showcases the unity of our organization,” Friedman mentioned. “We’re fortunate to have a high-performing team generating substantial organizational value.”
Some of the Dodgers’ most promising prospects, such as outfielder Josue de Paula and outfielder Eduardo Quintero, were relatively inexpensive international acquisitions, costing less than $700,000 collectively. Since then, both players have emerged as top prospects, earning recognition as part of the sport’s elite talent list.
Interestingly, of the Dodgers’ top ten prospects, only one was drafted by the team. Six were brought in via trades, highlighting a trend that distinguishes the Dodgers from many other teams, which often can’t afford to part with established players to acquire young talent.
Last year’s trade deadline exemplified this strategy, as the Dodgers secured promising outfielders and a young pitcher through strategic trades, underscoring their depth at the MLB level.
“Adding to our pipeline before the deadline is always a goal,” Friedman said, noting that trades at that time can become costly, making it vital for teams to be well-positioned to take advantage of market conditions.
However, this approach isn’t foolproof. Despite high annual rankings, the Dodgers have faced challenges integrating young players into the majors. Recently, during back-to-back World Series seasons, only Will Smith and Andy Page became regulars from their farm system, with Emmett Sheehan being the sole homegrown player projected to start this year.
Ultimately, having a highly regarded farm system plays a critical role in sustaining long-term success, especially with players who are in demand and expected to thrive in the majors.
Although MLB rules were intended to limit the Dodgers’ strength, the team continues to prosper, showcasing a star-studded roster and a farm system celebrated across the league.
Dodgers top 10 prospects according to ESPN
1.) Josue de Paula — international signing
2.) Eduardo Quintero — international signing
3.) Jehir Hope — trade (Michael Busch)
4.) Mike Sirota — trade (Gavin Lux)
5.) Emil Morales — international signing
6.) Alex Freeland — draft (2022)
7.) Zach Erhardt — trade (Dustin May)
8.) River Ryan — trade (Matt Beatty)
9.) Jackson Ferris — trade (Michael Bush)
10.) James Tibbs III — trade (Dustin May)
