Analysis of 2025 MLB Organizational Talent Pipelines and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report provides an updated assessment of the 30 Major League Baseball organizational farm systems as of August 2025. The analysis evaluates each system’s talent valuation following the MLB draft and trade deadline. A significant emphasis is placed on how these systems function as engines for sustainable development, aligning with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• SDG 4: Quality Education: Player development programs represent specialized educational frameworks, providing athletes with elite skills and career pathways.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Farm systems create numerous jobs, contribute to local economies, and cultivate valuable human capital, which translates into significant economic assets for their parent organizations.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Global scouting and international signings provide opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, offering a merit-based pathway to professional success and economic mobility.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The intricate network of trades, drafts, and talent acquisition strategies reflects complex partnerships between organizations to achieve the collective goal of developing a sustainable talent pool for the league.

Organizational Rankings and SDG Analysis

1. New York Mets

• Preseason Rank: 9

The Mets’ system has achieved the top valuation through a focus on elite talent development, directly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education). This investment in high-potential prospects, many of whom are in Triple-A or the major leagues, represents a significant economic asset, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The consistent graduation of players like Christian Scott, Brett Baty, and Francisco Alvarez demonstrates a sustainable workforce development model.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Preseason Rank: 1

The Dodgers maintain a top-tier ranking through a long-term, sustainable approach to talent acquisition and development. By consistently graduating players while restocking the system with A-ball talent, the organization ensures long-term economic stability and competitive balance, reflecting the principles of SDG 8. Their ability to develop talent from all levels demonstrates a robust educational framework (SDG 4).

3. Seattle Mariners

• Preseason Rank: 7

Seattle’s success is built on effective scouting and development, embodying SDG 4 by transforming talent into high-value professional assets. The strategic decision to retain top-tier prospects while trading from secondary tiers shows a commitment to sustainable, long-term growth (SDG 8). The recent shift to include pitchers in their draft focus diversifies their portfolio of human capital.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

• Preseason Rank: 20

The Pirates’ significant rise in the rankings is anchored by the presence of the sport’s number one prospect, Konnor Griffin, whose valuation underscores the economic impact of elite talent (SDG 8). The expected promotion of multiple prospects to the major league team next season highlights the system’s role in providing decent work and career advancement opportunities.

5. Minnesota Twins

• Preseason Rank: 6

The Twins improved their ranking by acquiring young talent through trades, a strategy that aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The system’s depth, with the third-most prospects above 40 FV, indicates a broad-based approach to talent development (SDG 4), ensuring a sustainable pipeline of players ready to contribute economically and competitively (SDG 8).

6. Milwaukee Brewers

• Preseason Rank: 8

Milwaukee exemplifies a highly efficient and sustainable model, fielding competitive teams on a limited budget while maintaining a strong farm system. This approach maximizes economic resources (SDG 8) and showcases an exceptional educational and development program (SDG 4). The high number of potential Rookie of the Year candidates demonstrates the quality of this program.

7. Cleveland Guardians

• Preseason Rank: 11

The Guardians demonstrate a consistent ability to develop impactful talent, such as 2024 No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana. This sustained success in player development is a testament to their quality educational infrastructure (SDG 4). The system’s depth and focus on identifying undervalued talent contribute to a resilient and economically efficient organizational model (SDG 8).

8. Detroit Tigers

• Preseason Rank: 3

Detroit possesses one of the most elite collections of top-tier prospects, representing immense future economic value (SDG 8). The development of stars like Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark is the culmination of significant investment in specialized training (SDG 4). Their high-variance draft strategy seeks to uncover unique talent, diversifying their long-term asset base.

9. St. Louis Cardinals

• Preseason Rank: 19

The Cardinals’ system is in its strongest position in years, with recent first-round picks poised to become impactful contributors. This infusion of new talent through the draft represents a strategic investment in future economic growth (SDG 8). The system’s overall depth provides a stable foundation for sustained success and workforce development.

10. Miami Marlins

• Preseason Rank: 15

The Marlins’ upward trend is a result of a consistent focus on acquiring and developing young players. This strategy of building human capital aligns with SDG 4 and SDG 8. The emergence of potential ace Thomas White and other rising prospects indicates that the organization’s investment in its educational pipeline is yielding significant returns.

11. Baltimore Orioles

• Preseason Rank: 14

After graduating a historic wave of talent, the Orioles have successfully stabilized their system with a new group of prospects. This demonstrates a sustainable and repeatable development process (SDG 4). Utilizing the largest draft pool to acquire a deep class of new talent ensures the long-term health and economic viability of the organization (SDG 8).

12. Toronto Blue Jays

• Preseason Rank: 24

The Blue Jays’ significant improvement is credited to an exceptionally successful 2024 draft, which yielded multiple high-ranking prospects. This highlights the draft’s importance as a mechanism for equitable talent distribution and economic infusion (SDG 10 and SDG 8). Their ability to identify and develop both pitchers and position players showcases a well-rounded educational program (SDG 4).

13. Arizona Diamondbacks

• Preseason Rank: 25

Arizona enhanced its system by acquiring a significant volume of young talent at the trade deadline, an example of leveraging partnerships for strategic growth (SDG 17). The resulting depth, tied for third-best in quality, provides a broad base for future workforce contributions and ensures long-term organizational stability (SDG 8).

14. Boston Red Sox

• Preseason Rank: 4

The Red Sox system experienced a predictable decline in valuation following the graduation of three elite prospects. This transition is a primary goal of any development system, turning educational investment (SDG 4) into major league economic impact (SDG 8). The organization is now focused on developing the next wave of talent to replenish the pipeline.

15. Oakland Athletics

• Preseason Rank: 23

The addition of top prospect Leo De Vries via trade represents a major infusion of potential economic value (SDG 8). This move, combined with an already deep group of talent progressing through the minors, positions the Athletics for future growth and competitiveness, underscoring a commitment to building a sustainable talent base.

16. Tampa Bay Rays

• Preseason Rank: 5

The Rays’ ranking has moderated due to prospect graduations and developmental plateaus. This reflects the inherent challenges of maintaining elite status in workforce development (SDG 8). Their focus on high-upside high school players in the draft is a long-term strategy aimed at rebuilding the system’s value through foundational education and training (SDG 4).

17. Texas Rangers

• Preseason Rank: 16

The Rangers have maintained their position by effectively replacing graduated prospects with a new wave of talent from the draft and international signings. This balanced approach to talent management supports long-term sustainability. Their focus on international players like Yolfran Castillo contributes to global talent mobility and opportunity, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

18. Cincinnati Reds

• Preseason Rank: 13

The Reds are in a transitional phase after graduating an exceptional class of players. The current system is defined by lower-level players with high potential, representing the next cycle of educational investment (SDG 4). Developing these players, including international signee Alfredo Duno, will be key to future economic and competitive success (SDG 8 and SDG 10).

19. Chicago Cubs

• Preseason Rank: 10

Following numerous graduations, the Cubs’ system is now headlined by players in the upper minors. This demonstrates a successful, functioning pipeline that consistently delivers talent to the major league level, fulfilling its primary economic purpose (SDG 8). The recent draft crop provides the foundation for the next wave of development.

20. Chicago White Sox

• Preseason Rank: 2

The White Sox ranking fell significantly due to multiple graduations and developmental challenges. This illustrates the volatility of prospect valuation and the continuous need for investment in player education and support (SDG 4). The organization will rely on its recent draft class to begin rebuilding the system’s depth and value.

21. Philadelphia Phillies

• Preseason Rank: 17

The Phillies’ system is top-heavy with a core group of prospects in the upper minors who represent a pending infusion of homegrown talent. This strategy focuses on developing high-impact individuals to complement an established major league roster, providing a cost-effective method for sustaining a competitive workforce (SDG 8).

22. Washington Nationals

• Preseason Rank: 12

A significant number of graduations has led to a temporary downturn in the Nationals’ system value. This is the intended outcome of a successful rebuilding phase, where educational investments (SDG 4) mature into major league assets (SDG 8). A large 2025 draft class, including top pick Eli Willits, has begun the process of restocking the talent pipeline.

23. Colorado Rockies

• Preseason Rank: 18

The addition of top draft pick Ethan Holliday provides a cornerstone asset for the Rockies’ future. Acquiring talent through the draft is a primary mechanism for ensuring long-term economic health and competitive opportunity (SDG 8). The development of this new talent will be critical for the organization’s upward mobility.

24. San Francisco Giants

• Preseason Rank: 29

The Giants are focused on developing their next homegrown star, with top prospect Bryce Eldridge nearing the majors. The organization’s success in international scouting, with several rising prospects like Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez, provides a crucial and diverse talent stream, promoting global opportunity in line with SDG 10.

25. New York Yankees

• Preseason Rank: 21

The Yankees’ system has seen its depth diminish after trading a large number of prospects to support the major league team. This strategy prioritizes immediate competitive goals over long-term asset accumulation. Rebuilding the system through the draft and international signings is now a key priority to ensure future sustainability, reflecting a renewed focus on SDG 4 and SDG 8.

26. Atlanta Braves

• Preseason Rank: 27

The Braves are cultivating a new group of pitchers to address needs at the major league level. This targeted approach to development provides sustainable, internal solutions for workforce demands (SDG 8). Their draft strategy, focusing on high-upside talent, aims to continue the organization’s track record of successful player education (SDG 4).

27. Kansas City Royals

• Preseason Rank: 22

After graduating several core and role players, the Royals’ system is in a rebuilding phase. The development of emerging prospects like pitcher Kendry Chourio and newly drafted players will be essential to restoring the pipeline’s value. This cycle of graduation and renewal is fundamental to the long-term economic model of a baseball organization (SDG 8).

28. Los Angeles Angels

• Preseason Rank: 28

The Angels’ strategy has focused on accelerating prospects to the majors to support the current competitive window. While this addresses immediate needs, it has kept the system’s overall valuation in the lower tier. Developing their current group of pitching prospects will be key to creating sustainable, long-term value and a more balanced organizational structure (SDG 8).

29. Houston Astros

• Preseason Rank: 30

The Astros’ long period of major league success has come at the cost of farm system depth. With their top two prospects already in the majors, the organization must now rely on recent draft classes to build the next wave of talent. This highlights the challenge of balancing present success with investment in future human capital (SDG 4 and SDG 8).

30. San Diego Padres

• Preseason Rank: 26

The Padres’ system ranks last after aggressively trading away a vast number of prospects to acquire established major league talent. This “win-now” approach, a form of strategic partnership (SDG 17), has depleted their internal pipeline. The organization’s renowned ability to scout and find talent will be heavily tested as it works to rebuild a sustainable development infrastructure.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• After a thorough analysis, it has been determined that the provided article does not address or connect to any of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Explanation: The article is a specialized sports analysis piece focusing on the ranking of Major League Baseball (MLB) farm systems, player prospects, team valuations, and trades. The entire content is dedicated to the internal economics and talent pipeline of a professional sports league. The SDGs, in contrast, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The topics discussed in the article, such as prospect rankings, player graduations, and trade deadline deals, have no direct or indirect relevance to global challenges like poverty (SDG 1), health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), climate action (SDG 13), or any other sustainable development goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• No specific SDG targets can be identified from the article’s content.
• Explanation: Since no overarching SDGs are relevant to the article, it is not possible to identify any of their corresponding targets. The article discusses player development and financial valuations within a sports context (e.g., “The Brewers are…fielding a competitive…big league team on a shoestring budget”), which does not align with any SDG targets related to decent work, economic growth, or reducing inequalities on a societal or global scale.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• There are no indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards any SDG targets.
• Explanation: The article contains various metrics, such as team rankings (“Preseason rank: 9”), dollar valuations (“Athletics ($182 million)”), and prospect ratings (“prospects above 40 FV”). However, these are internal, proprietary metrics for evaluating sports talent and team value. They are not designed to, nor can they be used to, measure progress on any of the official indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals, which track metrics like national poverty rates, literacy levels, or carbon emissions.

Summary Table

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: espn.com