The Arizona Diamondbacks farm system took a significant hit, dropping from 3rd to 16th in MLB’s recent 2024 preseason rankings.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sam Dykstra noted that this steep decline can be largely attributed to the departure of Corbin Carroll and Brandon Pfaadt, who have moved on from waiting for their opportunity. Carroll, a former 1st round pick of the D-backs, had been highly regarded as a top-3 prospect in baseball, a reputation he lived up to with his Rookie of the Year season.
Now, the spotlight turns to the Diamondbacks’ #11 ranked prospect, Jordan Lawlar, drafted 6th overall in 2021. Lawlar made his major league debut last season and even saw postseason action as a baserunner. However, his chances of making the opening day roster this year seem slim due to competition from multiple shortstops ahead of him, including Geraldo Perdomo and newly acquired Elvis Andrus.
Following Lawlar is Tommy Troy, ranked #74 in MLB’s top-100 prospect list. Drafted in the 1st round of the 2023 draft, Troy has versatility, able to play multiple infield positions, including shortstop, 2nd base, and 3rd base.
Rounding out the Diamondbacks’ representation in the top-100 prospect list is Druw Jones. Jones, the 2nd overall pick by the Diamondbacks in 2022, faced numerous injuries, including shoulder surgery shortly after his draft. Despite setbacks, Jones showed promise with the Visalia Rawhide in the California League, ending the season with three consecutive multi-hit games.
MLB’s assessment stated, “Lawlar could make a bigger impact than he did as a postseason bench player, and if the group can get 2022 No. 2 overall pick Jones back on track offensively, it could have another superstar climbing toward the desert. But that remains a big if.”
Elsewhere, the Orioles once again claimed the #1 spot, with the Cubs following at #2 and the Brewers at #3.
