It wasn't exactly a quiet offseason, huh?
Lots of wheeling and dealing, and some teams changed dramatically. As such, it's time to check in on where each team stands going forward. On Oct. 31, 2014, just prior to the beginning of MLB free agency, we at ESPN Insider updated our Future Power Ranks. This was our "before" snapshot, if you will. Now it's time for the "after" shot.
As in past renditions of the MLB Future Power Rankings, we've asked three of our top baseball analysts -- Jim Bowden, Keith Law and Buster Olney -- to rank all 30 teams across five different categories (see table to the right) in an attempt to measure how well each team is set up for sustained success over the next five years. Some things have changed drastically since those Oct. 31 power rankings -- we have a new No. 1, for instance -- while many other things have remained the same (the top six teams remain the top six teams, just in a different order). To show you what's changed, we compare the updated rankings to the October version for each team.
The better your rank in a given category, the more points you get, and the average point scores from the three voters are available in the bar graphs accompanying each team's section, rounded to the nearest integer. We weighted the categories and then gave each team a score on a scale of 1 to 100, with the score representing a team's percentage of total possible points. In the event of a tie, we gave the edge to the team with a higher total of our two most heavily weighted categories ("majors" and "minors"). For a detailed breakdown of the methodology used for the Future Power Rankings, click here.
With each team's ranking, you'll also get a take from Buster, Jim and Keith. Buster provides an overview of where the team is at now, Jim will explain the biggest dilemma currently facing each team, and Keith highlights potential impact prospects in 2015.
Which team did our team of experts think is best equipped for success over the next half-decade? And where does your favorite team rank?
For years, the greatest source of organizational power was always in the pitching collected, developed and fostered. But there has been a shift the past couple of years as offensive numbers have declined, with some teams now beginning to make the acquisition of position players the priority. For instance, the Cubs drafted infielder Kris Bryant and catcher Kyle Schwarber with top picks, invested millions in Javier Baez and Jorge Soler, and traded two veteran pitchers in Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel in order to pry Addison Russell away from the Oakland Athletics. Meanwhile, over the past eight months, the Red Sox have spent about $300 million on outfielders Rusney Castillo and Hanley Ramirez and infielders Pablo Sandoval and Yoan Moncada.
You can find pitching all over the place these days. It's the hitting that's scarce, and teams with budding offenses have climbed our rankings. --Buster Olney
- 1
Boston Red Sox
OCT. 31 RANK: 3
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The challenge for the Red Sox now is to find the best way to turn some of their position-player surplus into pitching. They bet heavily on Sandoval, Ramirez and Moncada in a way other teams wouldn't dream of because of the uncertainty involved. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Red Sox still lack a true top-of-rotation starter; having one would make them the favorite to represent the American League in the World Series once again. So far they've been reluctant to give up the prospect package it would take to land Cole Hamels, but they're also hoping other aces join the trade market between now and the trade deadline. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Rusney Castillo offers plus defense in center field and has surprising power for someone his size, although I think there are still reasonable questions about how advanced his bat is.-- Keith Law
- 2
Los Angeles Dodgers
OCT. 31 RANK: 1
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Andrew Friedman made a lot of moves last winter, but there is another major transition on the horizon, with Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick being eligible for free agency in the fall and Zack Greinke considering the possibility of opting out of his contract. Johnny Cueto could be a free-agent target. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Dodgers need to rebuild the back end of their bullpen to better compete with the game's best postseason bullpens. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Joc Pederson should be the Dodgers' everyday center fielder this year. He could have used a longer trial in L.A. last summer and I think he'll have a long adjustment period, but his power/speed combination and above-average defense should carry him through even if his contact rates aren't high. -- Keith Law
- 3
Chicago Cubs
OCT. 31 RANK: 4
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
To date, Theo Epstein's plan is playing out very well. Now the Cubs need prospects such as Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Javier Baez to make a successful jump to the next level. They also need to grab one of the elite starters on next winter's free-agent market, such as Jordan Zimmermann or David Price. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
How will the Cubs configure their middle infield over the next few seasons? For now, Javier Baez is the front-runner at second base, with Starlin Castro at shortstop, but when shortstop prospect Addison Russell is major league-ready, he'll end up beating out one of them, which could cause multiple players to shift positions. It could even mean third-base prospect Kris Bryant has to play a corner-outfield spot. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Bryant should be the Cubs' Opening Day third baseman, but he'll probably be brought up by late April and is my pick to win NL Rookie of the Year. If it's not him, it could just as easily be right fielder Jorge Soler. -- Keith Law
- 4
Washington Nationals
OCT. 31 RANK: 5
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
By the time Mike Rizzo's tenure as GM is complete, this year could well represent the apex of the Nationals' talent, including a staggeringly great rotation and a blossoming Bryce Harper. Financial realities will start to manifest after this year. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Nats are loaded with impending free agents, including Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister, Ian Desmond, Denard Span and Matt Thornton. Zimmermann and Desmond will be their top priorities to re-sign, but if they're not able to get them signed, they'll need to find replacements for 2016. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
None. Unless an outfielder gets hurt and opens up a spot for Michael Taylor, the Nats aren't likely to get any significant production from a rookie this year. -- Keith Law
- 5
St. Louis Cardinals
OCT. 31 RANK: 2
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The Cardinals need the most talented of their young players -- Kolten Wong, Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez, Trevor Rosenthal, Matt Adams -- to fully establish themselves in 2015 as their current generation of veterans gets closer to moving on. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
If the Cards have to deal with health setbacks from starting pitchers Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha and Jaime Garcia, they'll have to decide if it's worth paying a huge prospect package to trade for another high-end starter. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Lefty Marco Gonzales wasn't quite ready when he first reached the majors, but when he gets back to pitching backward in the count, using his curveball and changeup more often, he'll be effective as the Cardinals' fourth or fifth starter. -- Keith Law
- 6
Pittsburgh Pirates
OCT. 31 RANK: 6
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
So long as the Pirates can maintain a steady pipeline of young pitching, Pittsburgh will continue to reinforce an enviable stability and level of success, and the Pirates have another wave coming in Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Will Francisco Cervelli be the answer to replace Russell Martin? If Cervelli gets off to a slow start and can't prove he can be an everyday catcher, the Pirates might have to resort to the trade market for another option. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
The Pirates' fifth-starter candidates are all suspect for one reason or another, which should create an opportunity soon enough for strike-thrower Nick Kingham, who lacks an out pitch but has three different weapons and commands them all. -- Keith Law
- 7
New York Mets
OCT. 31 RANK: 10
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Matt Harvey is represented by agent Scott Boras and will be eligible for free agency after the 2018 season, and he seems unlikely to sign long-term with the Mets. So the franchise appears to be entering a four-year window of opportunity to win. But a legit shortstop is needed. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
As Buster notes, the Mets need to find a long-term solution at shortstop. The Mets will give Wilmer Flores an opportunity, but given his below-average range, they'll likely be back on the trade market looking for an upgrade. They'll stay in touch with the Rockies regarding Troy Tulowitzki and the Cubs about their bevy of shortstop depth. They also might try to wait until this offseason, when they can make a run at impending free agent Ian Desmond. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
I count as many as seven rookies who could -- or should -- make an impact for the Mets this year, with Noah Syndergaard being the best of the lot. He's a giant right-hander with a huge fastball and the poise to pitch in the big leagues right now. -- Keith Law
- 8
New York Yankees
OCT. 31 RANK: 7
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
In another few years, the Yankees could finally begin to reach the end of some increasingly onerous contracts. Until then, Hal Steinbrenner must weather a growing tide of unrest from fans who want the Yankees to spend big again. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Yankees need more starting pitching depth as they wait for a strong free-agent class to enter the market at season's end. Keeping Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia healthy will be the key to whether or not they can contend this year. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Lefty Jacob Lindgren, the Yankees' first pick in the 2014 (Rule 4) draft, has two major league-ready pitches right now and should spend a bulk of the year in the majors setting up Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. -- Keith Law
- 9
Chicago White Sox
OCT. 31 RANK: 21
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
You could make a strong case that from September 2013 until now, White Sox GM Rick Hahn and those around him have done the best work of any front office. Assuming Chris Sale comes back from his spring injury, the White Sox will be back in the hunt this year. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Who starts at second base? Will it be Carlos Sanchez, Gordon Beckham or Micah Johnson (more on him below)? If Johnson establishes himself at or near the top of the White Sox's lineup, it could change the entire dimension of the team. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Micah Johnson might be the team's best in-house option at second base. He possesses plus-plus speed and the potential to develop into an above-average defender, although he doesn't have much experience in the high minors yet. -- Keith Law
- 10
Kansas City Royals
OCT. 31 RANK: 11
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The Royals' methodical approach can sometimes frustrate the fan base, which would love to see an expensive, bold move. But the team's trend is in the right direction. Year-to-year win totals from 2009 on: 65, 67, 71, 72, 86, 89. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
What is K.C.'s timetable to promote starting pitcher prospects Brandon Finnegan, Sean Manaea and Kyle Zimmer? When one or more of those guys are major league-ready, which could by midseason, the Royals will have some difficult decisions to make on a few of their veteran starters. An overabundance of starting pitching is a good problem to have, but it could lead to changes in roles and/or a trade. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Lefty Brandon Finnegan was a starter at TCU, where he missed a few turns last spring with shoulder soreness. He was dominant in relief for the Royals and could spend the year with the major league club in a similar role. -- Keith Law
- 11
Texas Rangers
OCT. 31 RANK: 15
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
They were the most unlucky team in 2014, but if the Rangers don't get bounce-back seasons from Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder, their immediate and long-term futures will begin to look very different. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
What will the Rangers do with top prospect Joey Gallo when he is ready for the majors? The Rangers recently extended the contract of future Hall of Fame third baseman Adrian Beltre through the 2016 season, but Gallo will be ready well before then. The Rangers must decide if they want to move him to left field and get him ready for an outfield corner or simply place him at the DH spot. Leaving him in the minors to play third every day doesn't seem like a smart plan based on his fast-paced development. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Ryan Rua should be at least the strong side of a left-field platoon in Texas, or perhaps a super-utility player who helps out at second or third base as well as in the outfield corners. -- Keith Law
- 12
Los Angeles Angels
OCT. 31 RANK: 12
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Albert Pujols is now 35 years old, and the Angels really have no idea if they'll get anything more out of Josh Hamilton for the tens of millions they owe him. But Mike Trout's presence provides a lot of stability. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Angels need to sort out who their starting second baseman is. They have a competition going between Grant Green, Josh Rutledge, Taylor Featherston and Johnny Giavotella. They are hoping one of them will win the job outright in spring training and keep the spot warm for Alex Yarbrough, who could be ready by September. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Lefty pitcher Andrew Heaney, acquired from the Dodgers for Howie Kendrick in December, likely will spend the whole year in the Angels' rotation. -- Keith Law
- 13
San Francisco Giants
OCT. 31 RANK: 8
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
With the recent injury to Hunter Pence (forearm fracture) only magnifying the team's need for power, the 2015 season is shaping up to be a major challenge for the Giants. But the most important development this year might be in the pitching the team has collected in the lower levels of its farm system. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Giants need to acquire another young starting pitcher to replace Tim Hudson, who is expected to retire at the end of the 2015 season. They have a few prospects who could be used as trade bait and should be able to net an impact starter. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
The Giants seem likely to try to get Andrew Susac 300 or so at-bats as Buster Posey's backup, with Posey perhaps playing more at first base to get his bat in the lineup more often. -- Keith Law
- 14
Seattle Mariners
OCT. 31 RANK: 14
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Now is their time: Felix Hernandez is still healthy, Robinson Cano is still in the prime of his career, and the Mariners bet a ton of money that Nelson Cruz could push them over the top. No AL West team has more at stake in 2015. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Brad Miller and Chris Taylor are battling it out this spring for the starting shortstop job. Miller was considered the better prospect before last season, when he hit just .221 and made 18 errors. Taylor was more consistent defensively and swung the bat better, but he wasn't good enough to win the job outright. It should be an interesting competition. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Right-hander Carson Smith comes from a low slot with two plus pitches, including a slider that right-handers probably won't pick up. Even if they do, they probably won't hit it. -- Keith Law
- 15
Detroit Tigers
OCT. 31 RANK: 13
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The Tigers' window for contention is still open, and the team's willingness to spend will continue to keep the Tigers in play in 2015. Miguel Cabrera's recent dedication to fitness is extremely important, given the team's long-term investment in the slugger. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Will the Tigers be able to sign David Price to a long-term contract extension before Opening Day? That's especially important considering they lost Max Scherzer to free agency this past offseason and traded away fellow starter Rick Porcello. The Jon Lester and Scherzer deals will not make for an easy negotiation with Price's agent, Bo McKinnis, but McKinnis is known to be a deal-maker, so the Tigers at least have a chance. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
The Tigers are not likely to see much production from rookies this year barring a catastrophic injury to a regular. Hernan Perez would be a solid utility infielder, and James McCann is set up to be Alex Avila's replacement at some point, perhaps next season. -- Keith Law
- 16
Toronto Blue Jays
OCT. 31 RANK: 18
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The club's ownership spent the winter stumbling through an effort to replace longtime president Paul Beeston, who will retire after this season. The guy who steps into his spot will presumably decide whether to continue with GM Alex Anthopoulos or bring in a new voice. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Like a handful of other teams, the Blue Jays lack a true top-of-rotation ace. But they do have a strong farm system to deal from and get an ace. One blockbuster deal to win now could be enough to get Anthopoulos a long-term contract extension. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospects
The Jays might get more production from rookies in 2015 than any other team in baseball, with Aaron Sanchez and/or Daniel Norris as potential rotation pieces; both have very high upsides. Also, Dalton Pompey is the team's best in-house option in center field thanks to his above-average defense and advanced eye at the plate. -- Keith Law
- 17
Atlanta Braves
OCT. 31 RANK: 22
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The Braves have steered drastically into a rebuilding mode. Now their challenge will be turning those prospects they got into productive major leaguers. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Braves need to rebuild the middle of their lineup for the long term. They have done a great job rebuilding their starting pitching depth, mostly via trade, but now must turn their focus on improving their offense, specifically at third base, center field and left field, via the draft and/or trades. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Christian Bethancourt is penciled in as the Braves' everyday catcher. He has a grade-80 arm and the hands to be a plus receiver, with plenty of raw power but very poor plate discipline. -- Keith Law
- 18
Baltimore Orioles
OCT. 31 RANK: 9
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
All kinds of difficult decisions loom for the O's following the 2015 season, with Matt Wieters and Chris Davis headed to free agency and many members of the pitching staff climbing the arbitration ladder. This could be a very different team in 2016. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
To follow up on what Buster said, the Orioles might try to extend one of two of their key impending free agents, but if they can't, they also might consider trading them by the July trade deadline. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Right-hander Dylan Bundy, still returning from 2013 Tommy John surgery, will return to the majors when his stuff and elbow permit, although I couldn't guess in what capacity. -- Keith Law
- 19
Houston Astros
OCT. 31 RANK: 16
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The pressure to win is building within the organization, but rival executives wonder if the Astros have the necessary pitching depth to challenge the AL West leaders. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Astros have the rare luxury of having two top-five picks in the 2015 draft, and they must choose wisely. Last year they took high school pitcher Brady Aiken with the first overall pick despite the fact they could have had college pitcher Carlos Rodon, who went third to the White Sox. The Astros have an opportunity here to draft two college players close to the big leagues, perhaps maybe one hitter and one pitcher. June 8 could be their most important day of the year. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
The Astros will be young, but flush with sophomores rather than rookies. Mark Appel could finish the year in their rotation if he picks up where he left off last year in Double-A and improves his pitching from the stretch. -- Keith Law
- 20
Cleveland Indians
OCT. 31 RANK: 17
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
There has been a tremendous shift in the organization since the hiring of Terry Francona, with a meaningful symbiosis between the front office and the manager. Along the way, the Indians have been extraordinary in developing their pitching. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
No major dilemmas here. The team is as shored up as it can be right now, with a prospect or two ready to arrive (one discussed below). -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Shortstop Francisco Lindor is major league-ready. If he starts the season in the minors, it might be about service-time issues rather than baseball ability. -- Keith Law
- 21
San Diego Padres
OCT. 31 RANK: 26
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
If the Padres win early in the season, GM A.J. Preller can ride out the summer as a hero in San Diego. But if the parts prove to be mismatched, Preller could continue the roster reformation through the summer by marketing the likes of Justin Upton, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Plenty of questions to answer here. The Padres need to figure out what to do with their leadoff spot, find a better long-term solution at shortstop, improve their defense in center field and get another left-handed bat to balance their lineup. Solving any one of these dilemmas by season's end could be the difference between making the playoffs or sitting at home in October. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Right-hander Matt Wisler doesn't have a true out pitch, but he has the big fastball and size to work as a fourth starter. The Padres' rotation right now is full of guys who have a hard time staying healthy for 30 starts, so Wisler should get an opportunity early in the season. -- Keith Law
- 22
Minnesota Twins
OCT. 31 RANK: 20
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
General manager Terry Ryan has been pushing the level of expectations this spring, but for now the Twins might have a difficult time matching that optimistic outlook with their performance. The Twins need another layer of reconstruction. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
Starting pitching continues to be the Twins' focus going forward. They have aggressively tried to improve the rotation the past few years by acquiring veteran pitchers, but they must draft and/or trade for young impact starters to pitch alongside impact hitter prospects such as Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Nick Gordon. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Alex Meyer is the Twins' top pitching prospect, a right-hander who can throw up to 100 mph with life and has a plus slider. He should pitch for the big league club this year, preferably as Minnesota's fifth starter. -- Keith Law
- 23
Miami Marlins
OCT. 31 RANK: 24
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Think about the ages of the players who form the core of this team: Giancarlo Stanton is 25, Marcell Ozuna 24, Christian Yelich 23, Jose Fernandez 22 and Jarred Cosart is 24. This might be just the beginning of something that lasts. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Marlins need to find long-term answers at both first and third base. Perhaps at least one of those players could be a left-handed power hitter to better balance out their lineup. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Lefty Justin Nicolino doesn't miss bats, but he's one of the most efficient pitchers in all of baseball, throwing strikes and generating ground balls. He'll probably be a midseason call-up when the Marlins need a starter. -- Keith Law
- 24
Oakland Athletics
OCT. 31 RANK: 19
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Once the 2014 season went up in wild-card flames, it was inevitable that GM Billy Beane would turn over his roster again. The Oakland front office has been exceptional in picking the right guys from other teams in these makeovers. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The A's need to figure out who is going to hit in the middle of their lineup. Either way, scoring runs could be a struggle this year. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospects
One of Kendall Graveman or Chris Bassitt will probably be the A's fifth starter this year, while R.J. Alvarez should spend most of the year in their bullpen. All three players came over in trades this winter. -- Keith Law
- 25
Cincinnati Reds
OCT. 31 RANK: 28
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Owner Bob Castellini is known for being hypercompetitive, and he wants to win. But the team is getting more and more boxed in by its expensive contractual obligations, which could grease the eventual departures of Johnny Cueto, Aroldis Chapman and others. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
What will this team do with Cueto? The Reds' first choice is to sign him to a long-term contract in the range of the deal Jon Lester got with the Cubs. But if they are unable to extend Cueto's contract, they'll have to decide whether to trade him between now and the trade deadline or risk losing him to free agency at season's end. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias could break camp with the team as a right-handed setup man. With Chapman headed for free agency after the 2016 season, the Reds must think about his long-term replacement, and Iglesias is the best internal candidate at the moment. -- Keith Law
- 26
Colorado Rockies
OCT. 31 RANK: 30
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Trading Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez would probably be best for the organization, but new GM Jeff Bridich really can't put them on the market until both players play well through extended periods of good health. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
This team needs major pitching help. If the Rockies do decide to trade Tulo and CarGo, they must insist on getting top pitching prospects in return. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Eddie Butler got hurt last year in his first major league start, but he's supposed to be 100 percent this spring and should spend a bulk of the season in Colorado's rotation, where the life on his fastball might help him be more efficient than most starters are in Denver. -- Keith Law
- 27
Milwaukee Brewers
OCT. 31 RANK: 23
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Considering the team's relatively thin farm system and limited resources, it is imperative that Ryan Braun rebounds and pays off the Brewers for their massive investment. He is owed $109 million over the next six seasons. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
If the Brewers start slowly, they'll have to consider whether a managerial change would spark the team. Ron Roenicke, already somewhat on the hot seat following last season's late slide, would be best-served by getting his team off to a good start. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Taylor Jungmann should get to the majors this spring when the Brewers need another starter, having finally reached Triple-A last year after making adjustments to his position on the rubber and the grip on his breaking ball. -- Keith Law
- 28
Arizona Diamondbacks
OCT. 31 RANK: 29
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The franchise has collected a number of big arms and is betting that major rotation options will emerge from the group of Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster, Robbie Ray, Yoan Lopez, Archie Bradley and Braden Shipley. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Diamondbacks won't be relevant again until they can trade for or develop a high-end starting pitcher (or two) to compete with the Dodgers, Giants and Padres in the NL West. They do have a lot of good young arms. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Despite the Diamondbacks' optimism, Yasmany Tomas doesn't look like he'll be able to play third base at the major league level. But he should at least fall into 20 or so homers even if he remains out of shape and struggles to get on base. -- Keith Law
- 29
Tampa Bay Rays
OCT. 31 RANK: 25
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
Remember that 2011 draft when Tampa Bay had nine of the first 60 picks? Well, not one of them has translated his success at the big league level, another in a series of draft busts for the Rays. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Rays have the starting pitching, bullpen and defense to contend, but they're going to struggle to score runs. They'll need to utilize their farm system to trade for a middle-of-the-lineup bat who can take some pressure off Evan Longoria. Of course, because of their financial limitations, their emphasis will have to continue to be on non-arbitration-eligible players. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Steven Souza, acquired in the Wil Myers trade that sent two players from San Diego to Washington by way of St. Petersburg, should be the Rays' everyday right fielder this year. He has a high-contact, doubles-power swing, and he's a good athlete for a player his size. -- Keith Law
- 30
Philadelphia Phillies
OCT. 31 RANK: 27
The bar graphs reflect the average points given by the voters for each category.
The overview
The Phillies have been trending down for a while now, with their year-to-year win total from 2011 going from 102 to 81 to 73 to another 73-win season in 2014. And yet the shift in direction continues to be deliberate. -- Buster Olney
The dilemma
The Phillies continue to search for the best trade options for their big-name veterans, including Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon. Most teams have lowballed them so far, and the Phillies must continue to be patient until the right blockbuster deal comes along. Unfortunately, that might not be until closer to the July trade deadline. -- Jim Bowden
Impact prospect
Maikel Franco should get the majority of at-bats at third base, perhaps spelling Ryan Howard at first base when there's a lefty on the mound. He has the potential for 15-20 homers even if he doesn't hit for much average. -- Keith Law