THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Draft  | Rankings | 4/8/2005

High School vs College Draft Debate

Our partner Baseball America, the #1 source for minor league prospect coverage, recently released their list of organizations with the most Minor League talent. They have ranked the organizations 1 through 30. For the study below we used the top 15 ranked clubs top 10 prospects and the other 15 clubs top 2 prospects.

To subscribe to Baseball America's on line coverage go to:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/

The top half

1. Angels
2. Dodgers
3. Brewers
4. Twins
5. Braves
6. Rockies
7. Indians
8. A's
9. Devil Rays
10. Cubs
11. Mariners
12. White Sox
13. Diamondbacks
14. Marlins
15. Blue Jays

We thought we would take a close look at these clubs that seem to have the most talent. Where did these players come from? Because the list is part of Baseball America's "Subscriber Only" content, we have not identified the players by name. They are listed by rank within their organization, Position, where they signed out of, and what round they were selected.

We believe there are some very interesting revelations involved in this list.

For example, the number one ranked player in every organization reveals:
18 players signed out of high school
9 players signed out of a 4 year college
3 players were signed as Free Agents out of high school.

The totals based on our test study (chart below) showing total players listed...
65 signed out of high school
51 signed out of 4 year college
43 signed as Free Agents out of high school
8 signed out of Jucos.
Interesting was the fact not a single American player was listed as a Free Agent sign.

The 8th ranked Oakland A's, not surprisingly had, by far, the most 4 year college players listed among their top 10 prospects with 7, the other 3 being Free Agents. Oakland is the only club to not have a player on their top prospect list who signed out of high school.

The clubs with the most high school players in their top 10 prospects:
#5 ranked Braves with 8
#9 ranked Devil Rays with 8
#2 ranked Dodgers with 7
#3 ranked Brewers with 7.

The #1 ranked Angels had 4 high school players, 4 Free Agents, 1 Juco and 1 four year college player among their top 10 prospects.
The #2 ranked Dodgers were 7 high school, 2 Juco and 1 Free Agent.
The #3 Brewers were 7 high school players, 2 Free Agents and 1 four year college player.
The #4 Twins were 6 high school players, 3 four year college players and 1 Free Agent.
The #5 Braves were 8 high school players and 2 Free Agents.

Looking at the top 5 rated organizations the totals show:
32 - signed out of high school
10 - signed as Free Agents (all were Latin American players)
5 - signed out of a 4 year college
3 - signed out of Juco colleges

Again looking at the overall chart that includes 180 players, there's other tidbits of info.

For example of the 180 players listed, only 54 were selected in the 1st round.

Of the top 15 ranked clubs, 11 of their #1 prospects were drafted in the 1st round. Of the bottom 15 clubs, 8 of their #1 prospects were drafted in the 1st round.

Overall, 19 clubs had a first rounder as their #1 prospect, but 11 clubs did not!

33 of the total first round picks listed in this chart signed out of high school. 5 more were supplemental first round picks, for a total of 38 out of high school.

A total of 21 of the first round picks on the chart signed out of 4 year colleges. There were no supplemental 1st round picks listed from 4 year colleges.

21 of the top prospects listed were drafted in the 10th round or later. 7 of these signed out of 4 year colleges. 8 of the later picks signed out of high school. The other 6 signed out of Junior Colleges.

The vast majority of these prospects have come out of the past four drafts.
In 2004 1st round there were 13 high school players selected, 17 four year college players.
In 2003 1st round it was 12 high school players, 17 four year college players and 1 juco.
In 2002 1st round it was 16 high school players (2 went to college rather than signing), 13 four year college players and 1 juco.
In 2001 it was 12 high school players (2 went to college rather than signing), 18 four year college players.
Total for the four years, 53 high school players selected in the 1st round (4 went to college, 49 signed)
Total for the four years, 67 college players including two juco's were selected in the 1st round. (6 returned to college, 61 signed)

The general thought is that the high school player is a bigger risk than the proven college player. This chart reveals a closer look might be in order and those with the very strongest farm systems might know something.

Of the 49 total high school 1st rounders signed from the last 4 drafts, 33 appear on the top prospects list.

Of the 67 college first rounders in the past four years, only 21 appear on the top prospects list.

Over 67 % (more than 2 out of every 3) of the high school first round picks are listed among their clubs top prospects.

Only 31% (less than 1 out of every 3) of the college first round picks are listed among their clubs top prospects.

These figures don't go along with conventional wisdom. In fact, the figures show the complete opposite. Could it be true that the high school players are not only the highest reward, but also the "least" risk?

One thing to keep in mind is that several of the players drafted in the first round are already in the Big Leagues and don't appear in the prospects chart. It would take yet another study to find out just how many of those came from college or high school. Mark Prior comes to mind immediately as a guy getting to the Majors in a hurry. There are several others college players from the past 4 years who are already in the Major Leagues. Then again there are high schoolers like Jeremy Bonderman, BJ Upton, Scott Kazmir, David Wright, Carl Crawford, etc. who have made it as well.

We are not sure what this all means, but it is very interesting. One could go through the list and come up with all kinds of opinions. The results of our little study were somewhat surprising. Especially since the draft seems to be headed more and more towards the 4 year college player. Makes one wonder why, because in this small study it appears that most of the best prospects seem to be coming out of high school.

By no means are we suggesting players should sign out of high school. In fact, for most the college route is extremely beneficial. There's no right or wrong involved, it's just a chart!

Perhaps others will read the chart and see the results differently. For those that would like to get much more information we recommend you become a Baseball America on-line subscriber.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/

Any comments can be emailed to
pgjerry@qwest.net

Top Organizations for Minor League Talent by Baseball America (Top 15 in order)
Information is subscription only so we did not use actual players names.

(Round selected in draft highlited area)

Angels (BA RANK #1)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 1B     1    
2 3B 2        
3 SS       FREE AGENT  
4 C     1 SUP    
5 1B       FREE AGENT  
6 SS     1    
7 RHP       FREE AGENT  
8 2B   10      
9 2B       FREE AGENT  
10 RHP     3    
           
 Dodgers (BA RANK #2)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 SS       FREE AGENT  
2 RHP     1    
3 RHP     6    
4 1B     1    
5 3B   39      
6 C   17      
7 LHP     1 SUP    
8 3B     1    
9 RHP     2    
10 LHP     2    
           
 Brewers (BA RANK #3)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 2B 1        
2 1B     1    
3 SS     2    
4 RHP       FREE AGENT  
5 RHP     1    
6 OF     11    
7 RHP     10    
8 OF     4    
9 2B       FREE AGENT  
10 OF     1    
           
 Twins (BA RANK #4)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 C     1    
2 OF     12    
3 RHP 2        
4 RHP     2    
5 LHP       FREE AGENT  
6 RHP     1    
7 RHP     2    
8 3B     1    
9 SS 13        
10 RHP 2        
           
 Braves (BA RANK #5)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF     1    
2 3B       FREE AGENT  
3 C     2    
4 RHP     4    
5 RHP     11    
6 LHP     3    
7 SS       FREE AGENT  
8 OF     1 SUP    
9 C     1 SUP    
10 RHP     3    
           
 Rockies (BA RANK #6)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 3B     1    
2 SS     1    
3 LHP 1        
4 RHP       FREE AGENT  
5 RHP       FREE AGENT  
6 3B 4        
7 OF 2        
8 OF 8        
9 2B     1    
10 SS 10        
           
 Indians (BA RANK #7)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP     1    
2 1B 1        
3 OF       FREE AGENT  
4 OF       FREE AGENT  
5 LHP 1        
6 RHP       FREE AGENT  
7 RHP     10    
8 C 3        
9 RHP   25      
10 RHP     6    
           
 A's (BA RANK #8)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP 1        
2 OF       FREE AGENT  
3 RHP 1        
4 1B 7        
5 RHP 1        
6 RHP       FREE AGENT  
7 OF 1        
8 SS 1        
9 C 2        
10 OF       FREE AGENT  
           
 Devil Rays (BA RANK #9)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF     1    
2 LHP     1    
3 OF     32    
4 RHP   10      
5 SS     2    
6 LHP     2    
7 OF     3    
8 RHP 13        
9 RHP     5    
10 1B     4    
           
 Cubs (BA RANK #10)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 1B     2    
2 OF       FREE AGENT  
3 OF     1    
4 RHP       FREE AGENT  
5 RHP     3    
6 LHP       FREE AGENT  
7 LHP 6        
8 RHP 11        
9 RHP 2        
10 OF 14        
           
 Mariners (BA RANK #11)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP       FREE AGENT  
2 OF 2        
3 OF       FREE AGENT  
4 RHP     5    
5 SS     3    
6 LHP       FREE AGENT  
7 OF       FREE AGENT  
8 SS     1    
9 OF       FREE AGENT  
10 SS       FREE AGENT  
           
 White Sox (BA RANK #12)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF 1        
2 OF     2    
3 RHP   17      
4 3B 1        
5 RHP 8        
6 OF     16    
7 LHP     1 SUP    
8 C       FREE AGENT  
9 SS       FREE AGENT  
10 RHP     1    
           
 Diamondbacks (BA RANK #13)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF 1        
2 OF 1        
3 SS     1    
4 OF 2        
5 RHP       FREE AGENT  
6 C 2        
7 OF     4    
8 3B 2        
9 RHP       FREE AGENT  
10 LHP   3      
           
 Marlins (BA RANK #14)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF     1    
2 LHP     6    
3 RHP       FREE AGENT  
4 1B     2    
5 C 17        
6 OF 9        
7 LHP 1        
8 LHP 2        
9 SS     2    
10 RHP 3        
           
 Blue Jays (BA RANK #15)      
BA Rank POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP     2    
2 SS 1        
3 C       FREE AGENT  
4 RHP       FREE AGENT  
5 LHP 1        
6 SS 1        
7 RHP     1    
8 LHP 1        
9 RHP 2        
10 LHP       FREE AGENT  
           
           
The other 15 MLB organizations listing the top two prospects
           
Pirates        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 LHP     20    
2 C     1    
           
Padres        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 2B     4    
2 OF       FREE AGENT  
           
Reds        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP     1    
2 3B     9    
           
Phillies        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 1B 5        
2 RHP     1    
           
Mets        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF     1    
2 RHP       FREE AGENT  
           
Astros        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 2B 1        
2 RHP       FREE AGENT  
           
Nationals        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 LHP     3    
2 1B 3        
           
Giants        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP     1    
2 RHP       FREE AGENT  
           
Cardinals        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP 15        
2 RHP     1    
           
Yankees        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 3B     1    
2 2B       FREE AGENT  
           
Royals        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 3B     1    
2 RHP       FREE AGENT  
           
Red Sox        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  H.S. FREE AGENT  College Free Agent
1 SS       FREE AGENT  
2 OF     8    
           
Orioles        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF   1      
2 RHP     5    
           
Tigers        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 OF 3        
2 RHP 1        
           
Rangers        
Name POS 4 YR College JUCO High School  High School FA College FA
1 RHP 1        
2 LHP     1    
           
Totals   51 8 65 43 0

Most 4 Year College Players among Top 10 Prospects - Oakland Athletics - 7
Most High School Players among top 10 Prospects - Devil Rays - 8, Braves - 8

Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge

Tyler Henninger
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With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
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Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

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Emily Hicks
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Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

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  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

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Alyssa Golden
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Ranked fifth nationally entering the tournament, Florida Burn 2027 Scout left no doubt who the best team was at the 17U BCS National Championship. Burn finished a perfect 9-0 tournament, earning an 11-1 semifinal victory before defeating No. 86-ranked Original Florida Pokers 2027 National, 9-1, Tuesday afternoon at JetBlue Park. Burn seized control early and never looked back in a game that ended after the fifth inning per Perfect Game’s mercy rule. Burn carried its explosive offense into the championship game as Braedon Mackay launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. Mackay’s home run sparked a five-run opening inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The Florida commit later earned tournament MVP honors after helping lead Burn to an unbeaten championship run. “I was just trying to get something started,”...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Perfect Game Staff
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17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Kenniel Nieves Medero (2027 SS, PR)  Nieves Medero put together another quality offensive showing, continuing the consistent production he displayed throughout the tournament. The 8.5 PG grade shortstop features quick hands and does an excellent job creating separation with strong hip rotation, allowing him to generate easy bat speed through the zone. The swing remains balanced and efficient with present feel for the barrel. A polished offensive profile with tools that continue to translate in game action.  Oscar Cambero (2027 3B, FL)  Cambero turned in an impressive offensive performance, smoking a triple into the gap while showcasing both speed and gap-to-gap power. The right-handed hitter generates quality bat speed and consistently impacts the baseball with authority. Plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball and competes with energy...
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

Texas Region Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
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Jack Soete (2028, Houston, Texas) had a big weekend for HP 2028 Woods. Went 4-9 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. Strong approach at the top of the order as well, drawing five walks. Closed stance with an athletic, projectable frame. Gains ground on the stride and stays on plane with his swing. Bat-to-ball ability is present and power should continue to develop. Lot to like from the athletic, left-handed bat. Kai Anderson (2028, Missouri City, Texas) was an absolute force for 2028 South Texas Sliders 16U Pierce. Went 4-8 with two doubles, six runs batted in, and a no-doubt walk-off home run in the semifinal. Some physicality in the frame. Leverages the upper half decently as he shows some ability to elevate with more than enough juice. Some pretty serious flashes as a middle of the order bat at the next level. Valentin Ceballos (2028, New Braunfels, Texas) was extremely loud...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

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Jheremy Brown
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With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1

Blaine Peterson
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Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, IL) made an impression in Chicago this week. A 6-foot-5 right hander with a starter pitch mix. Topped out at 93 in his outing at UBC Midwest and pitched at 88-93 for 2 innings on the mound. Slider showed late horizontal bite at its best when finished out front. Change up is a usable third pitch with fading action and ability to miss bats. Clean overall operation in the delivery. Upside with added stability in the arm action. Chance to be one of the top prospects in Illinois and potentially the country with necessary adjustments moving forward.  Connor Basinski (2028, Columbia, IL) an athletic player with 2-way potential. Physicality stands out for a player in the 2028 class. Swung the bat impressively well in Chicago. Hits from a wide stance and stays balanced using strength and leverage to drive the baseball to all fields. Launched a long pull side...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Mason Conner (2029, Palestine, Texas) was a force in the middle-of-the-order for Gold Culture. The right-handed hitter starts from a medium stance with in-line feet and a low handset with a low back elbow, utilizes a negative leg lift stride. Strides through and uncoils the lower half well and creates separation in the back shoulder. Solid hand speed with a flat bat plane and feel to leverage and lift. Impacts the ball well with feel to impact and drive. The shortstop showed the power upside belting a two-run homer over the fence in left field and added a two-RBI knock later in the game. Medium 6-foot, 175-pound frame that was consistently on the barrel and showed a good approach at the plate working two walks. Lennon Dunn (2029, Mansfield, Texas) competed and showed the upside on the mound for Stix 2029 Scout. The right-handed pitcher...
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

16U BCS Rolls into Fort Myers

Alyssa Golden
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The 21st annual 16U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida from July 23-27, bringing together many of the nation’s top 2028 graduates. The tournament features 44 teams, including six nationally ranked clubs, competing for a national title across five days of high-level competition. Year after year, the event has served as a proving ground for elite talent. Defending champion Showtime Select National 16U returns after capturing last year’s championship, while a talented field from across the country will look to add its name to the event’s prestigious history. One of the premier prospects in the field, shortstop Gabriel Coupet enters as the highest-ranked player in attendance, checking in at No. 49 overall in the Class of 2028 and No. 8 player in Florida. The Boynton Beach, Fla., native has established himself as one of the country’s most talented...
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