The San Diego Padres went all-in on rebuilding in 2016, trading away a ton of their big-league talent, going for high-ceiling guys throughout the draft and spending eleventy billion dollars in the July 2 market (all figures approximate). They won't see returns on that right away, but their long-term outlook is very strong.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a top-heavy system but could have four future stars in high-A and above in 2017. The Colorado Rockies have quietly assembled an outstanding stable of young pitchers along with a couple of athletic position player prospects, although we know pitching is the key for them. The San Francisco Giants' system has quietly improved, although it's more complementary guys than potential stars. The Arizona Diamondbacks are under new management, and, well, best of luck, fellas.
Here are Keith Law's top prospects in the NL West:
Arizona Diamondbacks: Top prospects report
After the previous front office left the prospect cupboard bare, new GM Mike Hazen has his work cut out for him to improve baseball's worst system.
Colorado Rockies: Top prospects report
Brendan Rodgers could become the Rockies' next top-tier talent at shortstop, but he's not their only prospect inspiring high hopes.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Top prospects report
In a system packed with high-impact prospects, Cody Bellinger should be the next star set to shine in L.A., but his ETA is still TBD.
San Diego Padres: Top prospects report
Swiping pitcher Anderson Espinoza from the Red Sox last summer added to the Padres' burgeoning collection of prospects with promise.
San Francisco Giants: Top prospects report
Thanks to sneaky-good drafts, the Giants' strong farm system has prospects they can promote or can parlay in trades.
Law's 2017 Prospect Ranks
Farm System Rankings:
• Nos. 30-21
• Nos. 20-11
• Nos. 10-1
Prospects:
• Nos. 100-81
• Nos. 80-61
• Nos. 60-41
• Nos. 40-21
• Nos. 20-1
• Prospects who missed
• Top 100 table
Prospects by team:
AL East
• Orioles | Red Sox | Yankees | Rays | Blue Jays
NL East
• Braves | Marlins | Mets | Phillies | Nationals
AL Central
• White Sox | Indians | Tigers | Royals | Twins
NL Central
• Cubs | Reds | Brewers | Pirates | Cardinals
AL West
• A's | Angels | Astros | Mariners | Rangers
NL West
• Diamondbacks | Rockies | Dodgers | Padres | Giants
Feb. 2: Top prospects by position
Feb. 3: Sleepers