2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions

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Well, Lance Berkman beat out Ryan Vogelsong for comeback player of the year in 2011. Vogelsong was out of the MLB and playing in Japan and Venezuela before getting cut from tryouts for the Phillies and shining for the Giants. Berkman on the other hand just returned to the NL Central after failing miserably in the AL. He couldn't hack it in one league so he returned and was rewarded? That just didn't make sense.
 
MLB Future Power Rankings
21h - MLB
Jim Bowden, Keith Law and Buster Olney

With free agency right around the corner and plenty of trades and signings to follow, it's time for a snapshot of each franchise. 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 categories (see corresponding table) 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 we last did these rankings in March -- uh, like the Houston Astros jumping from 19th to fourth -- while many other things have remained the same (the top three teams remain the top three teams, though the order has changed). To show you what's changed, we compare the updated rankings to the March version for each team.

The better a team's rank in a given category, the more points it gets, 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. (For a detailed breakdown of the methodology used for the Future Power Rankings, click here.)

With each team's ranking, you'll also get an overview from Bowden on where each team is right now and what could change their course, while Law highlights a prospect facing a make-or-break season.

With that, let's get to where each ranks for success over the next half-decade.

Cubs win in a landslide
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Cubs manager Joe Maddon and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein are sittin' pretty as we enter this offseason

The team atop our Future Power Rankings heading into this offseason is already a trendy pick to win the 2016 World Series, and there is a good reason for that kind of optimism, as the Chicago Cubs are loaded in every respect. One of the game's most highly regarded front offices is in the catbird seat right now, even in the majors' toughest top-to-bottom division, thanks to a potent young offense, two aces already in its rotation and the resources to add another, and a still-strong farm system.

The Cubs' arrival in 2015 was "ahead of schedule," but the schedule has a habit of changing without warning, as it did when Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber became productive major leaguers a year ahead of expectations or when Jake Arrieta, already good in 2014, became Cy Young-worthy in his second full season on the North Side of Chicago. There's a lot of faith in Theo Epstein & Co. in those World Series predictions, and in our rankings here, but objective projections say a lot of the same things: The Cubs are stacked and will be dangerous not just in 2016 but for the remainder of the decade. -- Keith Law

No. 1: Chicago Cubs
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[B]The overview[/B]
The Cubs arrived a year earlier than expected, and they're not going away any time soon. This offseason they'll put the finishing touches on what should be a championship-caliber club in 2016. Team president Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer are committed to building a strong rotation after Arrieta and Jon Lester this offseason to improve their playoff chances, and I expect them to be players on the top free-agent pitchers. If they don't get one, I wouldn't be surprised if they traded one (or more) of their many highly touted prospects to get a top-of-rotation type of guy. Either way, they're positioned for a nice run of winning seasons. -- Jim Bowden

[B]Impact prospect[/B]
Catcher Willson Contreras broke out across the board in 2015, hitting .333/.413/.478 in Double-A with nearly as many walks as strikeouts. The 23-year-old showed he has enough defensive ability to stay behind the plate and a simple, steady swing that explains all of that hard contact. -- Keith Law

[B]March rank[/B]: 3 (overall score: 80.9)
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No. 2: Los Angeles Dodgers
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The overview
It'll be an interesting offseason for the Dodgers, who will look to either bring back Zack Greinke after he opts out of his contract or replace him with another top-caliber free-agent starter. They also need to improve the back end of their rotation and add bullpen depth. The Dodgers have a solid core in place, but they'd also like to get younger, even if it means some growing pains for players such as Corey Seager. They're not quite there yet, but the Dodgers have the finances, farm system and front office to be a real powerhouse over the next five years. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Jose De Leon had one of the biggest breakouts in the minors in 2015, bumping his fastball up a grade while still showing plus control and the deception that has always generated a lot of swings and misses even when he works up in the zone. -- Keith Law

March rank: 2 (overall score: 85.4)
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No. 3: Boston Red Sox
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The overview
The Red Sox are in a strong position to be perennial contenders over the next five years under the new leadership of team president Dave Dombrowski and GM Mike Hazen. They will focus on improving the top of the starting rotation and bullpen both in terms of quality and depth to solidify their long-term future. The Red Sox have the financial wherewithal to sign and keep great players and one of the game's deepest farm systems, which can be used (via trade) to acquire star talent. This organization has a good nucleus in place, especially up the middle, and should be in for a bright future. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Seventeen-year-old right-hander Anderson Espinoza exploded onto the scene in the South Atlantic League this summer. The Venezuelan has earned comparisons to Pedro Martinez for his repertoire and easy effort, with scouts saying he's either a future ace or a future top-notch closer. -- Keith Law

March rank: 1 (overall score: 87.3)

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No. 4: Houston Astros
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The overview
The Astros arrived a year earlier than even GM Jeff Luhnow had expected, and they're now primed to be perennial contenders for the next several seasons. The Astros are excited about the position-player core they have in place, led by superstar shortstop Carlos Correa, gritty second baseman Jose Altuve and multifaceted outfielder George Springer, and rightly so. They also have one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, and with their revenue finally growing again, they'll have the financial backing to make the moves they need to make to bring a World Series title to Houston. The Astros could use a few contact hitters and need to improve their bullpen, but the future looks promising regardless. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
The "throw-in" to the Colin Moran/Jarred Cosart deal might actually be the best player involved. Right-hander Francis Martes, who turns 20 in late November, worked as a starter this year with a plus-fastball/plus-curveball combo and dominant results at both levels of A-ball. -- Keith Law

March rank: 19 (overall score: 46.4)

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No. 5: New York Mets
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The overview
The Mets, as you can see, get a 21 power rank or above in every category except for one: finances. They just don't have the financial backing from ownership that you would expect in the New York market. Nevertheless, they have the best young starting rotation in baseball -- and they're all controllable through at least 2018 -- and should be able to drum up enough position-player talent to field a legit championship contender the next couple of years. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
The Mets traded two of their biggest breakout prospects of 2015 but kept outfielder Wuilmer Becerra, who was part of the never-ending windfall of the R.A. Dickey trade. Becerra has real right-handed power that should profile well in an outfield corner, likely right field thanks to his above-average arm. -- Keith Law

March rank: 7 (overall score: 61.8)
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No. 6: Texas Rangers
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The overview
The Rangers are in solid position to contend for at least the next few years thanks to a year of shrewd moves from president/GM Jon Daniels. Their major league team looks sound: They have a good farm system, and they have the financial backing of ownership. The Rangers have spent significant money on free agents over the past several years, but they've balanced that with good production from within. The only potential problem I see looking forward is their lack of mobility because of the long-term financial commitments they already have in place. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Josh Morgan was the franchise's third-rounder in 2014, with a promising hit tool but a lot of other average abilities. He's now had two solid partial seasons in pro ball, showing outstanding contact rates and the potential for above-average defense at second base. -- Keith Law

March rank: 11 (overall score: 56.4)


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No. 7: Pittsburgh Pirates
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The overview
The Pirates have one of the best front offices, a major league team capable of winning the World Series and one of the stronger farm systems in baseball. What they don't have is the financial flexibility most bigger-market teams have, so they have to be creative while filling holes on the team. They've done this marvelously in recent years, acquiring undervalued players with upside. They get a mediocre score for mobility because they've generally been unwilling to trade their top prospects, and they try to keep all their depth at the major league level. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
The Pirates had a rough year healthwise in the minors -- with Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham missing the year and Cole Tucker going down with a labrum injury -- but had one of my favorite draft classes in 2015, headlined by University of Arizona shortstop Kevin Newman, a plus runner with great hand-eye coordination that makes him very tough to strike out. -- Keith Law

March rank: 6 (overall score: 64.5)


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No. 8: St. Louis Cardinals
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The overview
The Cardinals finished with the best record in baseball, winning 100 games, so they're working from a pretty good base here. But there's no resting on their laurels; the Cubs and Pirates are right there with them. The Cardinals GM/manager combination is one of the best in baseball, and their major league team reflects that. They also have the financial backing of ownership to make a move when needed to put them over the top. The only possible weakness is their farm system but not because they've mismanaged it. Rather it's because their top prospects have arrived at the major league level over the past few years. Replenishing the system is a top priority, as is acquiring a few key pieces (middle-of-the-lineup bat) at the major league level. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Edmundo Sosa is the Cardinals' best long-term shortstop prospect, a solid average-or-better defender with a good approach at the plate and above-average speed. He lacks only power among the major tools. -- Keith Law

March rank: 5 (overall score: 72.7)

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No. 9: New York Yankees
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The overview
The Yankees are slowly getting younger as a team and getting some of the inflated contracts for veteran players off their books. Despite having the financial wherewithal to buy their way back to championship contention, they have no plans on doing so. They're probably two to three years from being a real force again. The Yankees enter this offseason with a strong need for a right-handed power bat and more bullpen depth, but don't look for them to get involved in negotiations for high-dollar free agents age 30 or older. Also don't look for any contracts with long-term financial exposure. They're done with that -- at least for now. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Shortstop Jorge Mateo is a plus-plus runner with the feet and hands to stay at short, though there has been talk of moving him to second now that Didi Gregorius has established himself with the major league club. At either position, Mateo has star upside thanks to his speed and ability to make hard contact, which should eventually translate into high batting averages -- and some power too. -- Keith Law

March rank: 8 (overall score: 58.2)
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No. 10: Washington Nationals
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The overview
This team will change quite a bit this offseason as it says goodbye to a few key free agents, including shortstop Ian Desmond and pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, both of whom will be missed. The Nationals will continue to incorporate homegrown talent, but with a team primed for a bounce-back year, they could go for it one more time by making a splash this offseason like they did last offseason in signing Max Scherzer. It was a disappointing season in Washington, but the Nats still have a strong front office, financial backing from ownership, mobility, a farm system loaded with prospects and a big league team that, with a few moves, can win a World Series. The future remains bright, but let's just say their six-year window is now down to about three. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Outfielder Victor Robles, who signed for just $225,000 in 2013, hit .352/.445/.507 across the Gulf Coast League and the New York-Penn League during his stateside debut in 2015. He is a plus-plus runner with good feel to hit and a chance to stay in center. -- Keith Law

March rank: 4 (overall score: 75.4)

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No. 11: San Francisco Giants
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The overview
The Giants have won the World Series every even year since 2010 -- championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014 -- and this team certainly is in position to keep that trend going. They're expected to be heavy players on the top free-agent starting pitchers this offseason as they seek to add an ace-level starter to pair with Madison Bumgarner. They also would like to acquire another right-handed power hitter. This organization knows the window is still open to win another championship, and with the Giants' normal level of financial backing, they'll do everything they can to do so. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
This was a breakout year for 2013 first-round pick Christian Arroyo as he hit .304/.344/.459 in relatively pitcher-friendly San Jose. Arroyo is a shortstop who is likely to end up at second base, but his plus hit tool should carry him at any position. -- Keith Law

March rank: 13 (overall score: 54.5)

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No. 12: Toronto Blue Jays
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The overview
The Blue Jays are president Mark Shapiro's team to work with now, and it'll be interesting to see what approach he takes with them. Shapiro has traditionally been a long-term-play type of GM, but this team is built to win now; it's loaded with veteran talent. After Shapiro hires a GM to help him out, he'll get to work rebuilding the starting rotation after the expected departures of David Price, Marco Estrada and Mark Buehrle. Does Shapiro load up again and try to win now, or will he put more focus on the long-term future than former GM Alex Anthopoulos did. We'll know soon enough. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Right-hander Conner Greene was a very skinny (at 6-foot-3 and 165 pounds), projectable high school draftee in 2013 who was mostly in the 89-90 mph range for Santa Monica (Calif.) High School. But Greene, now 20, bumped 97 several times this year after filling out and adding an improved changeup as his second weapon. -- Keith Law

March rank: 16 (overall score: 50.9)

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No. 13: Kansas City Royals
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The overview
The Royals should continue to field championship-caliber teams for at least the next two years, as they control most of their young nucleus, including Eric Hosmer, Alcides Escobar, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, Wade Davis and Yordano Ventura for a minimum of two years each. The Royals might have to deal with some significant free-agent departures this offseason -- Johnny Cueto, Ben Zobrist and Alex Gordon are the three big names -- but their strong management team will continue to be active in acquiring undervalued players, and they have a few top prospects who are close to the big league level. It's going to be a good couple of years (if not more) in K.C. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Oh, you want more? Winning the World Series wasn't enough for you? Lefty Matt Strahm has touched 96 mph and pitched in the low 90s for much of the year in his first full season back after 2013 Tommy John surgery. -- Keith Law

March rank: 10 (overall score: 56.4)

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No. 14: Minnesota Twins
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The overview
The Twins have a strong farm system and a competitive major league team, so even with their financial restrictions and questions about their pitching staff, we're looking at a team that should be above .500, at the very least, the next several years. GM Terry Ryan is focused on pitching, pitching and more pitching, and he won't be afraid to trade prospects not named Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton or Nick Gordon for it. He also will be willing to spend via free agency to get pitching, just as he did in recent years by signing Ervin Santana, Phil Hughes and the disappointing Ricky Nolasco. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Max Kepler finally had the full, healthy breakout season many have expected from him since he first signed out of Germany in 2009, hitting .322/.416/.531 in Double-A and playing well enough in center that scouts think he could be a solid to average defender there. -- Keith Law

March rank: 22 (overall score: 41.8)

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No. 15: Cleveland Indians
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The overview
The Indians' relative lack of finances and mobility make it difficult for rookie GM Mike Chernoff and team president Chris Antonetti to put a championship-caliber team on the field despite having a strong, young starting rotation with plenty of upside and a solid top of the lineup led by Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley. I wouldn't look for this team to spend big via free agency, given its payroll restraints; instead, the team will need to be creative in the trade market to improve the its short- and long-term future. Don't expect a busy offseason for the Tribe, which is a shame because this team needs just one or two good players to put it over the top. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
We'll know in another eight or nine months how well Cleveland's decision to roll the dice on lefty Brady Aiken in 2015's first round is working out, but the Indians at least have a shot at adding a potential No. 1 starter if his recovery from Tommy John surgery goes well. -- Keith Law

March rank: 20 (overall score: 46.4)

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No. 16: Philadelphia Phillies
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The overview
The Phillies are not expected to make a splash this offseason. Rather, the new leadership team of Andy MacPhail and Matt Klentak will rebuild the Phillies through scouting and player development. They are mapping out a long-term plan and have no interest in deviating from it until they start winning again. This means they'll listen to trade offers on every veteran player if they can get solid prospects in return, and the only way they get involved in free agency is if the player is young enough to still contribute when the team is ready to win. The Phillies made some great strides over the past couple of drafts and at the trade deadline and could get back to contender status more quickly than most people think -- but it won't be next year. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Franklyn Kilome was already hitting 94-96 mph last year, and in 2015 he showed gradual improvements in other areas of his game, from his off-speed stuff to his command to his feel for pitching, while earning praise from Phillies' staffers for his aptitude and willingness to learn. -- Keith Law

March rank: 30 (overall score: 22.7)

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No. 17: Atlanta Braves
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The overview
The Braves are waist-deep in an all-out rebuilding program, with the goal of being able to contend when they open their new stadium in 2017. President John Hart and GM John Coppolella have done a terrific job trading for and drafting young pitching over the past year while at the same time clearing payroll space and future financial exposure. Even though they have made remarkable progress revamping the farm system, they're still behind their desired timeline because of the lack of quality position players. As such, contending in 2018 seems a bit more realistic. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Braxton Davidson showed a glimpse of his upside at the plate in 2015, drawing 84 walks and hitting 10 homers (after hitting none in his pro debut) at age 19 in low-A; he's a work in progress in the outfield, but he has 25-homer power potential at the plate as he continues to grow and refine his approach. -- Keith Law

March rank: 17 (overall score: 50.9)

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No. 18: Los Angeles Angels
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The overview
The Angels just underwent a front-office overhaul, with GM Jerry Dipoto stepping down midseason (and eventually becoming Seattle's GM), Matt Klentak becoming the new GM in Philadelphia and Scott Servais signing on to manage the Mariners. The Angels' new GM, Billy Eppler, and his staff have a lot of work in front of them to improve both their major league team and their farm system despite not having a lot of trade chips. They do have strong financial backing from ownership, but several long-term contracts have put them right at the luxury-tax threshold, with little flexibility to spend on big-ticket items. The major league team lacks lineup depth. In particular, they need to upgrade offensively at catcher, third base, left field and second base. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Right-hander Chris Ellis, a successful starter at Ole Miss, was a good value when the Angels took him in the third round in 2014. Ellis was outstanding in the hitter-friendly Cal League, earning a midyear promotion to Double-A, but needs to cut his walk rate. -- Keith Law

March rank: 12 (overall score: 55.4)

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No. 19: Arizona Diamondbacks
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The overview
The Diamondbacks made great strides in 2015 both offensively and defensively. The leadership team of Tony La Russa, Dave Stewart and Chip Hale has been an early success, and with some aggressive moves and continued development of their young players, this team could be a surprise contender in 2016. They're in desperate need of a top-of-rotation starter and a middle-of-the-order type bat to support Paul Goldschmidt, but Arizona's long-term prognosis is definitely trending in the right direction. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Adam Miller was a 20th-round pick in 2013 out of Brigham Young, a 6-foot righty with an upper-90s fastball and a chance for an above-average breaking ball as well. -- Keith Law

March rank: 28 (overall score: 28.2)

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No. 20: Seattle Mariners
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The overview
The Mariners have a strong new leadership team in place with Jerry Dipoto taking over as GM and Scott Servais taking the helm as manager. They also have the financial backing of ownership. That said, their weak farm system makes trading for big league assets a challenge, and the team needs help in a few key facets of the game (defense, athleticism, getting on base). But Dipoto is the right man to remake the team, and the Mariners' future looks brighter with him there. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Things are lean in Seattle's farm system, though the Mariners did get a nice breakout year from Puerto Rican right-hander Edwin Diaz, who dominated during a brief stint on the surface of Mercury (aka High Desert) and had strong peripherals as a starter in Double-A, though the scouting consensus still has him as a reliever in the long run. -- Keith Law

March rank: 14 (overall score: 53.6)

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No. 21: Colorado Rockies
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The overview
Second-year GM Jeff Bridich started his revamping of the organization at the trade deadline when he dealt Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays, and by all accounts, everything is on the table with regard to what the Rockies do this offseason and in the future, and no player is untouchable in trade talks (though third baseman Nolan Arenado is considered mighty close to untouchable). The Rockies' farm system is strong, and they have some financial flexibility, but it could be a rough couple of years in Denver -- or longer if they don't figure out how to acquire (or cultivate) good pitching. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
The Rockies added quite a bit of talent in 2015, none bigger than Brendan Rodgers, my top prospect going into this past season's draft. He's a true shortstop who projects to hit for average and power while lacking only foot speed among the major tools. -- Keith Law

March rank: 26 (overall score: 33.6)

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No. 22: Detroit Tigers
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The overview
First-year GM Al Avila will be challenged in his new position as he inherits one of the game's highest payrolls and weakest farm systems, a combination that gives him little flexibility in both the free-agent and trade markets. But he does have a concise plan for improving the team: (1) Improve the starting rotation; and (2) Upgrade all aspects of the bullpen. Despite the inflated financial exposure already on the books, ownership is expected to allow him to pursue some of the big-name pitchers on the free-agent market this offseason. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Michael Fulmer missed most of 2013 and parts of the 2014 season while in the Mets' organization, mostly with knee injuries, but the 22-year-old righty had a full, healthy breakthrough year in 2015. He headlined the Yoenis Cespedes trade and became the Tigers' top pitching prospect, thanks to his plus fastball and curveball and excellent control. -- Keith Law

March rank: 15 (overall score: 51.8)

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No. 23: Chicago White Sox
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The overview
Despite having one of the league's best young starting rotations, the White Sox have a challenging future ahead because of their weak farm system and lack of mobility at the major league level. They really need to rebuild their offense this offseason after another year of subpar performances at third base, catcher and, in particular, designated hitter, and I expect them to be aggressive in doing so both in free agency and trades. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Former Vanderbilt starter Carson Fulmer was the team's first pick in June and could shoot to the majors as a dominant reliever, though the White Sox could try to continue to develop him -- and his below-average command and high-effort delivery point -- in the rotation and start him in high-A next season. -- Keith Law

March rank: 9 (overall score: 57.3)

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No. 24: Baltimore Orioles
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The overview
The Orioles are trending in the wrong direction, with both the major league roster and minor league system getting weaker, a lack of commitment financially by ownership and many key players getting ready to depart via free agency. Replacing the production of the soon-to-be departing free agents will be imperative for their short- and long-term future, and they'll try to do it with signings and trades for undervalued players, a trademark of O's GM Dan Duquette. The farm system is now in the bottom tier in baseball, in part because of injuries to their top two pitching prospects (Dylan Bundy, Hunter Harvey), and the team also hasn't drafted well in recent years. This will be a critical offseason for the Orioles, who must decide whether to continue going for it or retool/rebuild. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Lefty Tanner Scott, the franchise's sixth-round pick in 2014, started touching 100 mph this summer and in the Arizona Fall League with a slider in the low 90s, but the 21-year-old needs to improve his command and control. -- Keith Law

March rank: 18 (overall score: 49.1)

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No. 25: Tampa Bay Rays
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The overview
The Rays continue to be one of the most financially challenged teams in baseball, and while they're trying to get a new stadium so they can have more competitive payrolls, the limitations are still very much in place. The major league team has a great young starting rotation, which has become a Rays trademark, but the lineup is lacking; they were 14th (of 15 teams) in the AL in runs scored this season. They'll continue to try and fill the offensive holes with inexpensive additions, but that might not improve things much. The Rays do have more depth and overall talent in their organization, top to bottom, than they did the last couple of years, which is a good sign, but president Matt Silverman hasn't proved to be an active trader yet, so it could be a few more years before it all comes together. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Blake Snell has long had the stuff to be a top prospect, but he walked 73 batters in 99 innings in 2013. In 2015, the 22-year-old left-hander made a huge leap in command and control while also seeming to improve his understanding of how to set hitters up. Snell posted a 1.41 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 134 innings across three levels this year. -- Keith Law

March rank: 29 (overall score: 25.5)

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No. 26: Cincinnati Reds
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The overview
The Reds got the best return possible in their midseason trades of impending free agents Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake and Marlon Byrd, but this team is in a strange place right now. They do not appear to be in the early stages of an all-out rebuild, nor are they a contending team that is adding the final pieces. Rather, they appear to be restocking, with the veteran core staying mostly intact. This strategy hasn't worked for many teams, and in a division that features the Cardinals, Pirates and Cubs, the Reds' future has more questions than answers. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Lefty Amir Garrett split his time between baseball and college hoops until 2014, when he started pitching full time, and he took a step forward in the finer points of his game in 2015. The former St. John's basketball player owns an above-average fastball with good life and a hard slider that's effective against both left- and right-handed hitters. -- Keith Law

March rank: 25 (overall score: 35.5)

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No. 27: Milwaukee Brewers
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The overview
New GM David Stearns is expected to follow a similar blueprint to the one that worked so successfully when he was the assistant GM with the Astros. His greatest organizational challenge right now is getting everyone comfortable with the new plan and direction and making sure everyone is on the same page. So far so good on that front. Look for the team to start trading off its veteran talent -- Matt Garza, Francisco Rodriguez, Adam Lind, and Jean Segura -- this offseason, continuing into next year, and for Stearns & Co. to build this team through the draft, international signings and trades for prospects. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Puerto Rican right-hander Jorge Lopez was the Brewers' second-round pick in 2011, highly projectable at the time but seemingly a long way from the majors. He's now sitting in the low 90s with good downhill plane and a power curveball that allowed him to post a 2.26 ERA with nearly a strikeout per inning in Double-A. -- Keith Law

March rank: 27 (overall score: 29.1)

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No. 28: Oakland Athletics
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The overview
The Athletics are in complete rebuilding mode and in all likelihood won't be a contending team until 2017 or 2018. But that will not stop VP Billy Beane and GM David Forst from being aggressive on the free-agent and trade markets. They have money to spend, and if they can get the right free agent on a short-term deal, they will be open to signing him with the idea that they can turn around and trade that player at the trade deadline to a contending club for prospects. Their farm system is trending in the right direction, and their strong management team and mobility help counter their lack of financial backing (in part because they're a last-place team with the fourth-lowest attendance in the majors). -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
The A's did very well with their midseason trades, picking up starting pitching prospect Casey Meisner for middle reliever Tyler Clippard, and adding Jacob Nottingham, a potential everyday catcher with power and a good approach at the plate, in the trade for Scott Kazmir. -- Keith Law

March rank: 24 (overall score: 38.2)

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No. 29: San Diego Padres
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The overview
The Padres are committed to the gunslinger approach of GM A.J. Preller, but given what has happened so far, it seems this organization has a couple of rough seasons ahead. They do have a few significant trade chips at the major league level, but that's offset by a farm system that is trending in the wrong direction and significant financial restrictions compared to their competition. This will be a fascinating team to watch because its actions appear to be bipolar. They were wheeling and dealing at the MLB winter meetings in December, then months later they stood pat when they really needed to make a trade and fix the mess. As such, the Padres' future is probably as unpredictable as any team's in baseball. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Colin Rea was a 12th-round pick in 2011 who hadn't gotten out of A-ball before 2015, when he started at Double-A and finished in the majors. He's a command right-hander with an above-average fastball-cutter combination and generates a lot of ground balls. -- Keith Law

March rank: 21 (overall score: 43.6)

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No. 30: Miami Marlins
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The overview
It was a rough year in Miami, one that was fraught with injuries, controversy and losses (91 of 'em). That led to significant changes in the front office and on the field, and their new manager, Don Mattingly, is their seventh skipper since the start of 2010. The Marlins' front-office decision-making process has been flawed, and their inability to trust the bevy of smart baseball minds they already have in place is an obstacle this team must overcome if it is going to get better. They will start the year with an MVP candidate (Giancarlo Stanton), Cy Young Award candidate (Jose Fernandez) and a manager who has won three consecutive divisional titles; now it's just a matter of filling in the rest. -- Jim Bowden

Impact prospect
Outfielder Stone Garrett was a top-five-rounds talent who slipped to the Marlins in the 2014 eighth round. They have never been afraid to take a raw position player. The early returns have been positive, as Garrett has shown he can make hard contact with power and has above-average speed to possibly stay in center field. -- Keith Law

March rank: 23 (overall score: 38.2)
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I've already got a reminder in my phone to put $100 on SF winning the WS in February :lol

They've won me big money every year they've won :hat
 
Both Prince and ARod struggled down the stretch but in no way shape or form does Fielder not deserve the award

Honorable mention Shin Soo for finally becoming a serviceable player after batting sub 200 earlier in the season
 
A's being 28th in the future power ranking smh

Addison is playing for us in a parallel universe
 
If that chick didn't end things with me id cop that bib right now and overnight it. Hell I might still buy it and just find a new jawn to run the bases with.
 
@Ken_Rosenthal: #Rays announce trade: They acquire SS Miller, 1B/OF Morrison and RHR Farquhar from #Mariners for RHP Karns, LHP Riefenhauser, OF Powell.
 
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