ESPN MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel released updated 2026 farm system rankings following the MLB Draft and trade deadline. The Milwaukee Brewers remain No. 1 at $602.1 million in farm value with a quality depth rank of 3, despite graduating Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara and trading Alexander Frias. The Los Angeles Dodgers and two other teams are tied for second at $542.09 million, with the Dodgers' drop attributed to the Tarik Skubal trade.

McDaniel notes a new valuation methodology adapted from FanGraphs nearly doubled total league farm values to over $11 billion, a 75% increase from the previous $6.31 billion. The updated metrics value prospects above 40 FV (Future Value) more highly, particularly benefiting teams with depth just outside the top 100. Quality depth rankings measure prospects above the "common" 40 FV tier.

McDaniel, who has worked for three MLB teams and co-authored 'Future Value,' indicates winter rankings will further separate the tightly clustered top systems.