The truth about prospect rankings is that they are quite literally meaningless. Maybe. Kind of.
It goes without saying that the rankings do not actually predict MLB performance. They are guesses. Granted, they are highly informed guesses backed by data, scouting, and sound methodology — but they are mere guesses nonetheless. Relatedly, they don’t predict organizational success. The San Diego Padres claimed the best farm system in all of baseball in 2012 according to Baseball Prospectus, and the third-best of 2013; they proceeded to finish under .500 for the next six years in a row.