We're now at the standard check-in time for an update on my pro prospect rankings. Since my last edition in late May, the Nos. 1, 2, 7 and 8 prospects have graduated. It's been a busy summer in terms of movement: The trade deadline saw several top prospects change teams, the best draft class in at least a decade has been added, and a handful of prospects charged up the board.
As always, these players are ranked in consultation with MLB scouts and executives mixed with my opinion for a balance of their upside, certainty and distance to the big leagues, as a proxy for universal trade value.