Bleacher Reports MLB farm system rankings are sobering for the Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have gone to drastic lengths to rebuild their major league roster. Few executives have been as Peter Bendix as he has traded most of the established talent for minor league capital. While the timeline for the club's next competitive window is unclear, it seems as though South Beach is still multiple years away from seeing an established winner.

The farm system, which was once ranked near the bottom of league power rankings, has been infused with talents like Starlyn Caba, Deyvison Le Los Santos, Agustin Ramirez, Robby Snelling, Dillon Head, and many (many!) more. Fans of the Marlins have tangible reasons to hope that the small-market club has a bright future.

It is reasonable to expect that the farm system would be loaded after trading away star talents like Jazz Chisholm, Luis Arraez, Jesus Luzardo, Tanner Scott, Jake Burger, and many (many!) more. However, a recent Bleacher Report ranking leaves Miami much lower than fans would hope for.

Author Joel Reuter ranks the Marlins at #14 (out of 30 teams). While this is a noticeable improvement over being in the cellar, being a middle-of-the-pack farm system is sobering considering the extremely high price.

The ranking hints at a flaw that many have noted. The club has done a great job of building depth and upside. However, the club lacks clear, top-end talent. Most rebuilding clubs have a clear building block. Washington has James Wood and Dylan Crews. Pittsburgh has Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler. Colorado has Charlie Condon and Chase Dollander. Chicago (White Sox) has Noah Schultz and Kyle Teel.

Miami boasts a deep pool of potential assets. However, they do not have a blue-chip prospect as a centerpiece. Bendix and company are banking on someone to emerge as a star. They have plenty of lottery tickets. But, for now, the farm system's upside has a capped ceiling.