Kiley McDaniel
@kileymcd.bsky.social
ESPN Baseball Insider. Trying to tell the future. Former: FanGraphs & four MLB teams.
Pinned
Kiley McDaniel
@kileymcd.bsky.social
· Aug 20
Updated top 100 MLB prospect rankings: There's a new No. 1
Which budding stars have surged up our list now that the draft and trade season are behind us?
www.espn.com
An updated Top 100 Prospects List with a new #1 overall prospect: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I talked to 11 industry sources and used their insights to break down what Detroit could and should do with Tarik Skubal www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
$400 million extension, blockbuster trade or let it ride? MLB insiders break down Tigers' Tarik Skubal options
Will the best pitcher in baseball be on the move this offseason? Those in the game offer their advice.
www.espn.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:58 PM
I talked to 11 industry sources and used their insights to break down what Detroit could and should do with Tarik Skubal www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Top 50 Free Agent Rankings w/projected contracts!
Over 10,000 words chock full of industry intel and advanced analysis on the top free agents plus another 150 free agents organized by position.
Also: recapped last winter's total spending + projected this year's total www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Over 10,000 words chock full of industry intel and advanced analysis on the top free agents plus another 150 free agents organized by position.
Also: recapped last winter's total spending + projected this year's total www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Your guide to MLB free agency: Rankings and contract projections for the top 50 free agents
How much will the biggest stars get paid this winter? Kiley McDaniel breaks down the 2025-26 free agent class.
www.espn.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Top 50 Free Agent Rankings w/projected contracts!
Over 10,000 words chock full of industry intel and advanced analysis on the top free agents plus another 150 free agents organized by position.
Also: recapped last winter's total spending + projected this year's total www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Over 10,000 words chock full of industry intel and advanced analysis on the top free agents plus another 150 free agents organized by position.
Also: recapped last winter's total spending + projected this year's total www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I ranked the top 20 players in the World Series and handed out some superlatives for best tools/skills www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Two Blue Jays in the top 3? Ranking the best players in the 2025 World Series
Here's how the Dodgers' and Blue Jays' rosters stack up and who is primed to do the most jaw-dropping things on the sport's biggest stage.
www.espn.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I ranked the top 20 players in the World Series and handed out some superlatives for best tools/skills www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Have you wondered how the Dodgers rotation is dominating in the postseason at a time when starting pitchers are less impactful?
I explain what each of them have done to find another gear when the stakes are the highest www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I explain what each of them have done to find another gear when the stakes are the highest www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
From the Game 1 guy to the six-pitch magician: Your complete guide to the Dodgers' unhittable, ace-filled rotation
Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow and Ohtani have carried L.A. this October. Here's how to appreciate them in the World Series.
www.espn.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Have you wondered how the Dodgers rotation is dominating in the postseason at a time when starting pitchers are less impactful?
I explain what each of them have done to find another gear when the stakes are the highest www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I explain what each of them have done to find another gear when the stakes are the highest www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I teamed up with 12 of our writers to publish our hot takes for the rest of the playoffs.
I wrote mine before yesterday's game and thankfully it's still possible: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I wrote mine before yesterday's game and thankfully it's still possible: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Our hottest early MLB playoff hot takes: From one pitch deciding October to the Jays averaging ... how many runs per game?!
What can we learn from a week of MLB postseason baseball? Enough to make our experts go all-in on their boldest predictions.
www.espn.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I teamed up with 12 of our writers to publish our hot takes for the rest of the playoffs.
I wrote mine before yesterday's game and thankfully it's still possible: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I wrote mine before yesterday's game and thankfully it's still possible: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Aaron Judge is hitting, but not hitting for power this postseason. Why?
He was 2nd-best in baseball against a certain type of pitch in the regular season.
He's seen that sort of pitch more often in the postseason and hasn't put one of them in play yet: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
He was 2nd-best in baseball against a certain type of pitch in the regular season.
He's seen that sort of pitch more often in the postseason and hasn't put one of them in play yet: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Breaking down Aaron Judge's early playoff performance: A productive start or another October disappointment?
Judge's stat line looks solid -- but his power has gone missing and the Yankees are on the brink of elimination. What gives?
www.espn.com
October 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Aaron Judge is hitting, but not hitting for power this postseason. Why?
He was 2nd-best in baseball against a certain type of pitch in the regular season.
He's seen that sort of pitch more often in the postseason and hasn't put one of them in play yet: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
He was 2nd-best in baseball against a certain type of pitch in the regular season.
He's seen that sort of pitch more often in the postseason and hasn't put one of them in play yet: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I joined 24 other experts and predicted the whole playoffs. Luckily we didn’t have any 25-0 results but there were two series at 24-1 www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
2025 MLB playoffs: Our predictions from the wild cards to the World Series
Which will be the last team standing in October? Our MLB experts predict which teams will win each series of the postseason.
www.espn.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:20 PM
I joined 24 other experts and predicted the whole playoffs. Luckily we didn’t have any 25-0 results but there were two series at 24-1 www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I ranked the 14 possible playoff teams by how good their projected playoff rotations are.
there was (obviously) lots of hair splitting, so be sure to ignore the intro and the blurbs and be mad online thanks www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
there was (obviously) lots of hair splitting, so be sure to ignore the intro and the blurbs and be mad online thanks www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
MLB playoff rotation tiers: Ranking every team's October starting pitching options
Aces matter in the postseason. Here are the contenders who are flush with them -- and which are lacking quality arms.
www.espn.com
September 22, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I ranked the 14 possible playoff teams by how good their projected playoff rotations are.
there was (obviously) lots of hair splitting, so be sure to ignore the intro and the blurbs and be mad online thanks www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
there was (obviously) lots of hair splitting, so be sure to ignore the intro and the blurbs and be mad online thanks www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Two of the more intriguing free agents this winter are named Kyle.
I polled 20 industry insiders on what they think Schwarber and Tucker will get, broke down the comps, and the rumored landing spots: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I polled 20 industry insiders on what they think Schwarber and Tucker will get, broke down the comps, and the rumored landing spots: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
How much will Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber get paid this winter? MLB insiders predict their free agency
Industry insiders break down the two top hitters in the free agent class as they complete very different regular seasons.
www.espn.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Two of the more intriguing free agents this winter are named Kyle.
I polled 20 industry insiders on what they think Schwarber and Tucker will get, broke down the comps, and the rumored landing spots: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
I polled 20 industry insiders on what they think Schwarber and Tucker will get, broke down the comps, and the rumored landing spots: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
My annual ranking of the best core of talent for every team in baseball, ranked 1-30: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Ranking all 30 MLB cores: Which teams have the most talent locked in?
Dodgers or Mariners? Mets or Phillies? We rank the clubs with the most star power under control through 2027.
www.espn.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
My annual ranking of the best core of talent for every team in baseball, ranked 1-30: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Dylan Moore’s contract has been selected by the Rangers, per source.
Moore was released by the Mariners and signed a minor league deal with the Rangers a few days ago. Corey Seager is having an appendectomy.
Moore was released by the Mariners and signed a minor league deal with the Rangers a few days ago. Corey Seager is having an appendectomy.
August 28, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Dylan Moore’s contract has been selected by the Rangers, per source.
Moore was released by the Mariners and signed a minor league deal with the Rangers a few days ago. Corey Seager is having an appendectomy.
Moore was released by the Mariners and signed a minor league deal with the Rangers a few days ago. Corey Seager is having an appendectomy.
After updating the top 100 and team top 10's, I wrapped up the refresh with fresh farm system rankings.
Every farm rankings I've done at ESPN has had either the Orioles, Rays, or Dodgers at #1. A new team takes the top spot today: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Every farm rankings I've done at ESPN has had either the Orioles, Rays, or Dodgers at #1. A new team takes the top spot today: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Reranking every MLB farm system from 1 to 30
The busiest time of the year for adding prospects has passed. Here's how every organization stacks up now.
www.espn.com
August 26, 2025 at 3:11 PM
After updating the top 100 and team top 10's, I wrapped up the refresh with fresh farm system rankings.
Every farm rankings I've done at ESPN has had either the Orioles, Rays, or Dodgers at #1. A new team takes the top spot today: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Every farm rankings I've done at ESPN has had either the Orioles, Rays, or Dodgers at #1. A new team takes the top spot today: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
An updated Top 100 Prospects List with a new #1 overall prospect: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Updated top 100 MLB prospect rankings: There's a new No. 1
Which budding stars have surged up our list now that the draft and trade season are behind us?
www.espn.com
August 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
An updated Top 100 Prospects List with a new #1 overall prospect: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Just published a final update to the team top ten prospects lists.
(whispers) updated Top 100 and farm rankings coming soon www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
(whispers) updated Top 100 and farm rankings coming soon www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Final 2025 update! Top 10 prospects and next to debut for all 30 MLB teams
Who is rising and falling in every major league farm system after the trade deadline? Kiley McDaniel digs in.
www.espn.com
August 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Just published a final update to the team top ten prospects lists.
(whispers) updated Top 100 and farm rankings coming soon www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
(whispers) updated Top 100 and farm rankings coming soon www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
97 prospects were traded in the last few days. I have a sickness and the only prescription was to rank them all www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Ranking every prospect dealt at the MLB trade deadline: Final update -- with 97 players!
You know the major leaguers on the move -- but what about the potential stars of tomorrow headed the other way in those deals?
www.espn.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:52 PM
97 prospects were traded in the last few days. I have a sickness and the only prescription was to rank them all www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
We're still updating three stories around the clock that are linked in my previous posts:
- ranking the prospects traded at the deadline
- top 50 trade candidates
- trade buzz/rumors/intel
and today we added a new one: trades we'd make if we were GM of a team: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
- ranking the prospects traded at the deadline
- top 50 trade candidates
- trade buzz/rumors/intel
and today we added a new one: trades we'd make if we were GM of a team: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Eugenio Suarez to where?! The one trade our experts would make before the deadline
A late-arriving trade season? No problem -- we asked our MLB experts for the one fun, outside-the-box deal they'd make to get things moving along.
www.espn.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM
We're still updating three stories around the clock that are linked in my previous posts:
- ranking the prospects traded at the deadline
- top 50 trade candidates
- trade buzz/rumors/intel
and today we added a new one: trades we'd make if we were GM of a team: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
- ranking the prospects traded at the deadline
- top 50 trade candidates
- trade buzz/rumors/intel
and today we added a new one: trades we'd make if we were GM of a team: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Trade deadline content szn continues with a ranking of the top prospects dealt thus far, with full reports and FV grades.
This will be updated as trades come in, so if you're anything like me, it can be one of 300 tabs you leave open this week. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
This will be updated as trades come in, so if you're anything like me, it can be one of 300 tabs you leave open this week. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Ranking every prospect dealt before the 2025 MLB trade deadline
You know the major leaguers on the move -- but what about the potential stars of tomorrow headed the other way in those deals?
www.espn.com
July 28, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Trade deadline content szn continues with a ranking of the top prospects dealt thus far, with full reports and FV grades.
This will be updated as trades come in, so if you're anything like me, it can be one of 300 tabs you leave open this week. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
This will be updated as trades come in, so if you're anything like me, it can be one of 300 tabs you leave open this week. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
If you're looking for more granular notes on the latest from all 30 teams as the deadline approaches, all of our reporters are pitching in nuggets here, along with links to previews, completed deals, and analysis: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
MLB trade deadline updates, rumors: Bubble teams could shape week ahead
Which contenders will make the biggest splash? Here's what we're hearing as 6 p.m. ET on July 31 approaches.
www.espn.com
July 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM
If you're looking for more granular notes on the latest from all 30 teams as the deadline approaches, all of our reporters are pitching in nuggets here, along with links to previews, completed deals, and analysis: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Teamed up with Jeff Passan to do a complete update of the Top 58 candidates to be dealt at the Trade Deadline and it just published.
We've got odds to be dealt, likely landing spots, and scouting reports on the top 30 players. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
We've got odds to be dealt, likely landing spots, and scouting reports on the top 30 players. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Updated ranking of MLB's top 50 trade deadline candidates: New names added
Our running list of who could be traded has some big changes in the final few days before the July 31 deadline.
www.espn.com
July 28, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Teamed up with Jeff Passan to do a complete update of the Top 58 candidates to be dealt at the Trade Deadline and it just published.
We've got odds to be dealt, likely landing spots, and scouting reports on the top 30 players. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
We've got odds to be dealt, likely landing spots, and scouting reports on the top 30 players. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Updated team top 10s are up, with all draft picks included! www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Updated top 10 prospect rankings for all 30 MLB teams -- with 2025 draft picks included!
Who is rising and falling in every major league farm system after the MLB draft? Kiley McDaniel digs in.
www.espn.com
July 17, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Updated team top 10s are up, with all draft picks included! www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
10,000 words worth of draft reviews for all 30 teams are now up www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
2025 MLB draft recap: Best picks, biggest steals and analysis for all 30 teams
Now that all 20 rounds are complete, it's time to see what Kiley McDaniel makes of your team's draft haul.
www.espn.com
July 16, 2025 at 5:12 PM
10,000 words worth of draft reviews for all 30 teams are now up www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
My day 1 recap of 5 favorite moves and 5 eye-openers along with best available for day 2: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Kiley McDaniel's favorite Day 1 draft picks, biggest surprises and best available Day 2 prospects
Here's what stood out to our draft expert from the first three rounds -- and who could come off the board next
www.espn.com
July 14, 2025 at 2:09 PM
My day 1 recap of 5 favorite moves and 5 eye-openers along with best available for day 2: www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Final Mock v3.1 is up! Two full rounds and a complete rundown of the INSANE rumors floating around now.
Two scouting directors agreed the top of the draft has “wars” happening in each draft room. I break down their options www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Two scouting directors agreed the top of the draft has “wars” happening in each draft room. I break down their options www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Final 2025 MLB mock draft: Updated picks just hours before Round 1 begins
The MLB draft starts at 6 p.m. ET! Here's our final update of who every team could take Sunday night.
www.espn.com
July 13, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Final Mock v3.1 is up! Two full rounds and a complete rundown of the INSANE rumors floating around now.
Two scouting directors agreed the top of the draft has “wars” happening in each draft room. I break down their options www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Two scouting directors agreed the top of the draft has “wars” happening in each draft room. I break down their options www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
The penultimate mock is up, stuffed full of the latest buzz and some bonus later round targets. It's almost showtime! www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
MLB mock draft 3.0: Kiley McDaniel predicts the first two rounds
The MLB draft is Sunday! And this year, the drama starts with the Washington Nationals at the No. 1 pick.
www.espn.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:29 PM
The penultimate mock is up, stuffed full of the latest buzz and some bonus later round targets. It's almost showtime! www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Final draft rankings are up, 250 deep!
Tons of new names and the most in-depth reports, names of note, sleeper alerts, etc. I've done while at ESPN.
If you read it all, you'll be ready to jump in a draft room and contribute. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Tons of new names and the most in-depth reports, names of note, sleeper alerts, etc. I've done while at ESPN.
If you read it all, you'll be ready to jump in a draft room and contribute. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Final 2025 MLB draft rankings: Which college ace is No. 1 in our top 250 prospects?
The MLB draft is Sunday! Here's how this year's best players stack up.
www.espn.com
July 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Final draft rankings are up, 250 deep!
Tons of new names and the most in-depth reports, names of note, sleeper alerts, etc. I've done while at ESPN.
If you read it all, you'll be ready to jump in a draft room and contribute. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...
Tons of new names and the most in-depth reports, names of note, sleeper alerts, etc. I've done while at ESPN.
If you read it all, you'll be ready to jump in a draft room and contribute. www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/...