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In the world of baseball, the Minor Leagues serve as the breeding ground for future stars of Major League Baseball (MLB). Every year, the MiLB Awards ceremony shines a spotlight on the outstanding performances of these young talents. From hitting prospects to defensive wizards, the MiLB Awards 2023 is the ultimate recognition of excellence in the Minor Leagues.
The MiLB Awards 2023
The MiLB Awards 2023 is a special event that celebrates the best young baseball players in the Minor Leagues. These players are the future stars of Major League Baseball (MLB). The awards recognize their outstanding performances during the 2023 Minor League season.
Categories of Excellence
There are several categories of awards that honor various aspects of the game, showcasing the exceptional talents of these young athletes. Let’s dive into some of the categories:
Hitting Prospect of the Year
This award goes to the best young hitter who excels at making contact with the baseball. These players show great promise in their ability to hit home runs and contribute offensively.
Pitching Prospect of the Year
The Pitching Prospect of the Year award is reserved for the best young pitchers in the Minor Leagues. These players display exceptional skills in throwing the baseball, making them stand out among their peers.
Breakout Player of the Year
Every season, there are players who exceed expectations and make a significant impact. The Breakout Player of the Year award recognizes those who surprised everyone with their exceptional performance.
Minor League Debut of the Year
Starting a professional baseball career on the right foot is no easy feat. This award highlights the young players who made a remarkable start to their Minor League journey in 2023.
Best Single-Game Performance
Sometimes, a player has a game that leaves everyone in awe. This award is for those players who had an outstanding game, achieving remarkable feats in just one match.
Defensive Play of the Year
Defense wins games, and this award goes to the player who made the best play to stop the opposing team’s advances. These are the game-changing defensive plays that leave fans cheering.
Defensive Player of the Year
Consistency in defense is crucial, and the Defensive Player of the Year award recognizes the player who excels in preventing the other team from scoring runs.
Team of the Year
Success in baseball isn’t just about individual performances; it’s also about teamwork. The Team of the Year award honors the best-performing team in the Minor Leagues for the entire season.
Best Alternate Identity
In addition to their regular team names, some Minor League teams have unique and fun alternate identities. This award recognizes the teams with the most interesting and entertaining alter egos.
MiLB Awards 2023 Finalists
Before the winners are announced, the competition is fierce among the finalists in each category. Let’s take a look at the standout players and teams who made it to the final round:
Minor League Hitting Prospect of the Year Finalists:
– Michael Busch
– Junior Caminero
– Jackson Holliday
These are the top young hitters in the Minor Leagues, and they are vying for the prestigious award.
Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year Finalists:
– Cade Horton
– Robby Snelling
– Drew Thorpe
These young pitchers have demonstrated exceptional skills, earning them a spot as finalists in this category.
Breakout Player of the Year Finalists:
– Junior Caminero
– Cade Horton
– Jacob Misiorowski
These are the players who surprised everyone with their outstanding performance when no one expected it.
Minor League Debut of the Year Finalists:
– Ethan Salas
– Robby Snelling
– Drew Thorpe
These players had an impressive start to their Minor League careers in 2023, capturing the attention of baseball fans.
Best Single-Game Performance Finalists:
– Colt Keith
– Luis Mieses
– Fernando Tatis Jr.
These players had extraordinary games with remarkable achievements, making them finalists in this exciting category.
Defensive Play of the Year Finalists:
– Druw Jones
– DeShawn Keirsey Jr.
– Monte Harrison
These standout plays caught the attention of fans and experts alike, earning them a place as finalists.
Defensive Player of the Year Finalists:
– Pete-Crow Armstrong
– Nasim Nuñez
– Ceddanne Rafaela
These players are the best defensive talents in the Minor Leagues, and they are competing for the top spot.
Team of the Year Finalists:
– Norfolk Tides (Orioles, Triple-A)
– Oklahoma City Dodgers (Dodgers, Triple-A)
– Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins, High-A)
These teams have shown exceptional teamwork and performance throughout the season, making them finalists for Team of the Year.
Best Alternate Identity Finalists:
– Amarillo Calf Fries
– Eugene Exploding Whales
– Hartford Bouncing Pickles
– Hickory Dickory Docks
– Hoosier State Tenderloins
– Hudson Valley Cider Donuts
– Norfolk Lumpia
– Springfield Cashew Chickens
These teams not only played well but also brought a sense of fun and excitement to the league with their unique identities.
MiLB Award Recipients 2023
Category |
Winner |
Minor League Hitting Prospect of the Year | Jackson Holliday (Orioles) |
Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year | Drew Thorpe (Yankees) |
Breakout Player of the Year | Junior Caminero (Rays) |
Minor League Debut of the Year | Ethan Salas (Padres) |
Best Single-Game Performance | Colt Keith (Tigers) |
Defensive Play of the Year | Druw Jones (D-backs) |
Defensive Player of the Year | Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs) |
Team of the Year | Norfolk Tides (Orioles) |
Best Alternate Identity | Amarillo Calf Fries |
FAQs about MiLB Awards 2023
1. What is the MiLB Awards 2023?
The MiLB Awards 2023 is an event celebrating the best young Minor League baseball players.
2. How are the winners chosen?
Winners are selected based on their outstanding performances during the 2023 season.
3. What are some award categories?
Categories include hitting and pitching prospects, breakout players, best games, defensive plays, and more.
4. Why are these awards important?
These awards recognize young talent on the path to becoming MLB stars.
5. Who won the Defensive Player of the Year award?
Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs won the award.
Get ready to witness the crowning of the brightest stars in Minor League Baseball at the MiLB Awards 2023 ceremony. Stay tuned for the winners and celebrate the exceptional talents that are the future of America’s favorite pastime.