Central STL News

The finalists for the 2025 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Awards have been announced, with winners set to be revealed during the MiLB Awards Show on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on MLB Network. The event will be hosted by Xavier Scruggs and Matt Vasgersian, highlighting top performances and notable moments from the minor league season.

Among the categories is the Minor League Hitting Prospect of the Year, with finalists Konnor Griffin (Pirates), Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), and JJ Wetherholt (Cardinals). Wetherholt was drafted seventh overall by the Cardinals in 2024 and posted a 152 wRC+ across two levels while demonstrating defensive versatility. Griffin achieved a rare 20/60 season as he advanced from Single-A to Double-A in his debut year, while McGonigle batted .305/.408/.583 despite missing time due to injury.

The Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year finalists are Griffin Herring (Rockies), Jonah Tong (Mets), and Trey Yesavage (Blue Jays). Herring struck out 149 batters with a 1.89 ERA over 119⅓ innings, Tong led all minor leaguers with 179 strikeouts and a 1.43 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A, and Yesavage played at four full-season levels before making his MLB debut in September.

The Breakout Player of the Year category features Edward Florentino (Pirates), Nolan McLean (Mets), and Rainiel Rodriguez (Cardinals). Rodriguez moved quickly through three levels as an 18-year-old catcher, hitting .954 OPS with 20 home runs in just 84 games.

Other awards include Minor League Debut of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, All-MiLB Prospect Team selections, and Best New Alternate Identity—where fans can vote for their favorite new team persona from options like Asheville Snot Otters or Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas.

"The MiLB Awards Show will return for a third season on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on MLB Network," according to organizers. "Hosted by Xavier Scruggs and MLB Network Emmy Award-winning host and play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, the program will highlight all things MiLB, from top prospect performances, to the most electrifying debuts and the zaniest alternate identities."

This year’s show continues a tradition of recognizing outstanding talent and creativity within Minor League Baseball.