Red Sox announce 2022 minor league award winners, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brayan Bello and Niko Kavadas some of the recipients
The 2022 Red Sox announced their 2022 minor league award winners on Monday. Ceddanne Rafaela, Niko Kavadas and Brayan Bello headline the players to win the awards.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Offensive Player of the Year: 1B Niko Kavadas
Defensive Player of the Year: INF/OF Ceddanne Rafaela
Starting Pitcher of the Year: RHP Brayan Bello
Relief Pitcher of the Year: RHP Franklin German
Baserunner of the Year: INF David Hamilton
Latin Program Position Player of the Year: INF/OF Andy Lugo
Latin Program Pitcher of the Year: RHP Eybersson Polanco
Lou Gorman Award: RHP Zack Kelly
Kavadas has been a high riser in the Red Sox system this season. The Red Sox’ No. 21 ranked prospect per MLB.com hit .280 this season with 26 homers, 86 RBIs and a .990 OPS over 120 games. His offensive numbers came between time spent with Single-A, High-A and Double-A.
The power-hitting first baseman will continue to showcase his skillset in the fall. Kavadas is one of eight Red Sox prospects that will be participating in the Arizona Fall League.
Rafaela has put himself on the map this season and has soared into a top-10 Red Sox prospect. The 22-year-old is currently ranked as the Red Sox No. 3 prospect on MLB.com.
Rafaela has led Red Sox minor leaguers with 144 hits while batting .299 with 32 doubles, 10 triples and 21 home runs, 86 RBIs and owns a .880 OPS.
He has also turned himself into a human highlight reel in the outfield. Admittedly, the top prospect isn’t the most comfortable in the outfield but is transitioning nicely.
Bello was outstanding this past season in the minors for the Red Sox. Injuries to key pitchers in Boston has helped catapult him to the big leagues. The 23-year-old went 10-4, with one complete game, 129 strikeouts, 1.04 WHIP over 96 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Kelly and German finally landed in Boston late this season following stellar performances in the minors.
The Roanoke native has pitched in nine games for the Red Sox. Over those nine games, he has allowed three runs, opponents are hitting .182 against him in 9 2/3 innings.
While in the minors this season, Kelly pitched in 44 games posting a 2.18 ERA, holding opponents to a .194 batting average with a 1.19 WHIP.
German pitched in 43 games between Double-A and Triple-A, he posted a 2.72 ERA with seven saves, 64 strikeouts, 0.91 WHIP in 49 2/3 innings. The right-hander has only made two appearances with the Red Sox and owns a 45.00 ERA.
Hamilton showcased his blazing speed on the base paths. The 24-year-old swiped 70 bags while being caught eight times. The former Texas standout came over in the Hunter Renfroe trade last December.
The Red Sox will honor the award winners prior to the game against the Orioles from Fenway Park on Monday night.
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