2025 Minor League Baseball Honors: designation of Pitcher and Hitter of the Year, standout surprise, and disheartening letdown
In the world of baseball, the 2025 season has been a showcase for some promising young talents. Here's a roundup of some of the standout performances from the minor leagues.
Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin, a 19-year-old shortstop, has been turning heads with his impressive performance across multiple minor league levels. Griffin, who won't turn 21 until April 2027, hit .333/.418/.535 with 21 home runs and 65 stolen bases in 118 games. His stellar season has put him in contention to be promoted earliest to the Major League, potentially shortly after his 20th birthday next April. Griffin's strikeout rate was below 23%, indicating a mature approach at the plate.
Vance Honeycutt, Baltimore Orioles
In the Baltimore Orioles' camp, Vance Honeycutt, an outfielder, had a challenging first full professional season. Honeycutt, who was nabbed by the Orioles at No. 22 in the 2024 draft, hit .171/.284/.275 with 5 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 101 games. However, Honeycutt's strikeout rate was high, with more than 40% of his trips to the plate ending in a whiff.
Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers
Meanwhile, in the Detroit Tigers' organization, shortstop Kevin McGonigle has been a shining light. McGonigle hit .303/.409/.569 with 17 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and 14 more walks than strikeouts in 85 games. Despite missing more than a month due to an ankle injury, McGonigle has been awarded the Hitter of the Year title in the minor leagues.
Jonah Tong, New York Mets
On the pitching side, Jonah Tong of the New York Mets has been a standout. Tong led all minor-league qualifiers in ERA (1.43), FIP (1.70), and strikeout rate (40.5%). Tong's best pitch is a mid-90s fastball, and he also has an effective changeup. Tong was promoted to the majors to aid the Mets' ailing starting rotation. Moving forward, the Mets may challenge Tong to improve his breaking balls and command.
Griffin's Future with the Pirates
As for Griffin, the Pirates will likely need to decide how aggressive they are willing to be with him heading into next spring. Griffin, who was essentially a prep proxy for Honeycutt, whiffed on more than a quarter of his swings. However, his overall performance and potential have made him a player to watch in the Pirates' organization.
McGonigle's Powerful Swing
McGonigle's operation resembles a left-handed hitter during a Jose Altuve impersonation. Interestingly, 14 of McGonigle's 17 home runs have exited to right or right-center field, showcasing his impressive power from the left side of the plate.
In conclusion, the 2025 minor league season has been a breeding ground for future stars. With standouts like Griffin, Honeycutt, McGonigle, Tong, and many more, baseball fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
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