The Red Sox today announced the winners of their Minor League Awards for 2022. Some names have already become familiar to Red Sox Nation, others are key up-and-comers for the years ahead.
The winners are:
- Offensive Player of the Year: Niko Kavadas
- Defensive Player of the Year: Ceddanne Rafaela
- Starting Pitcher of the Year: Brayan Bello
- Relief Pitcher of the Year: Franklin German
- Baserunner of the Year: David Hamilton
- Latin Program Position Player of the Year: Andy Lugo
- Latin Program Pitcher of the Year: Eybersson Polanco
Among the more familiar names, starting pitcher Brayan Bello stands out. Right before our eyes this season we’ve watched Bello make his Major League debut, struggle in the early going, and then steadily improve with every outing since. Bello has recorded a 1.65 ERA over his five starts of September, including just one earned run allowed over 11.0 innings in two starts against the Yankees this month.
Young Ceddanne Rafaela, who has yet to make his MLB debut, also stands out. He was impressive to watch back in 2022 Spring Training. Just 22 years old this month, Rafaela split this season between High-A Greenville (45 games) and Double-A Portland (71), and led Red Sox minor leaguers in hits (144), extra-base hits (63), total bases (259), and RBI (tied, 86) while batting .299 (144-for-181) with an .880 OPS, 32 doubles, 10 triples, and 21 home runs.
Zack Kelly earns Lou Gorman Award
In addition, the Red Sox announced that reliever Zack Kelly, who made his MLB debut one August 29, has been awarded the club’s prestigious Lou Gorman Award. Created in 2011, the award is given annually to a Red Sox minor league player who has demonstrated dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles while working his way to the Major League team.
Kelly, ab undrafted free agent out of Division II Newberry College, signed with the Athletics in 2017 and the Angels in 2018 but was released by both clubs. The righty was signed by the Sox after undergoing elbow surgery to repair a UCL injury during the 2020 season. In 44 appearances at Triple-A Worcester he recorded a 2.72 ERA in 44 appearances. With the big league club since August 29, the 27-year-old, has a 2.79 ERA (2.70 FIP) and 1.034 WHIP over his first nine MLB games (9.2 IP).