Pacific Coast League
Top MLB Prospect Award
SportBaseball
LeaguePacific Coast League
Awarded forBest regular-season rookie in the Pacific Coast League
CountryUnited States
Canada
Presented byPacific Coast League
History
First awardCarlos Bernier (1952)
Most recentMichael Busch (2023)

The Pacific Coast League Top MLB Prospect Award is an annual award given to the best rookie player in Minor League Baseball's Pacific Coast League based on their regular-season performance as voted on by league managers.[1] Broadcasters, Minor League Baseball executives, and members of the media have previously voted as well.[2] Though the league was established in 1903,[3] the award was not created until 1952 as the Rookie of the Year Award.[4] It was abandoned from 1973 to 1997 before being revived in 1998.[4] After the cancellation of the 2020 season,[5] the league was known as the Triple-A West in 2021 before reverting to the Pacific Coast League name in 2022.[6][7] The Top MLB Prospect Award began to be issued instead of the Rookie of the Year Award in 2021.[8]

Nineteen outfielders have won the award, the most of any position. Third basemen, with seven winners, have won the most among infielders, followed by second basemen (6) and first basemen and shortstops (5). Five players who have won the award were pitchers.

Ten players who have won the Top MLB Prospect Award also won the Pacific Coast League Most Valuable Player Award in the same season: Willie Davis (1960), Billy Cowan (1963), Denny Doyle (1969), Robb Quinlan (2002), Adam Eaton (2012), Chris Owings (2013), Joc Pederson (2014), Joshua Fuentes (2018), Ty France (2019), and Michael Busch.[4] Félix Hernández (2005) is the only player to win both Rookie of the Year and the league's Pitcher of the Year Award in the same season.[4]

Four players from the Hollywood Stars and Salt Lake Bees have each been selected for the Top MLB Prospect Award, more than any other teams in the league, followed by the El Paso Chihuahuas and Reno Aces (3); the Albuquerque Isotopes, Eugene Emeralds, Denver Bears, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Omaha Storm Chasers, Portland Beavers, Salt Lake City Bees, San Diego Padres, Spokane Indians, Tacoma Rainiers, and Vancouver Mounties (2); and the Arkansas Travelers, Calgary Cannons, Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Hawaii Islanders, Los Angeles Angels, Las Vegas Aviators, New Orleans Zephyrs, Phoenix Giants, Sacramento River Cats, Seattle Rainiers, and Tucson Sidewinders (1)

Six players from the Los Angeles Angels Major League Baseball (MLB) organization have won the award, more than any other, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization (5); the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres organizations (4); the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations (3); the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners organizations (2); and the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, and San Francisco Giants organizations (1).

Winners

A man in a white baseball jersey and black cap
Carlos Bernier won the first Rookie of the Year Award in 1952.
A man in a white baseball jersey and blue undersleeves and cap
Willie Davis was the first to win Rookie of the Year and the MVP Award in the same season (1960).
A man in a white baseball uniform and green cap
Bobby Crosby, the 2003 winner, won the American League Rookie of the Year Award the next year.[9]
A man in a gray baseball jersey and navy blue cap
Félix Hernández is the only player to win Rookie and Pitcher of the Year in the same year (2005).
Key
Position Indicates the player's primary position
^ Indicates multiple award winners in the same year
Winners
Year Winner Team Organization Position Ref(s).
1952 Carlos Bernier Hollywood Stars Pittsburgh Pirates Outfielder [10]
1953 George O'Donnell Hollywood Stars — Pitcher [11]
1954 Lino Donoso Hollywood Stars Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher [12]
1955 Bob Garber Hollywood Stars Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher [13]
1956 Bob Anderson Los Angeles Angels Chicago Cubs Pitcher [14]
1957 Lenny Green Vancouver Mounties Baltimore Orioles Outfielder [15]
1958 Vada Pinson Seattle Rainiers Cincinnati Redlegs Outfielder [16]
1959 Tommy Davis Spokane Indians Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder [17]
1960 Willie Davis Spokane Indians Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder [18]
1961 Denis Menke Vancouver Mounties Milwaukee Braves Shortstop [19]
1962 Tommy Harper San Diego Padres Cincinnati Reds Third baseman [20]
1963 Billy Cowan Salt Lake City Bees Chicago Cubs Outfielder [21]
1964 Costen Shockley Arkansas Travelers Philadelphia Phillies First baseman [22]
1965^ Bill Davis Portland Beavers Cleveland Indians First baseman [23]
Lee May San Diego Padres Cincinnati Reds First baseman [24]
1966 Rich Reese Denver Bears Minnesota Twins Outfielder [25]
1967 César Gutiérrez Phoenix Giants San Francisco Giants Shortstop [26]
1968 Graig Nettles Denver Bears Minnesota Twins Third baseman [27]
1969 Denny Doyle Eugene Emeralds Philadelphia Phillies Second baseman [28]
1970 Doug Griffin Hawaii Islanders California Angels Second baseman [29]
1971 Mike Anderson Eugene Emeralds Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder [30]
1972 Doug Howard Salt Lake City Angels California Angels Outfielder [31]
1973–1997: None selected [4]
1998 Jeremy Giambi Omaha Royals Kansas City Royals Outfielder [32]
1999 Mark Quinn Omaha Golden Spikes Kansas City Royals Outfielder [33]
2000 Nate Rolison Calgary Cannons Florida Marlins First baseman [34]
2001 Sean Burroughs Portland Beavers San Diego Padres Third baseman [35]
2002 Robb Quinlan Salt Lake Stingers Anaheim Angels Outfielder [36]
2003 Bobby Crosby Sacramento River Cats Oakland Athletics Shortstop [37]
2004 Chris Burke New Orleans Zephyrs Houston Astros Second baseman [38]
2005 Félix Hernández Tacoma Rainiers Seattle Mariners Pitcher [39]
2006 Howie Kendrick Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Second baseman [40]
2007 Wladimir Balentien Tacoma Rainiers Seattle Mariners Outfielder [41]
2008 Josh Whitesell Tucson Sidewinders Arizona Diamondbacks First baseman [42]
2009 Eric Young Jr. Colorado Springs Sky Sox Colorado Rockies Second baseman [43]
2010 Peter Bourjos Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Outfielder [44]
2011 Collin Cowgill Reno Aces Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder [45]
2012 Adam Eaton Reno Aces Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder [46]
2013 Chris Owings Reno Aces Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop [47]
2014 Joc Pederson Albuquerque Isotopes Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder [48]
2015 Alex Dickerson El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Outfielder [49]
2016 Carlos Asuaje El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Second baseman [50]
2017 Amed Rosario Las Vegas 51s New York Mets Shortstop [51]
2018 Joshua Fuentes Albuquerque Isotopes Colorado Rockies Third baseman [52]
2019 Ty France El Paso Chihuahuas San Diego Padres Third baseman [53]
2020: None selected (season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic) [5]
2021 Jo Adell Salt Lake Bees Los Angeles Angels Outfielder [8][54]
2022 Miguel Vargas Oklahoma City Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers Third baseman [1][55]
2023 Michael Busch Oklahoma City Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers Third baseman [56][57]

Wins by team

Active Pacific Coast League teams appear in bold.

Team Award(s) Year(s)
Hollywood Stars 4 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955
Salt Lake Bees (Salt Lake Stingers) 2002, 2006, 2010, 2021
El Paso Chihuahuas 3 2015, 2016, 2019
Reno Aces 2011, 2012, 2013
Albuquerque Isotopes 2 2014, 2018
Denver Bears 1966, 1968
Eugene Emeralds 1969, 1971
Oklahoma City Dodgers 2022, 2023
Omaha Storm Chasers (Omaha Royals/Golden Spikes) 1998, 1999
Portland Beavers 1965, 2001
Salt Lake City Bees (Salt Lake City Angels) 1963, 1972
San Diego Padres 1962, 1965
Spokane Indians 1959, 1960
Tacoma Rainiers 2005, 2007
Vancouver Mounties 1957, 1961
Arkansas Travelers 1 1964
Calgary Cannons 2000
Colorado Springs Sky Sox 2009
Hawaii Islanders 1970
Las Vegas Aviators (Las Vegas 51s) 2017
Los Angeles Angels 1956
New Orleans Zephyrs 2004
Phoenix Giants 1967
Sacramento River Cats 2003
Seattle Rainiers 1958
Tucson Sidewinders 2008

Wins by organization

Active Pacific Coast League–Major League Baseball affiliations appear in bold.

Organization Award(s) Year(s)
Los Angeles Angels (California/Anaheim Angels) 6 1970, 1972, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers 5 1959, 1960, 2014, 2022, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks 4 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013
San Diego Padres 2001, 2015, 2016, 2019
Cincinnati Reds (Cincinnati Redlegs) 3 1958, 1962, 1965
Philadelphia Phillies 1964, 1969, 1971
Pittsburgh Pirates 1952, 1954, 1955
Chicago Cubs 2 1956, 1963
Colorado Rockies 2009, 2018
Kansas City Royals 1998, 1999
Minnesota Twins 1966, 1968
Seattle Mariners 2005, 2007
Atlanta Braves (Milwaukee Braves) 1 1961
Baltimore Orioles 1957
Cleveland Guardians (Cleveland Indians) 1965
Houston Astros 2004
Miami Marlins (Florida Marlins) 2000
New York Mets 2017
Oakland Athletics 2003
San Francisco Giants 1967

References

Specific
  1. ^ a b "Triple-A Award Winners and All-Stars". Minor League Baseball. November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  2. ^ Jackson, Josh (October 5, 2021). "Here are the 2021 Triple-A All-Stars". Major League Baseball. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  3. ^ Avallone, Michael (March 18, 2022). "Then and Now: Pacific Coast League". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Pacific Coast League Award Winners". Pacific Coast League. Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on February 6, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  6. ^ Reichard, Kevin (February 12, 2021). "Minor League Baseball Overhaul Unveiled". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  7. ^ "Historical League Names to Return in 2022". Minor League Baseball. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Postseason All-Stars". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  9. ^ "Bobby Crosby Stats". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  10. ^ "Carlos Bernier Minor, Winter & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  11. ^ "George O'Donnell Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  12. ^ "Lino Donoso Mexican, Winter & Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  13. ^ "Bob Garber Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  14. ^ "Bob Anderson Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  15. ^ "Lenny Green Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  16. ^ "Vada Pinson Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  17. ^ "Tommy Davis Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  18. ^ "Spokane Fielder Wins Valuable Player Award". Sacramento Bee. Sacramento. October 27, 1960. p. D1 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Denis Menke Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  20. ^ "Tommy Harper Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  21. ^ "Billy Cowan Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  22. ^ "Costen Shockley Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  23. ^ "Bill Davis Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  24. ^ "Lee May Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  25. ^ "Rich Reese Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  26. ^ "Cesar Gutierrez Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  27. ^ "Graig Nettles Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  28. ^ "Denny Doyle Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  29. ^ "Doug Griffin Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  30. ^ "Mike Anderson Winter, Minor & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  31. ^ "Doug Howard Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  32. ^ "Jeremy Giambi Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  33. ^ "Mark Quinn Minor, Independent & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  34. ^ "Nate Rolison Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  35. ^ "Sean Burroughs Minor, Winter & Independent Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  36. ^ "Robb Quinlan Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  37. ^ "Bobby Crosby Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  38. ^ "Chris Burke Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  39. ^ "Felix Hernandez Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  40. ^ "Howie Kendrick Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  41. ^ "Wladimir Balentien Minor, Winter, Japanese & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  42. ^ "Josh Whitesell Minor, Fall, Japanese, Winter & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  43. ^ "Eric Young Jr. Minor, Winter, Fall & Mexican Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  44. ^ "Peter Bourjos Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  45. ^ "Collin Cowgill Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  46. ^ "Adam Eaton Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  47. ^ "Chris Owings Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  48. ^ "Joc Pederson Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  49. ^ "Alex Dickerson Amateur, College, Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  50. ^ "Carlos Asuaje Amateur, College, Minor, Fall, Winter & Korean Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  51. ^ "Amed Rosario Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  52. ^ "Joshua Fuentes Amateur, Minor, Winter & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  53. ^ "Ty France College & Minor Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  54. ^ "Jo Adell Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  55. ^ "Miguel Vargas Cuban & Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  56. ^ Terranova, Rob (October 4, 2023). "The 2023 Triple-A All-Stars and Award Winners". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  57. ^ "Michael Busch Amateur, College, Fall & Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
General
Categories