Arizona Fall League announces award winners for 2023 season

Nov. 15, 2023 — After the completion of the final week of play, the Arizona Fall League has announced its seasonal award winners for the 2023 season, including the NFP Week Six Hitter and Pitcher of the Week.

Joe Black MVP Award: Peoria Javelinas OF Jakob Marsee (SD)

A revered figure throughout his career, as well as through his charity work in the Greater Phoenix community and beyond, Joe Black is most notably historic for being the first African American pitcher to win a World Series game. Named in his honor, the 2023 Joe Black MVP Award was presented to Jakob Marsee of the Peoria Javelinas and San Diego Padres. Marsee led the AFL in OPS (1.215), doubles (12), runs (25), total bases (65) and slugging percentage (.707). His 1.215 OPS was the 12th highest mark all-time in AFL season. A sixth-round selection in the 2022 MLB Draft, his effort in the Fall League has solidified his status as one of the premier prospects in baseball.

Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award: Surprise Saguaros C Michael Trautwein (CIN)

This award has been given out annually since 2004 to honor the memory of Dernell Stenson after his tragic passing during the 2003 AFL season. This special honor is presented to a player that exemplifies unselfishness, hard work and leadership – much like Stenson demonstrated during his time in the Fall League as a member of the Scottsdale Scorpions. Michael Trautwein was unwavering in his commitment to multiple youth initiatives and fan engagement opportunities during the Fall League season, while building an unmatched clubhouse rapport.

Offensive Player of the Year Presented by Louisville Slugger: Mesa Solar Sox INF James Triantos (CHC)

James Triantos was second in the Fall League with a .417 batting average and 15 runs scored, along with a league leading five triples. He totaled 11 extra base hits in his 22 games and was also second in the league in total bases. Triantos was also second in the league in OPS (1.174) and just one hit shy of the AFL leader. Presented by Louisville Slugger, the award is given to the player with the most exceptional overall offensive performance.

Pitcher of the Year: Surprise Saguaros LHP Ricky Tiedemann (TOR)

As the top Toronto Blue Jays prospect (No. 31 overall), Ricky Tiedemann was dominant in his outings with the Saguaros. He pitched to a 2-1 record with a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings. He struck out 23 batters with opponents hitting a measly .190 against him.

Reliever of the Year: Surprise Saguaros RHP Emiliano Teodo (TEX)

Emiliano Teodo allowed three hits in 11 scoreless innings for Surprise, striking out 19 of the 39 batters he faced, while walking three. He led the league with five saves while holding opponents to a .086 batting average. Teodo also had a 0.55 WHIP in eight games.

Breakout Player of the Year: Scottsdale Scorpions INF Oliver Dunn (MIL)

This honor is designated for a player that took the Fall League opportunity and propelled himself into elite prospect status. Oliver Dunn was selected in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees before moving to the Philadelphia Phillies in advance of the AFL season. He led the Scottsdale Scorpions in batting average (.342), hits (25) and total bases (45) while tying for the team lead in doubles (6) and home runs (2). Dunn led the Scorpions to the second-annual AFL Play-In Semifinal.

Defensive Player of the Year: Peoria Javelinas INF Ryan Bliss (SEA)

Ryan Bliss dazzled at Peoria Sports Complex for the Peoria Javelinas. In 19 games, playing exclusively at second base, Bliss had a .972 fielding percentage and turned nine double plays. He played 164.2 innings in the field, recording 71 total chances. In 79 Minor League games at second base, Bliss has a .983 fielding percentage in 684.1 innings.

Hitter of the Week: Mesa Solar Sox INF Caleb Durbin (NYY)

Caleb Durbin spent the final week of the AFL season on a mission for the league stolen base record. He swiped four bases in three games, leading the AFL during the week. He finished the season with 21 stolen bases in 23 games, tied for the second-most steals in an AFL season. What makes Durbin’s tally impressive is his per-game performance. The AFL used to play a 50-game schedule, meaning Rick Holifield’s AFL record 24 steals in 1994 came in 42 games and Desi Relaford’s 21 steals, tied for second all-time with Durbin, came in 48 games. Durbin hit .500 and finished tied for the league lead with 11 total bases. Mesa won all three games during the week. Durbin said, “I tried to keep a simple approach and put pressure on the pitcher at the plate and on the base path.”

Pitcher of the Week: Mesa Solar Sox RHP Royber Salinas (OAK)

Royber Salinas twirled four shutout innings for the Solar Sox, picking up one of Mesa’s three wins during the final week of play. He allowed one run on a singular hit, striking out six and walking three. Opponents hit .071 against him. Salinas said, “I felt good, I was able to use my pitches and locate them where I wanted. Thus, I was able to dominate the hitters.”

Regarded as the premier development league for baseball’s top prospects, the Arizona Fall League continues to feature top-caliber talent across all 30 MLB Clubs. AFL games were regularly seen at six Cactus League ballparks throughout the 2023 season – Camelback Ranch-Glendale, Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Sloan Park, Scottsdale Stadium and Surprise Stadium. Special events were held at Goodyear Ballpark and Hohokam Stadium. For more information about the 2023 season, visit MLB.com/AFL.