Watch the 2024 MiLB Awards Show on MLB Network on Sept. 30
Brendan Samson
@brendan_samsonGrab your tuxedoes and iron your fanciest dresses because the MiLB Awards Show is back for a second season.
The production, which will air on MLB Network on Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. ET and be hosted by MLB Network Emmy Award-winning host and play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, will highlight all things Minor League Baseball, from this year’s top prospect performances to the wackiest alternate identities and everything in between.
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This season's iteration of the show will feature special guest Slugger -- the Portland Sea Dogs mascot -- on set and a live studio audience. Benjamin Hill, MiLB reporter and curator of the Ben's Biz newsletter, will also host a segment highlighting feel-good moments and crazy occurrences from around the Minor Leagues.
Like last year, the Best Alternate Identity award will be voted on by the fans, with a poll opening on Sept. 12.
Here are the categories that will be awarded:
Minor League Hitting Prospect of the Year: Won by the Orioles’ Jackson Holliday in ‘23, this award combines production, age and level to identify the prospect that had the best year at the dish. Last year, at just 19 years old, Holliday posted a .323/.442/.499 slash line, while traversing four Minor League levels.
Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year: Just like the previous category, the Pitching Prospect of the Year identifies someone who has been dominant on the mound, while also taking into account their age and level. The White Sox Drew Thorpe won last year’s award after piling up a Minors-leading 182 strikeouts.
All-MiLB Prospect Team: This category tabs the best prospects at each position in 2024, splitting the players into a First Team and Second Team. Last season’s First Team featured eight players who have played in The Show this season.
Breakout Player of the Year: This is a player who went from outside the Top 100 list to prospect prominence in ‘24, excluding prospects that made their pro debut this year. As crazy as it may seem now, the Rays’ Junior Caminero took home this honor in ‘23 after not being ranked on the preseason Top 100 list.
Minor League Debut of the Year: As the name suggests, this award is given the prospect who has the best first year in pro ball. The Padres’ Ethan Salas won last season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Last year, Pete Crow-Armstrong fielding highlights were a nightly tradition. The Cubs outfielder was constantly laying out for circus catches or robbing homers at the wall. This award goes to the player that has been the PCA of ‘24.
Best Alternate Identity: Is there anything more MiLB than alternate identities? This award, which is decided by a fan vote, is given to the most unique, wackiest, quirkiest, one-of-a-kind alternate identity from this season. Last year, the D-backs' Double-A Amarillo affiliate took home the title for its nod to a local delicacy, Calf Fries. This year, the nominees include Chili Buns, Hype Hens and King Cakes.
To supplement the awards, montages of the year's best home runs, defensive plays, single-game performances and broadcaster calls will be woven throughout the show.