It’s been interesting how, the last few years, there haven’t been too many surprises when it comes to the Chicago Cubs’ organization’s player and pitcher of the year. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. It’s just interesting.
For example, this year, I don’t think anyone will be surprised to learn that Victor Caratini and Jen-Ho Tseng were the player and pitcher recipients this year, after each put together fantastic end-to-end performances in the upper minors this season.
Congrats to C Victor Caratini and RHP Jen-Ho Tseng, #Cubs Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year! pic.twitter.com/1wMSOr7Fii
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 13, 2017
Caratini, 24, broke out with a monster .342/.393/.558 (142 wRC+) line in his first go at AAA, earning some up-and-down promotions to the big leagues in the process (where he’s hit .250/.321/.375 so far). In a system that has been stripped of its top position prospects by trades and promotions, Caratini still stands out as an excellent catching prospect – arguably the best in baseball this past season.
Tseng, 22, is of course in the news because he starts tonight for the Cubs in his big league debut. We’ll have more on him soon, but for now, a congrats on the well-deserved award – the second time Tseng has won pitcher of the year honors (2014).