Blake Dunn (right) is presented the award for minor league player of the year by Reds president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, during a Reds on Radio affiliates luncheon at Great American Ballpark in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. (Sam Greene-Cincinnati Enquirer/USA Today Sports)
CINCINNATI — The Reds Caravan is in full swing, bring a good dose of optimism for Reds Country.
Less than a month out from pitchers and catchers reporting on Feb. 14 in Goodyear, the feel-good vibes are abound.
Obviously, names like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer and Brandon Williamson dominated the Kiddie Corps Reds renaissance in 2023, there were plenty of other prospects that had banner years in the minors. Those players, many in their early-to-mid 20s, received their kudos on Wednesday.
The Reds held their annual Reds on Radio Affiliate Luncheon in the Bally Sports Club at Great American Ball Park and announced their 2023 Minor League Award winners.
Outfielder Blake Dunn (124g, .312, 17 2b, 5 3b, 23hr, 79rbi, 54sb .425obp, .522slg, .947ops) was named winner of the Sheldon “Chief” Bender Award as the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year. The 2023 Southern League batting champion led all Reds minor league batters in home runs, hits (143), total bases (239), runs (107) and stolen bases.
Dunn, 25, began the 2023 season at Advanced-A Dayton where he was named the Midwest League’s Player of the Month for April. After 47 games with the Dragons, he was promoted to AA-Chattanooga where he was twice selected as the Southern League’s Player of the Week. He earned the league’s Player of the Month award for July.
Outfielder Jacob Hurtubise (HURT-uh-bees) received the Position Player of the Year award. He led all Reds full-season minor leaguers in batting average (.330), on-base percentage (.479), and OPS (.961). The 2023 MiLB.com Organization All-Star appeared in 83 games for AA-Chattanooga before he was promoted to AAA-Louisville in August (36g).
This past fall, following his 2023, season, the 26-year-old Hurtubise played for the Surprise Sagueros in the prestigious Arizona Fall League. On November 14, he was added to the Reds’ 40-man roster.
Julian Aguiar, 22, was awarded the organization’s Pitcher of the Year. He led all Reds full-season minor league pitchers in ERA (2.95), innings pitched (125.0), batting average against (.216), WHIP (1.10), and winning percentage (.615).
In 25 total starts between Advanced-A Dayton and AA-Chattanooga, Aguiar went 8-5 with 138 strikeouts and 37 walks. He was the Midwest League’s Pitcher of the Month for May and was selected as a league all-star.
Reds Academies Coordinator Luis Bolívar was named the organization’s inaugural Player Development Person of the Year, as an individual who consistently embodies the Reds core values of Authentic, Connected and Relentless.
Dunn and Hurtubise are participating on the west tour of the 2024 Reds Caravan.
Will make fan stops in Indiana and includes pitcher Carson Spiers, outfield prospects Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn, former catcher Corky Miller, Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman, Reds on Radio broadcaster Jeff Brantley and President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall.
Will make fan stops in West Virginia and includes pitcher Andrew Abbott, infield prospects Cam Collier and Sal Stewart, outfield prospect Rece Hinds, 1990 World Series team member Todd Benzinger, and Vice President, Assistant General Manager Sam Grossman.
Will make fan stops in Ohio and includes pitcher Frankie Montas, pitching prospects Rhett Lowder and Ty Floyd, manager David Bell (Columbus and Dayton only), former catcher Corky Miller, Reds on Radio broadcaster Tommy Thrall, Reds/Bally Sports broadcaster Sam LeCure, and Vice President, Player Acquisition & Strategy Jeff Graupe.
Will make fan stops in Kentucky and includes pitcher Buck Farmer, infield prospects Sammy Stafura and Carlos Jorge, former pitcher Ron Robinson, Reds/Bally Sports broadcaster Jim Day, Reds President & COO Phil Castellini and Senior Vice President & General Manager Brad Meador.
Other Reds Notes from Wednesday:
The 2024 Reds Caravan kicked off Monday and features five tours traveling a combined 3,100 miles in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia through Saturday. The West tour leaves today and will be making public stops at Bally’s in Evansville tonight and at the Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis tomorrow. Visit reds.com/Caravan for up-to-date information and schedules.
Fans can make their reservations now to watch the Big Game on February 11 at the BetMGM Sportsbook and Nation Kitchen & Bar at The Banks. The sportsbook features a full menu and beverage service from local favorite Nation Kitchen & Bar, with the restaurant area open to all ages. For Big Game reservations, please call 1-888-813-0040. Learn more at reds.com/BetMGM.
Reds Season Ticket Memberships start at just 13 games and include guaranteed access to Opening Day and the postseason. Plus, season ticket members get the biggest savings and can enjoy exclusive benefits all season long. Visit reds.com/membership.
This new ticket plan includes an exclusive bobblehead of Reds star Spencer Steer in the Nike City Connect uniform. Fans can choose any six Reds regular-season home games, excluding Opening Day. For more information or to purchase, visit reds.com/Pick6.
Throughout the offseason, fans can take a VIP tour of Great American Ball Park that includes areas such as the Reds and Visitors clubhouses that are not available during the season. Major League Clubhouse Tours are available on Saturdays at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. and include admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore. More info at redsmuseum.org.
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