The Pirates yesterday announced more minor league awards for the 2026 season, including hot young star Murf Gray as the Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year. Gray hit a combined .305 with 32 home runs, 97 RBIs, 27 doubles, 66 walks, and 100 runs scored in 126 games playing at three levels, Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro, and Double-A Altoona. He’s also the front-runner for the Honus Wagner Award as the Pirates’ minor league MVP.
Infielder Jesus Castillo is the Bill Mazeroski Defender of the Year. Playing primarily for Altoona, Castillo handled 299 total chances, committing just nine errors for a .969 fielding percentage.
A day after his younger brother Johan was named the Pirates’ rookie level player of the year, infielder Yordanny De Los Santos was named the Omar Moreno Baserunner of the Year. He stole a combined 45 stolen bases at Bradenton and Greensboro, mostly at the High-A level. He hit a combined .260 with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs.
Right-hander Derek Diamond is the Kent Tekulve Reliever of the Year after going 7-0 with a 2.48 ERA and two saves and 57 strikeouts in 37 games across four levels, including 5-0 with a 3.14 ERA at Triple-A Indianapolis.
The Honus Wagner Player of the Year and Bob Friend Pitcher of the Year will be announced today.
