Topps has released their Minor League Players of the Year awards for each of the individual leagues throughout minor league baseball, and two Pirates prospects were recognized for their respective leagues. Gregory Polanco was named the Player of the Year for the South Atlantic League, while Dilson Herrera was named the Player of the Year for the Gulf Coast League.
Polanco hit for a .325/.388/.522 line in 437 at-bats in West Virginia this year, with 16 homers. It was a breakout year for the outfielder, as he had a .237.333/.361 line last year in the GCL. His numbers barely edged out teammate Alen Hanson, who had a .309/.381/.528 line in 489 at-bats.
Herrera made his debut in the US this year, and hit for a .286/.341/.489 line with seven homers in 199 at-bats. He led the league in extra base hits, total bases, and finished second in home runs.
