The Texas Rangers announced their 2026 organizational minor league award winners, recognizing standout performers across multiple levels of the team’s developmental system, according to official club announcements. Infielder Rafe Perich and left-handed pitcher Dalton Pence captured the top individual honors as the Tom Grieve Player of the Year and Nolan Ryan Pitcher of the Year, respectively.
Top Award Winners Perich and Pence Lead 2026 Class
Perich slashed .315/.401/.586 with an .987 OPS across 116 games split between High-A Hub City and Double-A Frisco. The 24-year-old switch-hitting corner infielder led all Texas farmhands in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS, while belting an organization-high 27 home runs, 31 doubles, and 4 triples. Selected in the seventh round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Lehigh University, Perich totaled 62 extra-base hits during the 2026 campaign. On the mound, Pence posted a 6-4 record with a 2.44 ERA over 114.1 innings across High-A Hub City, Double-A Frisco, and Triple-A Round Rock, according to team releases. The 24-year-old left-hander struck out 117 batters while issuing 45 walks, producing the lowest ERA among Rangers minor leaguers with at least 55.0 innings pitched.
Reliever and Defender Honors Recognized
The 22-year-old left-hander allowed just one home run all season and closed the regular season with nine consecutive scoreless appearances. Meanwhile, 19-year-old infielder Yolfran Castillo secured the Defender of the Year award. Castillo recorded a .973 fielding percentage across 447 total chances while playing primarily shortstop for Hickory. Right-handed pitcher Evan Siary received the True Ranger Award for his contributions within the organization.
Globe Life Field Pregame Ceremony Scheduled
According to the Texas Rangers, the organization will present the award winners with their honors during a pregame ceremony on Saturday, September 19, at Globe Life Field prior to the team’s matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays. The event marks a formal acknowledgment of player development milestones for prospects spanning the club’s Single-A, High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A affiliates.
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