Twins name Kepler and Berrios Minor League Players of the Year
By Brennen Rupp
The Minnesota Twins announced the organizations’ minor league players of the year last night before the game. Max Kepler was named Minor League Player of the Year and Jose Berrios was named Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Kepler, the Twins number six overall prospect enjoyed a breakout season playing for Double-A Chattanooga. The German native hit .322 with nine home runs, 32 doubles, 13 triples and swiped 18 bases for the Lookouts.
Kepler was named the Southern League MVP and helped the Lookouts capture the Southern League Championship. Kepler recently joined the Twins, but likely won’t receive any playing with the Twins crowded outfield and Joe Mauer holding down the fort at first base.
Berrios, the Twins number two overall prospect enjoyed a stellar season playing in both Double-A and Triple-A. He led the Minor Leagues in strikeouts with 175 punch-outs. He finished with a 2.90 earned run average and pitched 166 innings.
Berrios started the Future’s All-Star Game for the second straight season. During spring training their were multiple reports that Berrios was the best pitcher in the Twins organization, sorry Ricky Nolasco.
Instead of making his big league debut when the rosters expanded, the Twins opted to shut down Berrios for the season. It would be shocking if we didn’t see Berrios make his Major League debut before the All-Star Game next season.