Friday, the Rays announced their minor league awards, naming first baseman Nate Lowe as the Player of the Year and lefty Brock Burke as the Pitcher of the Year. The team also honored an MVP for each affiliate, the best baserunner in the organization, the best reliever, the best defensive player, and recognized one player for exemplary community involvement.
Lowe slugged his way to national prominence in 2018, earning a spot in the Futures Game. He led the organization with 27 home runs and was third with a .330 average for Class A-Advanced Charlotte, Double-A Montgomery, and Triple-A Durham.