Gray, Hernandez headline Pirates’ 2026 Minor League awards

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their 2026 Minor League organization awards on Thursday, honoring eight players and one staff member. Top prospects Murf Gray and Seth Hernandez earned the headline honors. Gray was named Honus Wagner Player of the Year and Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year after batting .305 with 32 home runs across three levels, while Hernandez took home the Bob Friend Pitcher of the Year award.

Other notable award recipients included Jesus Castillo as Defender of the Year, Derek Diamond as Reliever of the Year, and Yordany De Los Santos as Baserunner of the Year. Johan De Los Santos and Irwin Ramirez were selected as the Rookie-level Player and Pitcher of the Year, while 25-year organizational veteran Cecilio Beltre received Staff Member of the Year honors.