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Three prospects chase hitting award with historic seasons
Andrew Fischer, Theo Gillen and Rainiel Rodriguez are finalists for MLB Pipeline's Hitting Prospect of the Year after dominant minor league campaigns.
In brief
Andrew Fischer, Theo Gillen and Rainiel Rodriguez are finalists for MLB Pipeline's Hitting Prospect of the Year after dominant minor league campaigns. Past winners of this award have become All-Stars 26 times and won major league awards, making the 2026 finalists likely future stars. Originally reported by Mlb.
Award predicts major league success
Since 2013, Hitting Prospect of the Year winners have become All-Stars 26 times and won 10 Silver Sluggers, three Rookie of the Year awards and two MVPs.
Fischer crushes 48 homers in minors
The Brewers' 22-year-old led the minors in slugging, OPS and total bases, hitting 48 homers across High-A and Double-A, nine more than anyone else.
Fischer's power ranks with all-time greats
His 48 homers were the most in a minor league season since Ron Kittle hit 50 for Triple-A Edmonton in 1982, a 44-year gap.
Gillen combines power and speed
The Rays' 21-year-old hit 22 homers and stole 44 bases, becoming one of only five 20-40 players in the minors with an OPS above .900.
Gillen earns league MVP honors
His dominant start with High-A Bowling Green earned him South Atlantic League MVP before his June promotion to Double-A Montgomery.
Rodriguez dominates at age 19
The Cardinals' catcher was promoted to Double-A at 19 and hit .417 with 14 homers in his final 36 games, joining rare company.
Rodriguez matches Mike Trout's record
Since 2006, only 14 teenagers have gotten 400 plate appearances in Double-A. Only Mike Trout in 2011 had a higher wRC+ than Rodriguez's 151.
Award show airs September 28
The 2026 MiLB Awards Show will air on MLB Network on September 28, with the Hitter of the Year winner announced alongside other prospect honors.
At a glance
Past winners of this award have become All-Stars 26 times and won major league awards, making the 2026 finalists likely future stars.
