Cubs Name Bryant, Tseng Their Minor Leaguers Of The Year
(CBS) The Cubs have named top prospect Kris Bryant their minor league player of the year and Jen-Ho Tseng their pitcher of the year, they announced Monday afternoon.
The 22-year-old Bryant batted .325 with 43 homers, 110 RBIs and a 1.098 slugging percentage in 138 games between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa this season. His power outburst made him the minor league home run champion.
Many clamored for his call-up to the big leagues, but the Cubs front office opted not to rush him and then let him rest after Iowa's season ended in late August. Bryant is a near certainty to be called up in the first half of 2015 if he doesn't make the Chicago roster out of spring training. He currently plays third base but could project as a corner outfielder in the future.
The 19-year-old Tseng was 6-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 19 games (17 starts) at Single-A Kane County. His performance helped the Cougars to a minor league-best 91 regular-season wins and the Midwest League title. He averaged 7.3 strikeouts and 1.3 walks per nine innings, and opponents hit just .204 off him. The Cubs signed Tseng as an undrafted free agent in July 2013.