We’ve finished the rookie level hitter and pitcher of the year, so we’ll move up the chain one level, and take a look at the short-season A-ball players. The leagues considered for this award played in either the Northwest or New-York Penn Leagues.

Previous winners:

2017- Ben Breazeale (Harrisonburg 2014)
2016- Jason Morozowski (Staunton 2013)
2015- Orlando Olivera (Luray 2011-12)
2014- Ryan McBroom (Haymarket 2011-12)
2013- Tyler White (Haymarket 2010)
2012- Mac Williamson (Harrisonburg 2011)
2011- Justin Miller (Staunton 2010)
2010- Adalberto Santos (Woodstock 2008)

The 2018 Short-Season Hitter of the Year is former Staunton Brave JC Escarra, who played for Aberdeen in the New York-Penn League. JC hit very well, slashing 331/417/511 in 178 at-bats, along with 30 runs, 34 RBIs, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, and a solid 18/22 BB/K ratio. A 15th round draft pick in 2017, JC hit 283/299/444 in 99 at-bats for the Braves all the way back in 2014.

Others to Consider:

  • Christopher Bec (Front Royal 2016): 245/351/365 in 159 at-bats for Vancouver in the Northwest League. 25 runs, 21 RBIs, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 27/34 BB/K, and 16 stolen bases
  • Jacob Rhinesmith (New Market 2017): For Auburn in the New York-Penn League, Jacob hit 283/358/380 in 237 at-bats, with 39 runs, 32 RBIs, 12 doubles, 4 triples, 1 home run, a 27/40 BB/K ratio, and 6 stolen bases
  • Cody Wilson (Winchester 2017): Also for Auburn, Cody hit 278/355/389 in 180 at-bats, with 24 runs, 18 RBIs, 10 doubles, 5 triples, a 17/39 BB/K ratio, and 3 stolen bases

JC Escarra Aberdeen 2018 hitting