As the companion piece to the post that went up on Tuesday, today we have the best hitter in the Arizona and Florida Complex Leagues.

First, though, let’s take a look at winners back to 2010:

2019- Vinnie Pasquantino (Charlottesville 2017)
2018- Nick Hutchins (Front Royal 2015)
2017- Robby Rinn (Aldie 2013)
2016- Bradley Jones (Charles Town 2015)
2015- Patrick Mazeika (Waynesboro 2013)
2014- Logan Moon (Winchester 2012)
2013- Tyler White (Harrisonburg 2010)
2012- Joel Capote (Luray 2010)
2011- Sean Buckley (Staunton 2009-10)
2010- Murray Watts (New Market 2008)

There are two major leaguers on this list- Tyler White and Patrick Mazeika. Get to know the name Vinnie Pasquantino, as you’ll see it again pretty soon.

The 2021 Rookie Level Hitter of the Year is Kyle Battle, who played on the 2017 VBL-title winning Charlottesville team.

Battle was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Yankees after an incredible senior season at Old Dominion in 2021, when he hit .319/.464/.681 in 207 at-bats, with 15 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, and 56 walks against only 37 strikeouts. The Yankees assigned him to the Florida Complex League in late July, and he proceeded to hit .302/.451/.547 in 53 at-bats, with 16 runs scored, four doubles, three home runs, 15 RBIs, five stolen bases, and 13 walks against 11 strikeouts. In September, he played in three games for Low-A Tampa as well.

Others to Consider

  • Trendon Craig (Covington 2021): Orioles of the FCL: .294/.385/.412 in 68 at-bats, 12 runs, five doubles, one home run, 8/17 BB/K, seven stolen bases
  • Bryce Teodosio (Waynesboro 2018): Angels of the ACL: .240/.424/.560 in 25 at-bats, one triple, two home runs, 8/8 BB/K
  • DJ Lee (Charlottesville 2016): Yankees of the FCL: .344/.523/.531 in 32 at-bats, six runs, three doubles, one home run, 10/11 BB/K, two stolen bases (Weirdly, Lee was released on August 16, 2021.)