Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The Monclova Aqua Sox have named Catcher Pablo Montalvan as their “Hitter of the Year” for the 2040 season.
Pablo Montalvan
Montalvan, a 21-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic, slashed .263/.298/.516 for the light-hitting Aqua Sox. He hit 24 doubles and 10 home runs, scoring 29 runs and knocking in 30. He had 2.6 WAR to lead the team.
“Pablo had a nice season for us and led the team in a number of categories,” said Manager Elliott Bilodeau.
Montalvan was chosen by Chicago in the 8th round of the 2040 amateur draft, and was the 369th overall pick.
“I know people weren’t expecting much out of me, but I wanted to show everyone that I can play. I think I did that,” Montalvan said.
Despite his relative success this season, Montalvan is not considered a major league prospect by the organization. Even so, he’ll likely get a shot in the Florida Prospect League to showcase his talents further.
“We’ll give Pablo every opportunity,” said Black Sox Asst. GM Bill McGuffin. “If he can build on his Rookie League success, who knows what might happen?”
Juan Benitez, Monclova’s center fielder, finished second in the balloting for Monclova’s Hitter of the Year. He slashed just .239/.276/.439, but hit 10 homers and led the team with 36 RBIs. He had 1.3 WAR for the season.
