2058.6: Anaya wins JL Gillstrom

[Rubaboo]

For the first time since 2049, the Aztecs have a Gillstrom winner.

Juan Anaya didn't let a rough spring and a return to AAA deter him in April. He crushed AAA pitching for the first couple of weeks, then continued to do so after being called up to the bigs. A couple of nagging injuries saw a decrease in his May and June numbers but Anaya proved he belonged during the last three months and will very likely be bringing the hardware home after his debut season.

The rookie 3B slashed .331/.349./.511 with 39 2B and 10 HR. He even played well defensively at 3B, posting a +4.4 ZR there throughout the season.

"We're thrilled by Juan's performance," said Aztec GM Fred Holmes, "for a player of his age to battle and overcome the slow start and the bumps and bruises that he did during the season and just keep plugging along and producing is really impressive. Couldn't be happier for him, he definitely deserves the recognition."

Anaya is the third Gillstrom winner of long time Aztec GM Fred Holmes' career, joining DH Dwight Davis in 2023 and Arnold Norris in 2049.