Nationals announce 2025 Minor League Players of the Year

"The Washington Nationals have had a tough year across the organization. Between the firings of longtime General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez and the subpar product on the field across most levels of the minors, many fans can't wait for the season to come to an end. However, things weren't all bad on the farm system, as many prospects in the organization took major steps forward in 2025 in the team's effort to fortify their crop of young talent."

"The winner of the first award, the 2025 Hitter of the Year in the system is utilityman Phillip Glasser, who turned in an awesome season. After earning a promotion all the way up to AAA Rochester to end the season, putting him one step away from the big leagues, Glasser likely has a legitimate chance to break camp with the Nationals in 2026. He had a .302/.389/.404 slash line, good for a .793 OPS to go along with 7 homers,"

"The second winner, this time the Pitcher of the Year went to righty starter Riley Cornelio, who really came out of nowhere to establish himself as a very legitimate prospect with big league upside. Cornelio finished the year with a 6-7 record, 3.28 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 135 strikeouts in 134.1 innings, while starting 26 of his 27 appearances between High-A Wilmington, AA Harrisburg, and AAA Rochester."

Washington Nationals faced organizational turmoil in 2025 with firings of GM Mike Rizzo and Manager Dave Martinez and underperformance across most minor-league levels. Prospects made notable progress, offering hope for a stronger talent pipeline when new front office hires are finalized. The organization named its 2025 minor-league award winners. Utilityman Phillip Glasser won Hitter of the Year after a .302/.389/.404 slash line, 7 homers, 49 RBIs and 32 steals and finished at AAA Rochester. Right-hander Riley Cornelio earned Pitcher of the Year with a 3.28 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 134.1 innings across High-A, AA and AAA. A Defensive Player of the Year was selected, but recipient details are incomplete.

Read at District on Deck