Prior to the game on Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, the Tampa Bay Rays held an awards ceremony to honor their 2017 Minor League Players. Headlining the event was their Minor League Player of the Year Jesus Sanchez and as well their Minor League Pitcher of the Year Yonny Chirinos.
In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays also honored their Most Valuable Players for each of their nine affiliates, as well as their organization wide Baserunner of the Year, Defensive Player of the year and Relief Pitcher of the Year.
Jesus Sanchez took home the Minor League Player of the Year after an outstanding season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods where he batted .