The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that Otto Kemp and Griff McGarry are the recipients of the prestigious Paul Owens Award for 2025. This annual honor recognizes the top hitter and pitcher within the Phillies’ minor league system. Kemp, an infielder/outfielder, and McGarry, a right-handed pitcher, have both demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication throughout their minor league careers, earning them this well-deserved recognition.
Otto Kemp’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a Major League contributor exemplifies the Phillies’ commitment to player development. His impressive performance in Triple-A Lehigh Valley earned him a spot on the big-league roster, showcasing his power and offensive capabilities. Griff McGarry, a former top prospect, overcame earlier struggles to refine his skills in Double-A Reading, reaffirming his potential as a high-impact pitcher. Both players represent the future of the Phillies organization, and their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and the guidance of the Phillies’ coaching staff.
Otto Kemp: Top Hitter in the Phillies Minor League System
Otto Kemp’s remarkable 2025 season has been capped off with the Paul Owens Award, recognizing him as the top hitter in the Phillies’ minor league system. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Kemp has rapidly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his versatility and offensive prowess.
This year, Kemp dominated at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, batting .310 with a .987 OPS and blasting 16 home runs in just 74 games. His outstanding performance earned him his first call-up to the majors in June, where he provided a spark for the Phillies. While he was briefly sent back down to Triple-A in August, he continued to produce and quickly returned to the Phillies roster earlier this month.
“From an undrafted free agent to a key contributor on our 2025 NL East champion team, Otto represents everything we want our minor league players to embody,” said Phillies farm director Luke Murton. “His performance on the field has been nothing short of spectacular.”
Kemp’s ability to play multiple positions, combined with his impressive power numbers, makes him a valuable asset to the Phillies organization. His dedication to improvement and professional demeanor have also earned him high praise from coaches and teammates alike. The future looks bright for Otto Kemp as he continues to develop and contribute to the Phillies’ success.
Griff McGarry: Top Pitcher in the Phillies Minor League System
Griff McGarry has been named the recipient of the Paul Owens Award as the top pitcher in the Phillies’ minor league system. After being drafted in the fifth round in 2021, McGarry was once considered a top prospect due to his impressive pitching arsenal. However, he faced challenges in his initial stints at Triple-A from 2022 to 2024.
In 2025, McGarry was sent back down to Double-A Reading, where he rediscovered his form and honed his skills. He posted a 3.44 ERA in 21 minor-league starts this season, demonstrating improved control and consistency. His strong performance earned him a promotion back to Lehigh Valley for his final outing of the year.
“Griff McGarry is an exceptionally gifted pitcher with top-of-the-scale ability,” said Murton. “This season, he made important strides in harnessing his elite stuff, which led to outstanding results.”
McGarry’s ability to generate swings and misses at a high rate makes him a formidable presence on the mound. His dedication to improvement and his commitment to refining his mechanics have been instrumental in his success this season. With his talent and work ethic, McGarry has the potential to become a key member of the Phillies’ pitching staff in the years to come.
Al Pedrique and Tommy Field Honored for Contributions
In addition to the Paul Owens Awards, the Phillies also recognized two other individuals for their contributions to the organization. Reading manager Al Pedrique was selected as the winner of the John Vukovich Award, which is presented annually to a minor-league instructor. Pedrique’s leadership and guidance have been invaluable to the development of young players in the Phillies’ system.
Tommy Field, an area scout who signed several of the Phillies’ top draft picks in 2025, has won the organization’s Dallas Green Award. Field’s keen eye for talent has helped the Phillies identify and acquire promising young players who have the potential to make a significant impact at the major league level.
Awards to be Presented at Citizens Bank Park
Otto Kemp, Griff McGarry, Al Pedrique, and Tommy Field will receive their awards on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park prior to Philadelphia’s matchup against the Marlins, according to the Phillies. This pregame ceremony will provide an opportunity for fans to celebrate the accomplishments of these deserving individuals and recognize their contributions to the Phillies organization.
Looking Ahead
The recognition of Otto Kemp and Griff McGarry with the Paul Owens Award highlights the Phillies’ commitment to developing talent from within their organization. Kemp’s impressive offensive abilities and McGarry’s high-potential pitching arm represent the future of the team, and their success stories serve as an inspiration to other young players in the system.
As the Phillies continue to build towards sustained success, the contributions of these award winners will be crucial. With their talent, dedication, and the guidance of the Phillies’ coaching staff, Kemp and McGarry are poised to make a significant impact on the team’s future. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they continue to develop and strive for excellence in their pursuit of Major League success.
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