We've officially entered August, which means a few things. First off, the trade deadline has come and gone. The Boston Red Sox weren't exactly the big winners of the day.
They came away making just two trades, neither of which was a groundbreaking splash. However, the moves had implications for the second big "it's August" announcement. With the calendar once again flipping, it's time to hand out some awards for the previous month.
Which prospects came away with our monthly awards for July? Everyone is eligible, even if they were traded. However, we won't be seeing some very familiar names much after this.
Red Sox Minor League Awards for July: Two top prospects, first-time winners honored
Dedgar Jimenez Award (starting pitcher of the month)
Winner: Payton Tolle
Runner-ups: Hayden Mullins, David Sandlin, Yhoiker Fajardo, Devin Futrell, Ben Hansen
Payton Tolle might have this award locked down for the rest of the year, barring a ridiculous month by someone else. Mullins was particularly fantastic, but Tolle is on a different level of dominance.
The left-handed pitcher had his first full month in Double-A and continued to terrorize hitters. He posted a 2.00 ERA, .177 BAA, and 0.78 WHIP in four appearances (three starts). Tolle struck out 22 batters compared to three walks in 18 innings.
The good news for the rest of the system is that Tolle seems to be flying through the minors. There's an outside shot he'sin Boston by the end of the year. At the very least, he'll be fighting for a spot on the Opening Day roster in 2026.
Joan Martinez Award (relief pitcher of the month)
Winner: Manuel Medina
Runner-ups: Jacob Webb, Jeremy Wu-Yelland, Jack Anderson, Isaac Stebens, Austin Ehrlicher, Jay Allmer, Griffin Kilander
An argument could be made for a few people here. Isaac Stebens didn't allow a run in July. He only threw 8 2/3 innings, though (and only had eight strikeouts). Jack Anderson gave up one earned run in 10 innings and struck out 13 batters.
Manuel Medina is the winner, though. The left-handed pitcher gets a massive bump by tossing a ridiculous 18 2/3 innings out of the bullpen in July. He posted a 1.45 ERA, .169 BAA, and 0.70 WHIP in six appearances. Most impressively, he struck out 19 batters and only walked two.
Chih-Hsien Chiang Award (offensive player of the month)
Winner: Ronald Rosario
Runner-ups: Yophery Rodriguez, Starlyn Nunez, Justin Gonzales, Natanael Yuten, Ahbram Liendo, Blaze Jordan, Jhostynxon Garcia
Let's start with a shoutout to Blaze Jordan, who had another phenomenal month, but was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals at the deadline. Wishing him the best.
Last month, the bats were pretty bad in the system. They picked it up mightily in July. Natanael Yuten, Starlyn Nunez, and Justin Gonzales all hit over .300. Yophery Rodriguez would've won the award any other month with a ridiculous .342/.375/.539 slash line. However, Ronald Rosario exists.
Rosie figured out Double-A in July. The right-handed hitting catcher slashed .375/.444/.604 with a pair of doubles and three home runs. He drove in eight runs, scored eight more, and stole one base.
Rosario only had 48 ABs (which almost led to a Rodriguez win), but the numbers were too overpowering.
Deiner Lopez Award (defensive player of the month)
Winner: Nelly Taylor
Runner-ups: Ahbram Liendo, Yophery Rodriguez, Miguel Bleis, Blaze Jordan, Jhostynxon Garcia,
Nelly Taylor did what he does best this month. The outfielder was running around making ridiculous plays, showing off his arm, and denying hits all month.
That Greenville outfield has been ridiculous all year, with Taylor being paired with Yophery Rodriguez and Miguel Bleis. Bleis was just promoted to Double-A, but I feel safe in the idea of Taylor and Rodriguez still terrorizing hitters.
Taylor is one of the best defensive outfield prospects you'll ever see. His instincts are phenomenal, he has a great arm, and his ridiculous speed helps him get to balls most others couldn't. He's also a master of making difficult plays look routine.
Danny Mars Award (baserunner of the month)
Winner: Ahbram Liendo
Runner-ups: Zach Ehrhard, Max Ferguson, Allan Castro, Yosander Asencio, Justin Gonzales, Nelly Taylor, Miguel Bleis
Ahbram Liendo had a fantastic April, but struggled mightily in May and June. He got back on track in July in Double-A and is continuing to prove how useful he is in a lineup. Getting back on track at the plate means Liendo was on base more often, and that's the worst news an opposing pitcher can get.
Liendo stole 10 bases in 11 attempts in July. He also scored 11 runs. The right-handed hitting, slick-fielding infielder was constantly setting the table for the top of the order. Portland's offense has struggled, but Liendo's ability to create havoc on the basepaths gave them opportunities to manufacture runs.
As long as he's getting on base, Liendo will always be near the top of this award.