Atlanta Braves

Tyrell Jenkins, Mallex Smith named Braves organizational players of the year

Published Sep. 10, 2015 5:48 p.m. ET

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Two touted prospects acquired during the Atlanta Braves' offseason trading spree were named the organization's top players on Thursday.

Tyrell Jenkins earned the organization's Pitcher of the Year honors, while outfielder Mallex Smith was named the system's Player of the Year.

Both players began their Braves careers at the Double-A level and are now Triple-A Gwinnett teammates. Perhaps more importantly, both are expected to challenge for MLB roster spots in 2016.

Jenkins, who the Braves acquired in the Shelby Miller-Jason Heyward blockbuster trade, posted strong numbers at Double-A Mississippi before being called up. He owned a 3.00 ERA in 93 innings pitched at the Double-A level; he owns a 3.19 ERA overall this season, being named a Southern League All-Star along the way.

Smith, the speedy outfielder the Braves brought over from the Padres system, has hit .306 overall in stops at Mississippi and Gwinnett, the fourth-highest batting average in the franchise's farm system. He raked at the Double-A level, hitting .340/418/.413 with 23 steals and drawing high praise from manager Aaron Holbert. His bat understandably cooled down at the highest level in the farm system, but he's still stolen 34 bases in 69 games in Triple-A. Here's the full rundown of the organization's annual minor-league awards: