Jesus David Castellano / @_JDCastellano
The young Venezuelan catcher and first baseman, Josué Briceño, left his name forever engraved in Minor League baseball this Thursday, by becoming the first triple crowned in the 32-year history of the Arizona Fall League.
The 20-year-old Aragüen native who played for the Scottsdale Scorpions and is listed as the ninth best prospect of the Detroit Tigers according to MLB Pipeline, led the circuit in average (.433), home runs (10) and runs batted in (27) . He showed that the label he has and how well he is valued within the organization of the “Motor City” is no coincidence.
Additionally, he led the departments of Slugging (.867), OPS (1.376), hits (39), extra-base hits (17), bases reached (78). In addition, he had the best frequency of home runs, with a HR every 9.00 at-bats. A performance without a doubt quite complete and to frame.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Josué Briceño told the media at the end of the last game of the regular season and through an interpreter. «something I didn’t expect to win. But as the season progressed, I thought I would have a chance and here we are.
There have been several future MVPs who have passed through Arizona
It should be noted that a League where future Rookies of the Year and Most Valuable Players in the Major Leagues such as Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Buster Posey, among others, came to parade, a young Venezuelan like Briceño makes history and begins to leave its mark within its organization and remains a long way in its development before reaching the highest level.
Briceño, a 20-year-old catcher who was signed for $800,000 out of Venezuela in 2022, joined the Scottsdale Scorpions looking to make up for lost time after being limited to 40 games at Class-A Lakeland this season. That, due to a sprained right knee.
On the other hand, it should not be overlooked that Briceño does not belong to any club in the LVBP. In fact, it is said that he could be the first selection in the upcoming Rookie Draft; which will take place this December 10 for the first time in the history of Venezuelan winter baseball.
Follow the coverage by El Extrabase
