Two Blue Jays just won big awards

The camp minor league awards are a big deal, showing just how far a player has come and also what the organization thinks of them. While the entire list of winners wasn't released, we do know who a couple of the winners are.

The minor league hitter of the year goes to Alan Roden, while Ryan Jennings took home pitcher of the year.

Roden has had a meteoric rise through the Blue Jays farm system, and his currently banging down the door on the big league clubhouse.

Between Double-A New Hampshire and Tripe-A Buffalo last year, Roden slashed .293/.391/.475 with 16 home runs and 75 RBIs. He also added 26 doubles, four triples, and 14 stolen bases. Not bad for a guy who has been in the system for less than three years.

While Jennings doesn't have the name recognition that Roden does, the Blue Jays thought highly enough of him to send him to the Arizona Fall League in December. His numbers back up that reward as well.

Splitting 2024 between Vancouver and New Hampshire, Rodenblank' rel='noopener'>Jennings went a combined 0-5 with a 1.93 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 60.2 innings over 21 games. He started 12, saved two, had an RA9 of 3.12 and a WHIP 1.137. Decent numbers for a guy who has also only been in the system since 2022.

While Roden is certain to hit the majors this years, Jennings is likely still a year away as he yet to pitch above AA. Although if the Blue Jays get shelled by injuries, it is possible they reach down to New Hampshire.

Neither player is currently on the 40 man roster, though that will probably change soon.

Either way, the Blue Jays' future is in good hands. The next generation is almost here.