Griffin Herring Named Finalist for MiLB POTY

The regular season might be over, but the accolades keep rolling in for Griffin Herring. The talented southpaw — who joined the Indians in August after being acquired by the Rockies at the trade deadline — was named one of three finalists for MiLB Pitching Prospect of the Year after a breakout season across two levels in 2025.

"It's a great honor to be nominated for this award," said Herring. "This season took a lot of turns, but with the help of three great staffs and a commitment to preparation, I was able to set a standard for myself going forward."

Originally selected in the sixth-round of the 2024 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University by New York (AL), Herring made his professional debut with Low-A Tampa earlier this season. The left-hander made quick work of the Florida State League with the Tarpons (4-1, 1.21 ERA, .155 AVG, 0.90 WHIP) and didn't skip a beat upon a promotion to High-A Hudson Valley (3-2, 2.22 ERA, .201 AVG, 1.16 WHIP) before being traded to Colorado on July 25th as part of the Ryan McMahon deal.

Herring's first month in the Rockies organization could not have gone much better, as the Indians southpaw earned Northwest League Pitcher of the Month honors after leading the league in batting average against (.136), hits allowed per nine innings (3.9) and strikeouts per nine innings (14.04). He finished his time in Spokane with a 1-1 record, 2.40 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, .141 AVG, and 47 K's in seven starts (30 IP).

Overall, the 22-year-old Texan wrapped up the season with an 8-4 record, 1.89 ERA, .169 AVG, 1.00 WHIP, and 149 K/49 BB mark in 119.1 IP between Tampa, Hudson Valley, and Spokane. Herring ranked third in the Minors in ERA and average-against, fourth in WHIP and eighth in strikeout rate (31.4 percent).

The other finalists for this year's award are Jonah Tong (New York Mets) and Trey Yesavage (Toronto Blue Jays). MLB Network will reveal the winner during its third annual MiLB Awards Show Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. ET. Only Minor League performance was considered when MLB Pipeline staff decided the three finalists.

Previous winners
2013: José Fernández, Marlins
2014: Tyler Glasnow, Pirates
2015: Blake Snell, Rays
2016: Tyler Glasnow, Pirates
2017: Jon Duplantier, Diamondbacks
2018: Dylan Cease, White Sox
2019: MacKenzie Gore, Padres
2020: None (COVID)
2021: Grayson Rodriguez, Orioles
2022: Andrew Painter, Phillies
2023: Drew Thorpe, Yankees
2024: Quinn Mathews, Cardinals

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The Spokane Indians are the High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies located in Spokane Valley, Wash. The Indians have played at Avista Stadium, home to the MultiCare Kids Bench Seat, since 1958 and have been a proud member of the Spokane community since 1903. Parking at all Spokane Indians games is FREE. The Spokane Indians Front Office and Team Store are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.