George and Gibson receive Orioles' minor league awards

A 19-year-old outfielder will be honored as the Orioles’ top minor league player in 2025.

That’s a bright future.

Nate George will receive his award tonight in an on-field ceremony prior to the game against the Rays at Camden Yards. Right-hander Trey Gibson, 23, was chosen as the system’s top pitcher.

Florida Complex League manager Christian Frias and area scout Rich Amaral also were recognized for their contributions to the organization.

The Orioles drafted George in the 16^th round in 2024 out of Minooka Community High School in Illinois. His first professional season carried him to three levels – the FCL, Class A Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen – and he hit a combined .337/.413/.483 with 14 doubles, nine triples, five home runs, 42 RBIs, 38 walks, 62 strikeouts and 50 stolen bases in 87 games.

George lasted only 23 games in the FCL before his first promotion, and he slashed .383/.451/.556. He earned Player of the Week honors May 19-25.

Baseball America ranks George as the Orioles’ No. 2 prospect and MLB Pipeline ranks him eighth. Baseball America also rates George as the 78^th in the minors.

Gibson, 23, posted a 4.26 ERA, 1.213 WHIP and 166 strikeouts in 120 1/3 innings in 26 games (25 starts) between Aberdeen, Double-A Chesapeake and Triple-A Norfolk. He was twice named Eastern League Pitcher of the Week, and also was chosen for the award once in International League.

Gibson’s strikeout total tied him for fourth among all minor pitchers, the most by an Orioles farmhand since Cade Povich’s 171 in 2023.

The Orioles signed Gibson as an undrafted free agent in 2023 out of Liberty University in Virginia. He’s ranked as their No. 8 prospect by Baseball America and No. 12 by MLB Pipeline. ESPN ranks him 95^th in its Top 100.

Frias was named the winner of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Player Development Award after completing his fourth season as FCL manager and sixth in the organization. He led the club to a 35-24 record and played an integral role in the development of several top prospects, including George and pitcher Esteban Mejia. Last month, Frias was named the FCL Manager of the Year.

“Frias has been a living example of dedication, hard work, and humility since he arrived,” vice president of player development and domestic scouting Matt Blood said in a statement.

Amaral was named the Jim Russo Scout of the Year. Amaral joined the Orioles in 2018 as a scout based in Southern California and extended his coverage into Arizona this year. He played 10 seasons in the majors with the Mariners (1991-98) and Orioles (1999–2000).

“Rich has been a dedicated scout who has shown the willingness to collaborate, learn and voice his opinion in an impactful way,” Blood said.

Blood and director of minor league operations Kent Qualls will present the awards tonight.