FLUSHING, NY, September 13, 2026 – The New York Mets today announced the 2026 Player Development award winners. Infielder Mitch Voit was named the organization’s Player of the Year, and LHP Jonathan Santucci was tabbed as the organization’s Pitcher of the Year. Outfielder Cleiner Ramirez was named DR Academy Player of the Year, and RHP Abner Meza was named DR Academy Pitcher of the Year. Additionally, Field and Gameplay Coordinator, David Adams, was named Minor League Staff Member of the Year, Lead DSL Hitting Coach, Bryce Wheary, was named DR Academy Staff Member of the Year and Senior Scout, Cesar Aranguren, was named Marlin McPhail Scout of the Year.
The recipients of the 2026 Player Development Awards will be honored during a pre-game, on-field ceremony at Citi Field on Monday, September 14 prior to New York’s 7:10 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Voit, 21, began his first full professional season with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones. In 76 games with the Cyclones, Voit sported a .745 OPS with 11 home runs, 12 doubles, 41 RBI, 47 runs and 36 stolen bases. On July 27, Voit was promoted to Double-A Binghamton and enjoyed immediate success with the Rumble Ponies. Through his first 12 career Double-A games, Voit batted .533 (24-45) with one home run, one triple, eight doubles, nine RBI, 21 runs, 10 walks, six stolen bases and a 1.440 OPS. The infielder took home back-to-back Eastern League Player of the Week honors on August 2 and August 9. In 29 games with Binghamton, Voit slashed .347/.430/.517 with two home runs, 12 doubles, one triple, 18 RBI, 33 runs and a .947 OPS. Among Mets farmhands, Voit ranks first in stolen bases (44), first in hits and third in runs. A native of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Voit was selected in the first round (38th overall) in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Michigan.
In his second professional season, Santucci has 26 starts between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. His 157 strikeouts are currently tied for the third-most among all minor league pitchers in 2026 and are the most by a Mets left-handed pitcher in the minors since 1997. The southpaw began the 2026 season with the Rumble Ponies and pitched to a 3.57 ERA (36 ER/90.2 IP) across 19 Double-A starts. In his second to last Double-A start, July 19 vs. Akron, Santucci recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts. His 120 strikeouts with Binghamton were the most among all Double-A pitchers prior to his promotion to Syracuse on July 28. Santucci has made seven starts for Syracuse and earned his first career Triple-A win on September 1 vs. Rochester. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Mets out of Duke University in the second round in the 2024 First Year Player Draft.
Ramirez, 17, posted an .819 OPS with seven home runs, 11 doubles 22 RBI, 42 runs and 18 stolen bases across 41 games for DSL Mets Orange in his first professional season. In his first 19 professional games, the right-handed batter slashed .329/.402/.644 with five home runs, eight doubles, 24 runs, 13 RBI and a 1.046 OPS. Ramirez was named a DSL Mid-Season All-Star and started for the National League in the DSL All-Star Game. A native of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, Ramirez signed with the Mets as an international free agent on January 15, 2026.
Meza, 19, went 5-2 with a 1.81 ERA (10 ER/49.2 IP) and 50 strikeouts across 11 starts for DSL Mets Orange in his second professional season. Among all qualified Dominican Summer League pitchers, Meza ranked fourth in ERA, fourth in WHIP (0.97) and eighth in opponent batting average (.207). The right-hander was named both a 2026 DSL Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star and pitched a scoreless inning for the National League in the DSL All-Star Game. The Ahom, Mexico native was signed by the Mets as an international free agent on January 18, 2025.
Adams is finishing his second full season in the organization as the minor league field and gameplay coordinator. In his role, he oversees scheduling and on-field operations for Minor League Spring Training, elevating the program through meticulous attention to detail and collaboration across departments to ensure players are prepared for the demands of the season. Throughout the year, Adams leads outfield and baserunning instruction, consistently raising expectations and helping players meet those standards. His impact extends beyond the field, where he leads by example, treats everyone with respect, and encourages collaboration.
Wheary is completing his sixth full season in the organization, having joined as a video intern in 2021 and transitioning to the hitting department in 2023. For the past two seasons, he has served as the lead hitting coach at the Dominican Academy, overseeing a program that supports over 40 players across a nearly year-round baseball calendar. Wheary’s approach builds strong connections with players and encourages them to take ownership of their development. He has earned their respect through the countless hours he dedicates to their improvement. His influence is felt stateside, where numerous Dominican Academy graduates have advanced and made meaningful contributions.
Aranguren is in his 15th season with the organization, as an amateur scout covering South Florida. During his tenure, Cesar has been responsible for signing Major Leaguers Mark Vientos and Thomas Szapucki. Beyond his talent as an evaluator, one of Cesar’s greatest strengths is his ability to build strong relationships with players and their families. The trust he earns, the care he shows, and the conviction he brings to his evaluations have made him an invaluable member of the organization. His tireless work ethic and commitment to the organization sets a tremendous example for the scouting staff.
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