Saggese Claims International League MVP After Record-Setting Season
The
Memphis Redbirds didn’t hesitate to praise their young star, and manager said he believes
Thomas Saggese is “only going to get better as he gets older.” Considering what the 22-year-old accomplished in 2024, that’s a remarkable projection.
Saggese was named the
International League Most Valuable Player after putting together one of the most complete offensive seasons the league has seen in years.
The first baseman was a consistent force from
Opening Day to the season’s final week, finishing with a scorching .346 batting average and a .405 on-base percentage that generated 5.6 WAR. His blend of power and contact separated him from the rest of the league: 194 hits, 33 doubles, 7 triples, and a towering 46 home runs. He also drove in 122 runs and crossed the plate 102 times, anchoring one of the league’s most productive lineups.
His dominance made the
MVP vote a formality.
Saggese became a unanimous winner, collecting all 20 first-place votes and amassing 280 total points—over 100 more than the runner-up.
Charlotte catcher
Carlos Perez finished second in voting, while
Gwinnett outfielder
Jarred Kelenic took third.
Code:
Player Team 1st Place Total Pts
Thomas Saggese Memphis Redbirds 20 280
Carlos Perez Charlotte Knights 0 169
Jarred Kelenic Gwinnett Stripers 0 141
Luca Tresh Omaha Storm Chasers 0 138
Austin Meadows Columbus Clippers 0 88
Jose Rondon Syracuse Mets 0 72
Jonny DeLuca Durham Bulls 0 45
Oswaldo Cabrera Scranton RailRiders 0 41
Logan Allen Columbus Clippers 0 32
Juan Brito Columbus Clippers 0 26
Jonathan Schoop Indianapolis Indians 0 24
Connor Wong Worcester Red Sox 0 24
Alexander Canario Iowa Cubs 0 19