Turlock High alumnus Nick Avila was named Pitcher of the Year for the Sacramento River Cats last week after going undefeated in his first Triple-A season.
In 56 games, the 26-year-old right-hander achieved a 14-0 record to lead the Pacific Coast. The former Bulldog was the first Triple-A wins leader since 2000 to finish the year undefeated. League. The 14 wins also accounted for nearly 21 percent of Sacramento’s total wins in 2023, as they had an overall record of 67-82 in the PCL.
All but two of Avila’s appearances this year came in relief, including each of his 14 victories. He also recorded three saves. In his 72 total innings of work, the Turlocker struck out 64 batters while surrendering 24 earned runs on 57 hits and 36 walks. He had an ERA of 3.00.
Avila did not join the Sacramento roster until March 31, four days before their first game of the season. He had spent all of spring training donning a Chicago White Sox uniform after they selected him in December’s Rule 5 Draft. After not earning a 26-man roster spot for the Sox, he was returned to the San Francisco Giants organization.
Pitchers and catchers will begin reporting to their respective spring training facilities on Feb. 12, 2024. The spring will offer Avila another opportunity to break into the big leagues.
Avila was drafted by the Giants in the 26th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Long Beach State. He has a career minor league ERA of 3.46 and a record of 23-11 with 19 saves.
