The Texas Rangers on Wednesday announced the organization’s minor league award winners for the month of June, headlined by a dominant performance from Double-A Frisco infielder Frainyer Chavez.
Player and Defender of the Month – Frainyer Chavez, INF, Double-A Frisco
Chavez swept the monthly honors, earning both Player of the Month and Defender of the Month. This marks the second time Chavez has been named Player of the Month (August 2025) and the fourth time he has earned the defensive honor.
In June, the 27-year-old posted a .388/.469/.612 slash line with five home runs and 17 RBIs. The switch-hitter displayed elite plate discipline, drawing 20 walks against just 15 strikeouts. Chavez hit safely in 19 of his 25 games, including 11 multi-hit performances. He has already surpassed his previous career highs in home runs, RBIs, and total bases.
Defensively, Chavez converted 105 of 106 total chances, including a streak of 81 consecutive errorless plays. While primarily appearing at shortstop (22 games), he also saw time at second and third base. The Little Elm High School graduate currently ranks fourth in the Texas League with a .988 fielding percentage. Now in his eighth season with the Rangers organization since being drafted in 2018, Chavez is putting together a career-best campaign as he eyes a promotion to Triple-A.
Reliever of the Month – Austin Roberts, RHP, Double-A Frisco
Austin Roberts, 27, enjoyed a stellar June out of the RoughRiders’ bullpen. In nine appearances, the right-hander tossed 13 2/3 innings and held opposing hitters to a meager 4-for-44 (.091) average. His 26 strikeouts during the month led all Texas League relievers.
Roberts, who signed with Texas as a minor league free agent on Jan. 23, has lowered his season ERA to 3.05. A consistent force in the bullpen, he has recorded at least one strikeout in 23 appearances this season. While his walk rate has seen a slight increase, his high strikeout volume has made him a high-leverage anchor for a Frisco squad that has already clinched a postseason berth. Roberts previously spent time in the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations after being selected in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
Starting Pitcher of the Month – Daniel Keaney, RHP, High-A Hickory
The 21-year-old Daniel Keaney excelled across four starts in June, totaling 18 1/3 innings and allowing just four runs. Following a mid-month promotion to Hickory, Keaney dominated in two starts for the Crawdads, striking out 12 and walking three over 9 1/3 scoreless innings.
Keaney currently leads all Rangers minor league pitchers (min. 30 innings) with a 6.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
