Twins Announce 2026 Harmon Killebrew Award Winners

By | September 3, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins today announced the 2026 Harmon Killebrew Award winners for outsanding minor league community service. Following the National Baseball Hall of Famer's death in 2011, the Twins have annually recognized a player from each of the organization's full-season affiliates for their service within the respective affiliate's community; players are nominated by their respective general managers. A plaque is awarded, in addition to an on-field presentation during spring training. This year's honorees feature one repeat winner and three first-timers, with each showing a unique commitment to his local minor league community.

Catcher Noah Cardenas has been named the winner of the award representing Triple-A St. Paul, his fourth Killebrew Award honor and second consecutive, after also receiving the honor in 2022 with Fort Myers, 2023 with Cedar Rapids and last year with St. Paul. The 26-year-old was recognized by Saints staff for being a community service catalyst for the club this year, setting the tone for voluntarism among players and staff. He personally organized an outing to Feed My Starving Children for Saints players and front office staff. Cardenas also entertained patients at Children's Minnesota Hospital's Star Studio, sharing smiles and joy with youth undergoing treatment in the facility. He was also a volunteer youth baseball instructor at Saints Baseball Camp, joined local children's book authors at the Saints' Reading Tree program and participated in the annual Minnesota Twins Week of Service, joining teammates to volunteer at the new Wakan Tipi Center near CHS Field in St. Paul.

Catcher Andrew Cossetti has been named the winner of the award representing Double-A Wichita. Cossetti was de- scribed by the Wind Surge front office as a "community champion" whose leadership, generosity and passion make him a deserv- ing recipient of the Killebrew Award. He has spent the entire season to date with Wichita, committing himself to make a positive impact on and off the field. Cossetti also made connections with Wind Surge fans and McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita, being generous with his time with both groups.

Right-handed pitcher Cole Peschl has been named the winner of the award representing High-A Cedar Rapids. Per Kernels staff, Peschl was always one of the last players standing on the field on Sundays, signing autographs and making memories with fans. Throughout the season, he participated in several service projects including coaching at the 2026 Kernels Youth Baseball Camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium and volunteering at a local talented and gifted Classroom, where he read with the class and answered questions about what it was like to be a professional athlete. Peschl also took part in the Kernels' Twins Week of Service activities, visiting a local hospital to sign autographs and interact with patients and families.

Infielder JP Smith has been named the winner of the award representing Low-A Fort Myers. In his first full professional season, Smith impressed Mighty Mussels staff by being a leader in the clubhouse while being generous with his time in his interactions with fans and the greater Southwest Florida community prior to his promotion to High-A.

ALL-TIME HARMON KILLEBREW AWARD WINNERS

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