PAPILLION, NEB. – The Omaha Storm Chasers announced their annual awards for the 2026 season on Fan Appreciation Night, Friday, September 18.
Gavin Cross was recognized as the 2026 Steve Pivovar Prospect of the Year. Cross made his Triple-A debut to begin the 2026 season, entering the year as Kansas City’s No. 19 ranked prospect according to Baseball America. After a slow start to the season, Cross has been one of the league’s best hitters for the last four months. Among qualified Royals Minor Leaguers since May 16, the organization’s 2022 1st round pick ranks 2nd in slugging percentage (.539) while 3rd in batting average (.292) and 4th in OPS (.875). Among Storm Chasers hitters since May 16, he ranks 1st in stolen bases (17) and runs scored (57), 2nd in home runs (17) and total bases (166), 2nd in extra-base hits (38) and 3rd in RBI (46) and hits (90).
Ben Sears was honored as the 2026 Omaha Pitcher of the Year. In 41 appearances (10 starts) with the Storm Chasers, Sears is 6-2 with a 3.91 ERA (30 ER in 69.0 IP) and 56 strikeouts while working a 1.38 WHIP (28 BB + 67 H). After starting the year in Double-A with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, Sears was promoted to Omaha in early April for his 2nd year at Triple-A. The right-hander has produced 21 scoreless appearances in his 31 relief outings but also opened 10 bullpen games for the Storm Chasers. Among Storm Chasers pitchers with at least 50.0 IP, he leads the team in ERA and WHIP.
Brett Squires was named the 2026 Omaha Hitter of the Year. He opened the year with the Naturals in Double-A but quickly ascended to Triple-A by mid-May. Through his first season in Triple-A, Squires is batting .275 (99-for-360) with 25 home runs, 73 RBI and a .903 OPS. Despite spending the first 6 weeks of the year at Double-A, Squires ranks tied 5th in the International League in extra-base hits (51) and home runs. He also ranks 2nd among qualifiers in the IL (2.7 PA/G) in SLG (.564) and 3rd in OPS. Combining his Double-A and Triple-A numbers, Squires leads Royals Minor Leaguers in extra-base hits (68), RBI (102) and doubles (34) while 2nd in total bases (267) and home runs (31).
Sears and Ethan Bosacker were selected as co-recipients of the 2026 Johnny Rosenblatt Community Service Award. The two pitchers combined for 20.5 volunteer hours and made 14 community appearances throughout the season. Sears volunteered at 8 events, totaling 11 hours, while Bosacker volunteered 9.5 hours across 6 events. The pair spent time volunteering with Moving Veterans Forward, the Nebraska Humane Society, Children’s Nebraska, the KROC Center and Bags of Fun.
Cross was also chosen as the 2026 Omaha Fan Favorite. Left up to a vote by Storm Chasers fans, the first-year Storm Chaser was one of the most seen faces in Omaha’s lineup card. Cross ranks 2nd among Storm Chasers hitters in games played (116) and plate appearances (464) and had plenty of memorable moments, including a career-high 19-game hitting streak from July 2 to 28. He also homered in an Omaha-record 6 straight games from July 22 to 28. That home run streak included a go-ahead 9th-inning grand slam on July 23 against the Salt Lake Bees.