May 8, 2026
MIAMI – The Miami Marlins today announced the April recipients of the organization’s Next Wave Awards, recognizing top performers across the Minor League affiliates whose performance reflects the club’s core player development priorities.
The honorees for April are:
- LHP Nate Payne – Pitcher of the Month
- C Connor Caskenette – Hitter of the Month
- OF Dillon Lewis – Defensive Player of the Month
- OF Emaarion Boyd – Baserunner of the Month
- C Brian Navarreto – Fish of the Month
The Marlins’ Next Wave Awards recognize performance aligned with the organization’s evaluation and development model, with an emphasis on skills that support sustainable Major League success. This month’s winners were chosen based on their performances from the start of the 2026 season through April.
Payne, 20, struck out 42.0 percent of the batters he faced and walked just 9.0 percent of his opponents in four appearances (three starts) for Single-A Jupiter, earning a promotion to High-A Beloit. In his first start for the Sky Carp, he added another eight strikeouts, bringing his season rate to 40.8 percent, the sixth highest among all pitchers in Minor League Baseball with at least 20.0 innings pitched (344 total pitchers).
Caskenette, 23, ranks in the 79th percentile in xwOBA and in the 74th percentile in strikeout rate, while his 94th percentile walk rate ranks 11th among Minor League hitters with at least 80 plate appearances. In 18 games with High-A Beloit, he posted a .500 on-base percentage and 1.000 OPS, with two home runs, 12 RBI and 19 walks.
Lewis, 22, earned the Defensive Player of the Month recognition for his impact on the field and for the consistency and preparation he brings every day. He made 14 starts in center field and five starts in right field with Double-A Pensacola during the month of April to begin his first year in the Marlins organization.
Boyd, 22, proved to be the most aggressive and calculated baserunner in the organization in the month of April. He stole eight bases in nine attempts, including two steals of third base, in 13 games at Double-A Pensacola. Boyd attempted to steal over 50.0 percent of opportunities, while maintaining a safe rate of 88.0 percent.
Navarreto, 31, earned “Fish of the Month” honors, an award recognizing a player who best embodies what it means to be an outstanding teammate within the organization. He appeared in nine games with Triple-A Jacksonville through April.
For more information about the Miami Marlins and their prospects, please visit Marlins.com and visit MarlinsPressbox.com for a daily Minor League report.
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