Welcome to Capital One Premier Plays of the Month, where we determine the best plays from across Minor League Baseball!
Watch all five nominees below for the month of August and vote for your favorite. Vote and enter as many times as you'd like -- there are no limits! Voting ends Friday, September 8, at 5 p.m. ET. The winning play will be eligible for Premier Play of the Year voting at the end of the season!
Capital One Premier Plays of the Month voting has ended. Thank you for participating.
Congratulations to Omaha's John Rave, voted by fans as August's top play winner! Check in soon to vote for the Premier Play of the Year!
Juggling act gets Rave reviews (46 percent of the vote)
The broadcast view of John Rave's juggling catch doesn't quite do the play justice, so credit to the Storm Chasers' media team for this angle, which allows for a full appreciation of the play. The center fielder shows immense concentration as he snags the ball and falls to the track.
Avina's juggling, walk-off denial (40 percent)
This Jace Avina catch was among a number of wild plays to happen in important moments in August. The Single-A Carolina center fielder not only steals away a walk-off homer, but he also performs a juggling act to do so. Sure, knocking it down prevented the homer, but the second effort made sure the runner could not score from first.
Meidroth tracks down pop fly (6 percent)
This play is much more difficult than it looks. And it doesn't look easy. Chase Meidroth had to look over both shoulders to locate this pop-up as he ranges into the outfield with his back to the plate. From there, the Double-A Portland second baseman leaves his feet to make one final adjustment before the ball lands in his glove.
Nunez leaps, crashes hard (5 percent)
What does it take for a 14th-rounder to steal the spotlight from the No. 2 overall pick? Well, crashing into the wall to make a play might do the trick. Elijah Nunez, whom the Nats selected 403 picks after Dylan Crews, made this tough out while sharing the same outfield for Single-A Fredericksburg as the Golden Spikes winner.
Cowser gets way up (3 percent)
Triple-A Norfolk had two nominees during this round of voting, but Colton Cowser. was the runaway winner. The Orioles No. 2 prospect gets to the wall quickly and extends just about as far as he can to reach the would-be homer at the top of the fence. Cowser is already in Baltimore for the playoff push, so this play was his parting gift to the Tides.
Lee Sang hits the track (82 percent of the vote)
Down the Shore everything's alright. This Marcus Lee Sang play edged out another incredible nominee by a Blue Claws outfielder during its Plays of the Week voting. Lee Sang's flailing, over-the-shoulder grab on a fly ball brought him crashing down onto the warning track in center -- a carnival-like catch that fits right in near the boardwalk.
Keirsey shows off the hops (8 percent)
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is no stranger to top plays lists, which should come as no surprise considering the athleticism he displays here for Wichita. Keirsey comes close to a complete stop to time the jump perfectly, then leaps to make the grab just as the ball passes the fence. "Posterized" is a term usually reserved for basketball, but freeze this clip at the right time, and that's an image that belongs on a poster.
Williams takes center stage (7 percent)
Not only did Donta' Williams steal an out for Bowie, he also stole some national spotlight -- giving Harold Reynolds flashbacks of some of the incredible plays that won Jim Edmonds eight Gold Gloves in his career. Williams spoke with Reynolds on MLB Network about this catch, and Reynolds had the same question as most who saw the grab: "How did you pull this off?"
Siani's heave, Pereda's pick (2 percent)
It's always fun to see an outfielder show off the hose. Louisville's Michael Siani had his momentum going forward after snagging this liner, and he unloaded a strong throw to the plate. Awaiting that throw was backstop Jhonny Pereda, who made a brilliant pick on the short hop and swiped the tag on the runner in the same motion.
Jack gets it Dunn (1 percent)
Jack Dunn was an Economics major at Northwestern before being drafted by the Nationals in 2019. Knowing he had to be economical with his time after making this diving stop on a hard grounder up the line, the 26-year-old heaved the ball across the diamond from his knees and got it to the bag on a hop.
Stubbs masters new domain (62 percent of the vote)
C.J. Stubbs is a catcher by trade, but he's seeing more time at first for Double-A Corpus Christi. The fearlessness that comes with being a backstop clearly hasn't worn off. Stubbs tracked down this pop-up well over the dugout railing and managed to land on his feet.
Baker's behind-the-back snag (18 percent)
Darren Baker may be well-remembered as Dusty's son and the 3-year-old bat boy that J.T. Snow rescued during the World Series, but he's earning a different reputation in the Minor Leagues for his defense. The latest case in point: an incredible behind-the-back recovery with Triple-A Rochester that showcases smooth hands and athleticism.
Ward just does it (10 percent)
Perhaps it was the spirit of Phil Knight in Eugene that made Braiden Ward show off his hops in this game for Spokane. Ward made a different leaping catch against the wall in the right field gap in the inning prior to this home run robbery. Tracking it down with his back to the infield, Ward leaps to steal a would-be dinger on the backhand.
Dean gets up like The Kid (6 percent)
Justin Dean has made dozens of plays that prove he's a tremendous defender and terrific athlete, but considering he's 5-foot-8, it's difficult to see this catch coming. The M-Braves center fielder propped himself up with a foot in the outfield wall like Ken Griffey Jr. and propelled himself toward the sky to haul in the fly ball.
'Los Manos' returns (4 percent)
Luis Guillorme's teammates once nicknamed him "Los Manos" because of the slick defensive plays he makes on the field and in the dugout. He's been a Major League regular the past couple of years but has brought those terrific hands back to Syracuse as few can pull off this behind-the-back flip.
Adams’ soaring grab (54 percent of the vote)
Jordyn Adams is one of the few prospects in the Minors with 80-grade speed, the highest possible mark on the scouting scale. The 23-year-old didn't really have to turn on the jets for this play. But the Triple-A Salt Lake center fielder got back to the wall and timed his jump perfectly to pull back an extra-base hit.
Robertson dives, Winn cleans it up (32 percent)
The Minors are full of Statcast darlings, and Masyn Winn is right up there with the best of them. After Kramer Robertson, who has a tremendous defensive track record, dives to knock down on a chopper up the middle for Triple-A Memphis, Winn picks up the loose ball and fires a 95.7 mph throw to first for the out.
Fisk, Lo Duca ... Cerda! (10 percent)
It's quite uncommon for a catcher to tag out two runners on the same play -- Carlton Fisk in 1985 and Paul Lo Duca in 2006 certainly stand out in baseball history. Now Single-A Visalia backstop Christian Cerda can also have his moment. Credit also goes to second baseman Manuel Pena for the strong throw to create the memorable moment.
Wood crashes the party (2 percent)
James Wood has above-average grades for all five tools and shows off his speed and fielding ability to make this leaping catch for Double-A Harrisburg. He gets up just fine after crashing into the wall. But, realistically, with Wood's 6-foot-6, 240-pound frame, there's probably more concern for the wall.
Wallace, Newton get tough out (2 percent)
Just two batters into the game, High-A Quad Cities was nearly in a sticky situation. But Cayden Wallace was able to cover a lot of ground on the left side of the infield. The third baseman made a diving stop on a grounder and threw from his knees to first. Shervyen Newton made a long stretch and tough pick to dig out the throw.
Flint pulls one back ... again (65 percent of the vote)
This wild home run robbery wasn't even Tucker Flint's first of the contest for Double-A Rocket City. Flint, who earned Play of the Week for this grab, hasn't played much left field in his two Minor League seasons, staying mostly at first base and right field -- though he seems to have found a new home.
Air-uerbach flips out (27 percent)
Fans love to see a fielder flip into the dugout to make a catch. High-A Eugene catcher Brett Auerbach is the latest to entertain the crowd with an athletic display of fearlessness. Auerbach, who has played left field, second and third base this season, showed these traits on a similar catch last year.
More F7's in Cantrelle's future (5 percent)
At the time of this play, which was the Play of the Week winner for July 1-9, Hayden Cantrelle had played just two games in left field and had six balls hit in his direction. This was the sixth. The 24-year-old didn't get turned around like an inexperienced outfielder, and made an incredible diving grab for Double-A Richmond.
Lawlar has his pitcher's back (2 percent)
In addition to the defensive skills and athleticism showcased on this play, Jordan Lawlar is also a great teammate. Double-A Amarillo righty Jake Rice took a scorcher of a line drive off his shoulder, but Lawlar dove after it and showed why he's MLB Pipeline's No. 5 overall prospect, getting the double play.
Schunk navigates tarp, net (1 percent)
This catch by Aaron Schunk for Triple-A Albuquerque was the runaway Play of the Week winner for July 14-19. Netting makes for interesting plays, and the tarp adds another obstacle. Schunk didn't even seem to look down before he dove over the tarp, and he got high enough to reach the ball before it hit the netting.
Duzenack's heads-up play (49% of vote)
4/9/22: Somewhere out there is a Little League coach with an ear-to-ear smile because Camden Duzenack stayed with the play. The Reno second baseman was head's up all the way as he played the deflection -- on a nifty backhand swipe by reliever Mack Lemieux -- and fired a strike to the plate to keep a run off the board.
Turner gets way up to rob a homer (26%)
4/16/22: If the left field fence at The Joe were just a little deeper, Omar Hernandez's fly ball would have been a can of corn for Gionti Turner. But Turner got to the fence well before the ball came down and had to stutter step and perfectly time his jump as he pulled back a homer with a backhand.
Durham's Stevenson makes leaping grab (18%)
4/12/22: The game was likely out of reach for the Bulls but JJ Bleday's long fly ball in the ninth inning wasn't anything Cal Stevenson couldn't handle. Stevenson ran to the deepest part of the park, jumped and got the glove just above the yellow line before bringing back a would-be three-run homer.
DeLuzio makes spectacular grab (5%)
4/26/22: Memphis center fielder Ben DeLuzio had some day against Durham. The Cardinals prospect homered twice in the contest before taking flight with a full-extension diving catch on the warning track in left center field to deny Miles Mastrobuoni of extra bases.
Downs makes sliding play for Worcester (2%)
4/27/22: Anytime an infielder makes a play with their back to the plate, it's going to turn some heads. Worcester shortstop Jeter Downs did just that when he fought the sun to track a blooper in shallow left field. The No. 6 Red Sox prospect came down with the ball on a backhand after a desperation slide into the outfield.
Sharp, Herrmann combine for out (84% of vote)
5/7/22: Rochester hurler Sterling Sharp had his survival instincts tested on this Ronald Guzman comeback liner. Fortunately, his limbo move was just quick enough to get his head clear and free and his glove to the ball. Finally, Sharp's batterymate, Chris Herrmann, sprung into action to clean up this wild play with an accurate throw to first.
Davis takes flight for Nashville (7%)
5/17/22: Jonathan Davis provided more than one potential Play of the Month candidate while patrolling the outfield for Nashville in May. This one, however, definitely stood out among the rest. He not only gets the full extension on the dive -- he also goes way up to reach this Juniel Querecuto liner.
Stowers holds on after crashing into wall (2%)
5/4/22: Josh Stowers had a brilliant month defensively, but this catch would make most NFL wide receivers blush. The Frisco center fielder runs a long way for this Zach DeLoach fly ball, then reaches out to snag the ball as he crashes into the fence, twisting his glove into an awkward position behind his back.
Guerrero goes over wall for catch (2%)
5/24/22: Juan Guerrero helped Chukchansi Park in Fresno celebrate its 20th birthday by flipping out. The Grizzlies' outfielder literally flipped over the waist-high fence in right field as he tracked down the fly ball and held on to take away a homer from A's prospect Max Muncy.
Jacksonville's Burdick starts double play (2%)
5/15/22: Peyton Burdick caught a lot of people by surprise with this one, including the runner on first. The Jacksonville center fielder makes a full-extension catch while diving for Tyler White's fly ball on the warning track in the gap in right. Abraham Almonte was caught well off the first base bag, and Burdick was able to relay a throw into the infield for a double play.
Cardinals' Davis flips over fence (36% of vote)
There were quite a few plays in June that saw fielders flip over fences to get an out. On this one, Springfield outfielder Jonah Davis ran a long way to chase down the fly before doing a front flip over the short fence along the first base line and into the bullpen.
Harrisburg's Millas dives for two (29%)
Drew Millas springs into action when this bunt popped straight up. The Harrisburg catcher lunged forward to let the ball drop into his outstretched glove. He stayed with the play to turn two after noticing the runner at second had come well off the bag. Millas collected himself and fired a strike to the base from a very uncomfortable arm angle.
Fletcher-Vance goes all out for Wahoos (23%)
Cobie Fletcher-Vance has made some of the most eye-popping plays of the first half. But this may be his best. The Pensacola third baseman ran a long way up the third-base line and left his feet for a full-extension diving catch on a pop-up in foul territory.
Whitecaps' Cruz, King combine for out (8%)
Shifting up the middle, West Michigan shortstop Trei Cruz needed some help from Jose King after making a diving stop on the right side of the bag. Cruz flipped to King from his back, and the second baseman finished off the play with a quick throw to first.
Abrams shows off range, arm for El Paso (4%)
This flare off the bat of Jose Rojas accidentally went against the shift with a lot of crazy spin. El Paso shortstop C.J. Abrams hustled to his right, swiped at the ball with his bare hand and slung it to first off his back foot all in one motion to get the out.
Midland's Harris goes head over heels (70% of vote)
This play is probably a lot more difficult than it looks. And it doesn't seem easy. Start with the shift putting Brett Harris a little further from the dugout than usual. End with his heels pointing straight in the air as he flips over the railing. But, the out was made. And Harris stayed in the game.
Rafaela robs homer for Portland (22%)
Ceddanne Rafaela is a regular on top plays lists -- sometimes as a center fielder and some as a shortstop. But this play looks like a mirror image of what Ken Griffey Jr. did to Jesse Barfield in 1990. Yes, that's more than a decade before Rafaela was born. But anyone who gets a cleat in the fence to climb up a wall and rob a homer is going to get comparisons to The Kid.
Rosario's acrobatic catch for El Paso (4%)
The protective netting along the sidelines provides more than just safety. It's also a landing spot for some pretty incredible plays. Eguy Rosario managed to go full speed into the netting along the left field line and still came up with the out after being tangled up like a different type of catch of the day.
Crow-Armstrong's unreal catch for South Bend (3%)
Pete Crow-Armstrong has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the prospect ranks this season, due in large part to an incredible athleticism that allows him to do things like this. Back to the infield, full sprint but never losing control of his body. This is what a 70-grade glove looks like.
Whitecaps' Chacon robs homer in left (1%)
Timing is everything -- especially when trying to rob a homer. Esney Chacon not only had his inner metronome working perfectly. The West Michigan left fielder was silky smooth as he jumped to the corner where the wall meets the foul pole to bring back a sure roundtripper.
Plagge takes matters into his own hands (38% vote)
Any further and Bowen Plagge could have measured this putout in kilometers. He started on the mound, where he induced a grounder to second, and ran the 60-feet, 6-inches to the plate before getting the ball back. Then it was a 90-foot sprint for the first tag and another (almost) 90 feet to finish off the 4-5-2-5-1 double play for Single-A Kannapolis.
Tolbert takes flight for Quad Cities (33%)
When the ball was in the air off the bat, Tyler Tolbert wasn't even in frame. It wasn't that the camera was fooled by the play. It was that the Quad Cities shortstop had a lot of ground to cover. And even then, Tolbert was only able to glove the pop fly with a leaping, full-extension effort that had him soaring through the air with some impressive hang time.
Richmond's Auerbach leaps into netting (26%)
This maneuver had previously been reserved for, well, an actual flying squirrel. This time around, the Flying Squirrel of the Double-A Richmond variety is named Brett Auerbach. And he's one of the more athletic backstops in the game, having played at least five games at five different positions this season. The netting is obviously there for fan safety, but the opportunity for catches like these is perhaps its second-best feature.
Granberg preserves Worcester no-no (2%)
A no-hitter was not among the lengthy list of accomplishments for the brand new franchise in Worcester. But left fielder Devlin Granberg, a mid-season call-up, made sure the final out of the first no-no in the club's brief history was secure by diving to make the catch on a blooper toward the line.
Crow-Armstrong runs it down for Cubs (1%)
Pete Crow-Armstrong is no stranger to top plays lists. The No. 1 Cubs prospect has shown off his stellar glove plenty of times before, but this play also showcases his elite speed and athleticism. Patrolling center fielder for South Bend, Crow-Armstrong hustled a long distance into the gap in right to make an impressive sliding catch.
Pandas' Teodosio lays out for the grab (75% of vote)
Bryce Teodosio is a mainstay on our top plays lists. So was left fielder Jeremiah Jackson. This play would have been one of the best for either of them. It took a couple seconds after the play to actually see who came down with the ball. Of course, it was Teodosio who made the play in traffic, just as he's done in outfields down South since his days at Clemson.
River Cats' Brinson pulls back a grand slam (11%)
An early scouting report on Lewis Brinson had this evaluation of the 2012 first-rounder: "Few players in the Minors can match Brinson's sheer athleticism." A decade into his professional career, and that assessment still seems to bare some truth. Brinson used all of his 6-foot-5 frame and a perfectly timed jump to take away a grand slam.
Chavers makes sliding catch for Myrtle Beach (9%)
Parker Chavers wasn't with Single-A Myrtle Beach for a very long time, but the Coastal Carolina product clearly felt at home at Pelicans Ballpark. Every play an outfielder makes with their back to the infield is going to impress. And this one is made more impressive by the body control and fearlessness it takes to make a sliding grab on the warning track.
St. Paul's Soto goes soaring (4%)
Elliot Soto tracked a fly ball to the gap and proved that hang time is good for more than just robbing home runs. Soto had a very impressive defensive season for Triple-A St. Paul, and his ability to get parallel with the ground has made for some incredibly exciting plays. But this one tops the list.
Stripers' Pérez leaps to rob homer (1%)
Hernán Pérez has been well traveled since his first professional season in 2008. He played every position on the field -- except pitcher and catcher -- this season in Gwinnett, including 16 games in right field. Pérez probably didn't expect to bump the bullpen gate open. But it added some color to an already difficult play.