Cubs Name Ryan Williams Minor League Pitcher of the Year

CHICAGO - Right-handed pitcher Ryan Williams has been named the Chicago Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Year, the organization announced Monday.

Williams began his breakout season in South Bend and posted a sterling 1.17 ERA in nine appearances (eight starts). The 23-year old, who was drafted by the Cubs in the 10th round in 2014 out of East Carolina, broke camp with South Bend and joined the six-man starting rotation after working two frames out of the bullpen on Opening Night. From there, Williams rolled through the Midwest League, fanning 37 and walking just two in 53.2 innings.

On the same day he was named the Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Month for his work in South Bend in May, Williams was promoted straight to Double-A Tennessee and started for the Smokies. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder remained in Tennessee and compiled a 2.76 ERA in 16 starts and a relief appearance. Williams' combined 2.16 ERA led Chicago's minor-league system.

Tennessee catcher Wilson Contreras was named the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year. Williams and Contreras will be honored next Monday, Sept. 28, at Wrigley Field before Chicago's 8:05 p.m. ET game against Kansas City.