Rafe Perich and Evan Siary, the stars of the Frisco Roughriders and Hickory Crawdads respectively, have been named the Texas League Player of the Week and the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 7-12, 2026. This recognition highlights their exceptional performances during a pivotal period in their respective careers.
Perich, a 7th-round pick in 2024 from Lehigh, has been on a remarkable streak. His impressive .464/.1000/1.464 slash line for the week is a testament to his skill and consistency. This performance comes on the heels of a strong start with Hub City, where he slashed .303/.394/.606 in 38 games before his promotion. Since joining the Frisco Roughriders, Perich has played 36 games, accumulating a .324/.420/.662 slash line with 37 strikeouts and only 22 walks in 162 plate appearances. His ability to maintain a high batting average while striking out less than half the number of times he walks is a rare and valuable skill.
Siary, an 8th-round pick from Mississippi State, has also been a standout performer. In his recent start, he struck out ten batters and walked none in six shutout innings, showcasing his exceptional pitching control and ability to dominate batters. For the season, Siary has a 3.39 ERA in 71.2 innings over 15 starts, with 61 strikeouts and only 15 walks. His performance is particularly notable given the competitive nature of the Carolina League, where pitchers are under constant pressure to perform at a high level.
The recognition of Perich and Siary is a significant achievement, especially for players who were drafted later in the draft. It underscores the potential for undervalued talent to excel and make a significant impact in professional baseball. Their performances this week not only boost their individual resumes but also highlight the depth and talent within the organization.
In my opinion, the success of Perich and Siary is a testament to the importance of scouting and development in professional sports. It also highlights the potential for players to overcome early challenges and excel at the highest levels. As these players continue to develop, they will undoubtedly be key contributors to their respective teams' success, and their performances this week are a strong indicator of their future potential.
