Rays' Patrick Leonard: Chosen as Triple-A Durham MVP

Leonard, who's slashed .277/.337/.414 with 11 home runs and 66 RBI over 122 games for Triple-A Durham, was named the Bulls' team MVP for the 2017 campaign, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 24-year-old proved he could handle Triple-A pitching after having hit just .198 over 42 games in his initial exposure back in 2016. Leonard has compiled an impressive 41 extra-base hits and swiped a career-high 15 bases this season. Evan Longoria continues to serve as an impediment for the third baseman's ascension to the big-league level, however, so Leonard is likely to begin next season with Durham barring unforeseen developments.