16 Athletic Trainers Honored by PBATS for Their Work Across Minor League Baseball

Sixteen Athletic Trainers have been recognized by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society for their work across Minor League Baseball during the 2026 season.

PBATS announced its annual Minor League Athletic Trainers of the Year Awards, recognizing Athletic Trainers representing 14 Minor League Baseball leagues along with the organization's Minor League Medical Coordinator and Latin American Coordinator honors.

What makes the recognition particularly meaningful is who does the selecting.

Winners are chosen by their peers based on factors including contributions to player health, professionalism within their organizations and commitment to outstanding player care.

“Each year, this award process reminds me of just how deep the talent runs across Minor League Baseball,” PBATS President Nick Kenney said. “The athletic trainers we are honoring today work in some of the most demanding and rewarding environments in professional sports.”

The 2026 PBATS honorees

• Justin Ahrens, Philadelphia Phillies — Minor League Medical Coordinator
• Ken Hoefs, Milwaukee Brewers — Latin American Coordinator
• James Stone, Kansas City Royals — International League
• Jake Routhier, Athletics — Pacific Coast League
• Katie Reyes, Toronto Blue Jays — Eastern League
• Dylan Culwell, Los Angeles Angels — Southern League
• Jennifer Bardales, Houston Astros — Texas League
• Jordan Hyink, St. Louis Cardinals — Florida State League
• Bryanna Brown, Seattle Mariners — California League
• Maggie Hunt, Baltimore Orioles — Carolina League
• Maggie Lowenhar, Chicago Cubs — Midwest League
• Austin Smith, Chicago White Sox — South Atlantic League
• Cat Widay, Arizona Diamondbacks — Northwest League
• Vanessa Navarro, Milwaukee Brewers — Arizona Complex League
• Matt Barnes, Atlanta Braves — Florida Complex League
• Emiliano Romero-Garma, Arizona Diamondbacks — Dominican Summer League

Kenney said the awards help recognize professionals whose work can often happen outside the spotlight.

“The 2026 winners represent every corner of professional baseball, from the Dominican Summer League to the International League, and each one of them has made a meaningful impact on the players and organizations they serve,” he said.

PBATS will also present its Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year and Minor League Staff of the Year honors at the MLB Winter Meetings in San Diego.

For the 16 Athletic Trainers recognized across the Minor Leagues, however, this year's awards already offer something especially meaningful: recognition from the peers who understand their work best.