Two Northwest Arkansas Naturals honored for standout 2025 seasons

Two Northwest Arkansas Naturals honored for standout 2025 seasons. The Kansas City Royals have announced their annual organization award winners, and two familiar faces from the Northwest Arkansas Naturals earned top honors. Catcher Carter Jensen has been named the George Brett Hitter of the Year, while outfielder Carson Roccaforte has claimed the Frank White Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season.

Carter Jensen shines at the plate. At just 22 years old, Jensen solidified himself as one of the Royals’ most promising hitters. He began the 2025 season with the Naturals, appearing in 68 games and posting an impressive .292 batting average with six home runs, 37 RBI, and 40 runs scored. Promoted to Triple-A Omaha midseason, Jensen continued his offensive surge. Across both levels, he combined for a .290 batting average, 20 home runs, 60 walks, and an .878 OPS. His consistent production earned him a spot in the All-Star Futures Game in Atlanta and a Major League debut with Kansas City on September 2.

A Kansas City native and 3rd-round pick in 2021, Jensen’s steady rise through the organization made him a natural choice for the George Brett Award, which honors the Royals’ top hitter each season.

Speedy outfielder Carson Roccaforte, 23, proved once again that defense wins recognition. Splitting his season between High-A Quad Cities and Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Roccaforte anchored center field with his elite glove work. Logging over 1,000 innings in the outfield for the second straight year, he converted 320 putouts and five assists in 328 chances. His sure-handed defense resulted in only two errors, giving him a .994 fielding percentage — including a perfect 1.000 mark during his time with the Naturals.

Selected in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Louisiana-Lafayette, Roccaforte’s repeat recognition with the Frank White Award underscores his role as one of the Royals’ most reliable defenders.

Other Royals Award Winners

In addition to Jensen and Roccaforte, the Royals honored several other players and staff members for their 2025 contributions:

• Paul Splittorff Pitcher of the Year – LHP David Shields

• Willie Wilson Baserunner of the Year – OF Asbel González

• Mike Sweeney Community Impact Award – RHP Luinder Avila

• Alex Gordon Heart & Hustle Award – INF Sam Kulasingam

• Art Stewart Scout of the Year – Professional scout Mark Leavitt

Recognition Night at Kauffman Stadium

All seven award winners will be celebrated on Futures Night, Friday, September 19, at Kauffman Stadium before the Royals face the Toronto Blue Jays.

For fans in Northwest Arkansas, the recognition of Jensen and Roccaforte highlights the Naturals’ continued role in developing the next wave of Kansas City Royals talent.