Josh Kuroda-Grauer named Cape Cod Playoff MVP

A Rutgers baseball player got a big honor this summer.

Over the last few years, Josh Kuroda-Grauer has become one of the best shortstops in college baseball. As a result, his list of accolades is lengthy and his potential limitless. On Tuesday, he continued to add to his list of accomplishments as the New Jersey native was named the 2023 Playoff MVP of the Cape Cod League.

In eight games, Kuroda-Grauer posted a .444 batting average while driving in 13 runs. He was an on-base machine as the talented infielder recorded six multi-hit games in that span. As the Bourne Braves won their second straight title, Kuroda-Grauer was vital to their success.

While the Franklin High School alum took the Cape Cod League by storm, he also showed a little power. During the Braves playoff run, he had six extra-base hits. With no room for error, Kuroda-Grauer sparked the offense and thrived in front of a packed crowd.

“It was awesome. Coming here to Orleans, playing in front of a packed crowd, it’s everything. It’s what you want to play for in the playoffs,” Kuroda-Grauer told Mojo Hill after Game One. “I think the team did a great job on the mound and hitting in situations. It was a great team win.”

With the Cape Cod League season in the books, Kuroda-Grauer will shift his focus to building on his success at Rutgers. During the 2023 campaign, he was a Brooks Wallace Award semifinalist. The award is given annually to the best shortstop in college baseball.

On a Scarlet Knights team full of talent, Kuroda-Grauer will be one of the leaders on offense in 2024. As he showed in the Cape Cod League, it is a situation he thrives in as the best days of his college career are on the horizon.