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“2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Finalists Announced: Who Will Take Home the Coveted Defensive Honors?”

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On ⁤Tuesday morning, the⁣ finalists for the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove‌ Award were⁢ revealed, with winners to⁢ be announced on ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight” on November 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Each league features​ three finalists for every ‍position, including the utility spot, ‌which⁢ received ⁤an award ‌for the first​ time in 2022.

To select the winners for the nine standard positions, ​all 30 MLB managers and ‌up to six coaches from each team cast their ⁣votes ​for players within their league, excluding their own team members. Votes from these individuals⁢ account for 75% of the overall selection, while the SABR Defensive Index contributes the remaining 25%.

For the ‌utility position, Rawlings has partnered with SABR to ‌establish ‍a distinct defensive formula that differs​ from the conventional selection methodology.

Below are the finalists for the 2024 Gold Glove Award:

PITCHER
Griffin Canning, ⁣Angels
Seth Lugo, Royals
Cole Ragans, ​Royals

Lugo⁣ and Ragans played a key role in establishing one‍ of the ⁣top‌ rotations in the league‍ for the Royals in 2024, showcasing excellent⁤ fielding skills as‍ well. Canning also excelled defensively while ⁣making a career-high 32 appearances (31 starts) for the Angels. Of these three pitchers, Canning is the only one with prior ⁣Gold Glove recognition, having won the award in‍ 2020.

CATCHER
Freddy Fermin, Royals
Cal Raleigh,‍ Mariners
Jake Rogers, Tigers

This marks the fourth ‍consecutive year in which the AL will crown a⁣ first-time Gold Glove Award winner behind the plate. Raleigh, recognized for his⁢ exceptional pitch-framing abilities, led AL catchers in fielding run value (+14) and tied Fermin for the league lead ‍ among catchers with 16 Defensive ⁤Runs Saved. Fermin shone as a blocker and⁢ proved particularly ⁤effective in thwarting base ⁢stealers, ranking third ‍with ‌eight CS above average and achieving the highest caught-stealing rate (45%)⁣ among catchers with at least 30 attempted steals.‍ Rogers also‍ demonstrated‌ strong performance in blocking and pitch-framing, finishing with a fielding run value of‍ +12 and​ 13 DRS.

SECOND BASE
Nicky‌ Lopez, Royals
Ozzie Albies, Braves
Colton Wong, Mariners

Lopez‍ had a standout year defensively and⁣ contributed significantly⁣ to his‌ team’s success. Albies showcased his reliability ‍with stellar defensive metrics, while Wong‌ continued his reputation⁤ as a skilled⁢ defender at second base.

FIRST BASE
Nathaniel Lowe, Rangers
Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles
Carlos Santana, Twins

At 38 years old,‌ Santana is competing for⁤ his⁣ first Gold⁢ Glove ‍Award, having led all ‌first basemen with an‍ impressive +14 Outs Above ​Average. He tied with Mountcastle for the AL lead in Defensive Runs Saved at 8. The reigning​ AL Gold Glove winner, Lowe, followed closely behind​ Santana with ‍+6 OAA.

SECOND BASE
Andrés Giménez, Guardians
Nicky Lopez, White Sox
Marcus Semien, Rangers

Giménez has secured the AL Gold ​Glove Award at second base for the past two seasons, including a Platinum Glove in 2023, and he appears poised to extend that streak to three.⁣ This year,⁢ he tied for the MLB lead with +20 Outs Above Average ​and​ topped ⁢AL ⁣second ⁣basemen⁤ with 20 ⁤Defensive Runs Saved.‌ Semien closely ‍trailed Giménez with +19‍ OAA, and they both registered identical +14 in Statcast’s⁢ fielding run value metric. In 2024, Lopez played at both middle-infield positions⁤ for the White Sox, ⁤achieving +5 OAA, which ​included +4 as a second baseman.

THIRD BASE
Alex Bregman, Astros
Ernie Clement, ‍Blue ‍Jays
José Ramírez, Guardians

Chapman, who ⁢won the AL Gold Glove Award at third base four times in‍ the past ‍six years, transitioned to the NL last ⁤offseason, paving the way for a new contender⁣ in 2024. Bregman and Ramírez, both ⁤heavyweights in ⁤the game at the hot corner,​ have‍ yet ‍to⁤ receive a Gold Glove Award. This ⁢past season,‌ they tied in Defensive Runs Saved ⁢ at +6, while‌ Bregman (+6)⁤ slightly outperformed Ramírez (+3) in ⁤

SHORTSTOP
Brayan Rocchio, Guardians
Anthony Volpe, Yankees
Bobby Witt Jr., Royals

Witt faced challenges defensively during ‍his rookie⁤ season in​ 2022, yet ‌his skills ⁢have significantly improved over the‍ last two years. In 2024, ​the Royals star led AL‍ shortstops with ⁢+16⁢ Outs Above Average. Volpe, ⁣the winner of the AL Gold Glove Award⁣ as a rookie last year, was second among AL shortstops, finishing‌ with +13​ OAA. Rocchio completed his‌ rookie season in 2024 with +7 OAA, securing ‍ fourth place ⁤at his position, amassing 10 Defensive Runs Saved.

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LEFT FIELD
Colton ​Cowser, Orioles
Steven Kwan, Guardians
Alex Verdugo, Yankees

Kwan, despite facing injuries, managed ​to⁤ achieve 9 Defensive Runs Saved, +4 Outs Above Average, ⁣and nine outfield assists in 2024, ‍as he aims for his‍ third Gold⁢ Glove Award ‍in his third big league season. Cowser, a strong contender for AL ⁣Rookie of the Year, made a significant defensive ‌impact for the Orioles, ranking second among left fielders with +8 OAA. The experienced Verdugo contributed with 6 DRS and ‌seven outfield assists for the Yankees.

CENTER FIELD
Jarren Duran, ‍Red Sox
Jake Meyers, Astros
Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays

While⁤ Varsho has yet to win a Gold ‌Glove ⁤Award, he​ has firmly positioned himself among the elite defensive outfielders in the sport. In 2024, ‌the ⁤28-year-old achieved the second-best ‌fielding run value in MLB with⁣ +17 ‌and led all players⁣ with 29 ‍Defensive Runs Saved. Duran ⁣closely​ followed ​Varsho, ranking second in the majors with ​23 DRS, <a href="https://www.fangraphs.

leading MLB ⁣in outfield assists ⁤ (12) and achieving a fielding run value of +12 during an ‌impressive season with the Red Sox. In 2024, Meyers ⁣also excelled,‌ ranking second among AL center ‍fielders with +14⁤ Outs Above Average.

RIGHT⁤ FIELD
Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox
Jo Adell,‌ Angels
Juan‍ Soto, Yankees

In his rookie season, Abreu made a significant impact in the⁢ outfield for ⁤the Red‌ Sox, leading​ right‌ fielders with⁢ 18 Defensive Runs Saved and tallying⁤ nine outfield assists.⁣ Adell⁣ (6 DRS)⁢ and ‍Soto ⁢(10‌ outfield assists) also provided valuable defensive contributions ‍to ‍their teams.

UTILITY
Willi Castro, Twins
Mauricio Dubón, Astros
Dylan Moore, Mariners

Dubón, who secured‌ the‍ Gold Glove in this‌ position last year, continued to shine defensively for the Astros. He showcased his versatility by playing⁢ every ​position except pitcher and catcher, amassing +10 Outs Above Average and 6 Defensive Runs Saved in 2024. Castro not ‍only made his first All-Star selection but ‍also made history with‌ the ⁤Twins by becoming the first player to achieve at⁢ least 25 defensive appearances across five⁤ different ⁢positions (2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF), as reported by ‌the Elias Sports Bureau. Moore also demonstrated flexibility for ​the Mariners, participating in over 20 games at four different spots (2B, 3B, SS,‍ LF).

PITCHER
Chris Sale, ⁣Braves
Luis Severino, Mets
Zack Wheeler, Phillies

Sale and Wheeler⁤ are expected to be the​ top⁤ contenders for the NL Cy Young Award, both being finalists ​for the Gold ‍Gloves⁢ in 2024. Wheeler, the defending NL Gold Glove winner, had another solid fielding season with 3⁢ Defensive Runs Saved. However, Severino excelled even further, ⁢achieving a grade of‌ 5 DRS — tying‍ for third among all pitchers. Sale,⁤ recognized as a Gold Glove finalist for the first time since 2017, tied ‍for sixth place with 4 DRS.

CATCHER
Patrick Bailey

Giants
Gabriel Moreno, ⁢D-backs
Will ⁣Smith, Dodgers

All three nominees come from the NL West, with Bailey and Smith competing for⁢ their⁤ first Gold⁣ Gloves. Moreno,‌ who clinched‍ the award last year, has a⁣ chance to be the ⁤first NL⁣ catcher since Yadier Molina‍ to ‍win⁣ back-to-back ⁤titles, as Molina​ secured eight consecutive from 2008 to 2015. An outstanding ⁣framer behind the plate, ‌Bailey ‍topped all players with a +22 fielding run value and⁤ ranked second with ⁤nine runners caught stealing above ⁢average, just behind Smith, who recorded ten. Meanwhile, ⁢Moreno achieved 10 Defensive Runs Saved, finishing second to ‍Bailey’s 20 among catchers.

FIRST ⁢BASE
Bryce Harper, Phillies
Matt⁢ Olson, Braves
Christian Walker, D-backs

Walker, the winner of⁣ the ⁤NL Gold Gloves for 2022 and 2023 at first base, led all NL first basemen in 2024‍ with⁢ +13 Outs ⁤Above Average. Harper, in his first​ full season ⁤as a ⁣dedicated first baseman, followed closely with⁤ +8 OAA.⁣ Olson, a two-time AL ⁤Gold Glove ⁢winner with⁣ the​ A’s⁢ in​ 2018 and 2019, topped the position this year⁤ with 14⁢ Defensive Runs Saved, which is ⁤ six‍ more than any​ other first ‌baseman in Major ‍League Baseball.

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SECOND BASE
Ketel Marte, D-backs
Bryson ⁣Stott, Phillies
Brice ⁤Turang, ⁤Brewers

In just his second season in the Major⁣ Leagues, Turang achieved ⁣an impressive 21 Defensive Runs ⁣Saved, the highest among second basemen. Marte also had an​ outstanding defensive season, marking⁤ his best performance under Statcast tracking with +8 OAA. Stott finished fourth among⁣ NL ⁢second basemen with 7 DRS,‌ trailing Turang,⁣ Marte ⁢(10), ‌and​ Otto Lopez (9).

THIRD BASE
Nolan Arenado, Cardinals
Matt Chapman, ⁢Giants
Ryan McMahon, Rockies

Both Chapman ‌and Arenado have long been recognized for​ their elite defensive skills at third base, and ⁤their prowess continued ⁣in 2024. Playing⁣ his first season with the Giants, Chapman led the‌ Majors in Defensive Runs⁤ Saved.

at third base, and the difference was significant. Chapman’s 17 Defensive ⁢Runs Saved (DRS) far surpassed McMahon,⁣ who ranked second at​ the position with 10.⁤ Furthermore, Chapman tied for the league lead in Outs Above Average (OAA) with +11​ at third base. Arenado followed in third with +9, while ⁢McMahon tied for‌ fourth at⁤ +7. After⁢ Ke’Bryan Hayes from‍ Pittsburgh ended⁣ his streak of​ 10 consecutively won Gold Gloves at third, Arenado finds himself in contention once ‌more.

SHORTSTOP
Dansby Swanson, Cubs
Ezequiel Tovar,‌ Rockies
Masyn Winn, Cardinals

LEFT​ FIELD
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., D-backs
Ian Happ, Cubs
Brandon Marsh, ​Phillies

Happ, having ⁣secured an NL Gold Glove in left field for⁣ the ​previous⁢ two seasons, could⁣ achieve a third this year. The Cubs outfielder ‍ led all‍ left fielders with eight DRS‌ and recorded 11⁤ outfield ⁣assists, which ⁣were tied for ⁣the⁢ highest in the⁣ NL.​ Marsh ​closely followed Happ with 7 DRS, while Gurriel’s +3 OAA led all NL left‍ fielders.

CENTER FIELD
Brenton Doyle,⁣ Rockies
Blake Perkins, Brewers
Jacob Young, Nationals

Doyle enjoyed significant ‍improvement with his batting in ⁢2024, remaining ⁤an outstanding defender in center field. The 2023 NL Gold Glove recipient for this position ended the ⁢season with +16 OAA, tied for‌ second in the ​MLB, ‍second only to Young, who achieved +20. ⁤Both Young and Doyle tied ⁢for⁢ third among all center fielders with 11 DRS each, while Perkins also had an impressive season in center with​ +11 OAA and 8 DRS.

RIGHT FIELD
Sal Frelick, ⁢Brewers
Jake McCarthy,⁣ D-backs
Mike Yastrzemski, Giants

It’s ‍no ⁤surprise that the D-backs and Brewers, being the top two teams in the NL regarding team Outs Above Average, have multiple players represented here. Frelick’

With 16 Defensive Runs ⁣Saved, he‌ led ⁢all ‍right fielders by a significant margin.​ His‌ +7 Outs Above Average (OAA) in right field placed him in a‍ tie with‍ teammate Jackson Chourio and Boston’s Wilyer Abreu ⁢for​ the highest in the position.‍ Yastrzemski, who accumulated the ‌second-most innings in right field throughout MLB, recorded 5 DRS, while McCarthy posted +6 OAA in⁣ 2024.

UTILITY
Brendan Donovan, Cardinals
Kiké Hernández, Dodgers
Jared⁣ Triolo, Pirates

In 2022, Donovan ⁤became the first⁤ player from ‍the National League to secure the utility Gold Glove, and he has a chance to achieve it ⁢once more after a season where he recorded 53 appearances at second base, nine at third base, and 105 in left⁢ field, culminating in ⁤+6 OAA. In 2024, Hernández showcased‍ his adaptability, playing⁤ at least nine games in every position except right field, ​catcher, and ‍pitcher,‌ even logging four⁤ innings‍ on the mound. Triolo predominantly split his⁢ time between second and third base, where he registered ⁤6 Defensive⁢ Runs Saved in 2024.

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2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Finalists Announced: ‌Who Will Take Home the Coveted Defensive Honors?

The⁤ anticipation surrounding the 2024 Rawlings Gold⁢ Glove Awards has ‍reached its peak as the finalists have been officially announced. This‌ prestigious award recognizes the top defensive​ players in Major League Baseball (MLB) and celebrates ⁣their exceptional skills on the⁢ field. In ​this ⁣article,‌ we delve⁣ into the finalists, explore⁤ their defensive ⁤accomplishments, and discuss who may ultimately take home this esteemed honor.

Understanding the Rawlings Gold Glove Award

Since its inception in 1957, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award has symbolized the pinnacle of defensive excellence in baseball. Each ⁤year, players are nominated based on their outstanding defensive performances in various positions. The awards are determined through a combination of voting by managers and coaches, ‌along with advanced defensive⁣ metrics.

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2024 ‍Gold‌ Glove Finalists

Here’s ‍a look at the 2024 finalists across key positions:

Position Finalists
Pitcher Max Scherzer, ⁣Lucas Giolito, Julio Urias
Catcher J.T. Realmuto, Yasmani Grandal, Omar Narvaez
First Base Paul Goldschmidt, Matt Olson, Yuli Gurriel
Second Base Ozzie Albies, Kolten Wong, Gleyber Torres
Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts
Third Base Nolan ⁤Arenado, Rafael⁤ Devers, Matt Chapman
Left Field Andrew Benintendi, Juan Soto, Kyle Schwarber
Center Field Mike Trout, Kevin Pillar, Luis Robert
Right Field Mookie Betts, Bryce​ Harper, Hunter‌ Renfroe

Highlighting the Top Contenders

Pitcher Finalists

  • Max Scherzer: With five previous Gold Gloves, Scherzer’s fielding ⁣skills contribute significantly to his​ dominance on the mound.
  • Lucas Giolito: Known for ​his⁣ athleticism and quick reflexes, Giolito has made remarkable plays that⁤ highlight his defensive prowess.
  • Julio Urias: Urias has consistently demonstrated his ability to field ‌bunts and ground balls effectively.

Catcher Finalists

  • J.T. ⁤Realmuto: ⁢Realmuto is‌ renowned for ​his strong arm ​and exceptional game-calling abilities.
  • Yasmani Grandal: A standout in⁤ pitch framing and blocking, Grandal has made significant contributions behind the plate.
  • Omar Narvaez: Narvaez has gained recognition⁣ for his‍ quick release and ability to control the running game.

Infield Finalists

First Base

  • Paul Goldschmidt: A ‍perennial Gold Glove candidate, Goldschmidt’s quick footwork and ‌precise throws elevate his defensive game.
  • Matt Olson: Olson’s range and agility at first base‍ have made him a standout in⁤ the league.
  • Yuli‍ Gurriel: Gurriel consistently showcases his ⁢defensive skills and versatility.

Second⁢ Base

  • Ozzie Albies: Albies combines speed and agility to cover ground ⁣and make accurate ⁢throws.
  • Kolten Wong: Wong’s defensive instincts and quick reflexes‌ have earned him multiple Gold Glove nods.
  • Gleyber Torres: Torres has improved significantly in his defensive responsibilities this past season.

Shortstop

  • Fernando Tatis Jr.: Tatis Jr. is known for his highlight-reel ​plays and strong ⁢arm.
  • Carlos Correa: Correa’s range and footwork make him one of the top shortstops‍ defensively.
  • Xander ‍Bogaerts: Bogaerts consistently makes⁢ difficult plays look easy.

Third Base

  • Nolan Arenado: A ten-time Gold Glove⁣ winner, Arenado’s defensive skills are unmatched.
  • Rafael Devers: Devers has shown significant improvement defensively in recent seasons.
  • Matt Chapman: ​Known for​ his exceptional ⁣arm strength and quick⁣ reflexes.

Outfield Finalists

Left Field

  • Andrew Benintendi: Benintendi’s quickness and awareness make him a solid ‌left‌ fielder.
  • Juan Soto: Soto’s strong arm and ability to track down fly balls set him apart.
  • Kyle ⁣Schwarber: Schwarber has made strides in overall defense this season.

Center Field

  • Mike Trout: Trout’s⁤ combination of speed and instincts‍ makes him ⁤a⁢ defensive asset.
  • Kevin Pillar: Known for his highlight-reel catches and defensive ‌plays.
  • Luis Robert: Robert’s athleticism and speed⁢ have ‍been crucial in ​center field.

Right Field

  • Mookie Betts: A previous Gold Glove Award winner, Betts remains one of the best defensive right fielders in the game.
  • Bryce Harper: Harper’s work ethic ⁣and defensive skills keep ⁢him in the ​conversation.
  • Hunter Renfroe: Known ⁢for​ his strong arm and ability to make difficult catches.

Defensive ​Metrics: The Numbers Behind the Nominees

In addition⁣ to traditional statistics, ​advanced metrics ⁣play a crucial role​ in evaluating a player’s defensive ability. Some key metrics include:

  • Ultimate‍ Zone Rating (UZR): Measures a player’s defensive contributions in‍ terms of runs​ saved.
  • Defensive Runs⁢ Saved ⁣(DRS): Evaluates how many runs a player saves or costs their team compared to an average player.
  • Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP): ⁤Takes into account a pitcher’s performance independent of fielding.

The Importance of ‌Defense in Baseball

While hitting ⁢often gets the spotlight, defense is equally vital in determining a team’s success. Exceptional​ defensive players not only save runs but also‌ contribute to the overall morale and performance of the team. Here are some key benefits of strong defensive play:

  • Run Prevention: Good defensive ⁢players minimize offensive opportunities for opponents.
  • Increased Confidence: Solid defense​ boosts pitcher confidence and allows them to focus on their game.
  • Momentum Shift: ⁤ Highlight-reel plays can‍ energize a team and⁣ turn the tide of a game.

Case Studies: Past Gold Glove Winners

Year Player Position Key Defensive Stats
2023 Oscar Mercado Center Field DRS: +20, UZR: +15.0
2022 Nolan Arenado Third Base DRS:

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