URGENT UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs have made headlines by securing a major league-high three Gold Glove awards this year, as announced by Rawlings earlier today. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner have all been recognized for their exceptional fielding skills, marking a significant achievement for the franchise.
This year’s awards highlight Crow-Armstrong’s breakout season as an All-Star center fielder, earning him his first Gold Glove. Meanwhile, Happ continues his defensive excellence with a fourth consecutive win in left field, and Hoerner celebrates his second Gold Glove at second base. The Cubs are now at the forefront of defensive talent in Major League Baseball.
In comparison, teams like Kansas City, Boston, and San Francisco each had two winners, reflecting a competitive field. Notably, eight players received the award for the first time, showcasing the rise of new talent in the league.
Strong performances were evident across the board. Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals made history as the first shortstop-third baseman teammates to win in the same season since J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado in 2013. Witt’s achievement marks his second consecutive Gold Glove.
The San Francisco Giants also made their mark with Patrick Bailey and Logan Webb becoming the first battery from the same team to win Gold Gloves in the same season since Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright for the Cardinals in 2013. Bailey’s win adds to his accolades with a second straight Gold Glove at catcher.
The Boston Red Sox celebrated wins with right fielder Wilyer Abreu, who secured his second Gold Glove, and center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, earning the honor for the first time. Other notable winners include New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried and Cleveland left fielder Steven Kwan, who joined Happ as four-time winners.
In a highlight for the American League, Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers, Dillon Dingler of the Detroit Tigers, and Ty France rounded out the winners, with France recently traded from Minnesota to Toronto. In the National League, Fernando Tatis Jr., Masyn Winn, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Javier Sanoja also took home Gold Gloves, with Tatis and Hayes both achieving their second awards.
Financial incentives are at play as well, with Semien receiving a $100,000 bonus for his win, while Kwan and Witt each earned $50,000, and Hayes received $25,000. Voting for these prestigious awards was conducted among managers and up to six coaches from each team, ensuring a fair selection process.
This news is not just a testament to individual talent but a reflection of the growing competitive spirit within Major League Baseball. Fans can expect to see how these players will leverage their defensive prowess in the upcoming season, making this announcement a crucial moment to watch in baseball’s evolving landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as these players prepare for the next chapter of their careers.
