Central STL News

A mix of established players and new contenders are in the spotlight for the 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, according to selections made by MLB.com experts. The awards, which recognize defensive excellence at each position in both leagues, often feature repeat winners but can also introduce new names to the list.

In the American League (AL), Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays stands out among catchers with top marks in framing and blocking, boasting a Fielding Run Value of plus-19. If he wins, he would be the sixth different AL catcher honored in as many years. In the National League (NL), Patrick Bailey of the Giants leads all defenders by Fielding Run Value with plus-29 and has excelled across multiple defensive metrics.

First base nominees include Ty France (Twins/Blue Jays) for the AL, who has improved his Outs Above Average to lead all first basemen this season. Matt Olson (Braves) is favored in the NL, aiming for his third career Gold Glove after leading his peers in Defensive Runs Saved and assists.

At second base, Andrés Giménez (Blue Jays) continues his strong run as a three-time winner since 2022 and leads AL second basemen despite injury setbacks. Nico Hoerner (Cubs), last year’s NL Gold Glove recipient at second base, again tops several defensive categories including Fielding Run Value and putouts.

Third base picks feature Maikel Garcia (Royals) for the AL—who leads his position group in both Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average—and Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pirates/Reds) for the NL. Hayes is ahead of all other third basemen with 19 Defensive Runs Saved and 20 Outs Above Average.

Shortstop candidates include Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), on track for back-to-back Gold Gloves with league-leading Outs Above Average numbers, while Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals leads NL shortstops in fielding reliability and efficiency with only three errors over more than 400 chances.

In left field, Steven Kwan seeks a fourth consecutive award for Cleveland after leading left fielders in assists and Fielding Run Value. Isaac Collins of Milwaukee is recognized as a top rookie defender among NL left fielders.

Center field features Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox), whose defensive value stems from exceptional range reflected by +19 Outs Above Average—the best among outfielders alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs. Crow-Armstrong’s record number of five-star plays highlight one of Statcast’s best documented seasons defensively.

Right field standouts include Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox), who pairs range with arm strength to lead most advanced metrics among corner outfielders; Fernando Tatis Jr. dominates right-field statistics for San Diego with leading totals in putouts and double plays turned.

Utility roles are highlighted by Mauricio Dubón (Astros) for his versatility across nearly every position except pitcher or catcher—he ranks high on both Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average at each spot played—and Otto Lopez (Marlins), who splits time between shortstop and second base while posting strong Defensive Runs Saved numbers at both positions.

Pitcher nominees are Max Fried—who could become just the fourth pitcher to win Gold Gloves in both leagues if he claims this year’s AL honor after previously winning three times with Atlanta—and Logan Webb (Giants). Webb matches league leaders in Defensive Runs Saved among pitchers while leading all NL hurlers in assists.

Masyn Winn's performance places him as a key figure on defense for St. Louis this season, ranking first among National League shortstops for fewest errors made given at least 400 opportunities—a testament to consistent play that sets him apart from peers around Major League Baseball.