Gold Glove 2024 Finalists: Who Could Take Home This Year’s Award and Who Are the Favorites?
As the 2024 MLB season wraps up, the anticipation for one of baseball’s most prestigious honors, the Gold Glove Award, is building. The Gold Glove, awarded annually to the best defensive players at each position in both the American and National Leagues, celebrates those who have shown exceptional skill with the glove and consistency in the field. With the finalists recently announced, let’s take a look at who could walk away with the hardware this year and analyze the favorites in each category.
American League Finalists
Catcher:
Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)
Jonah Heim (Texas Rangers)
Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals)
Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ budding star, has combined his superb pitch framing and cannon arm to make him a strong contender. Jonah Heim has continued to shine with the Texas Rangers, showing a great ability to control the running game. However, Salvador Perez, a veteran with multiple Gold Gloves, could challenge due to his leadership and consistency, though age may be catching up.
First Base:
Nathaniel Lowe (Texas Rangers)
Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
Ryan Mountcastle (Baltimore Orioles)
Matt Olson is the clear favorite here. His steady defense, coupled with excellent scoops and range, has made him a cornerstone for the Braves. Nathaniel Lowe has made strides, but Olson’s consistent performance puts him ahead in this race.
Shortstop:
Carlos Correa (Minnesota Twins)
Jeremy Peña (Houston Astros)
Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays)
Jeremy Peña is looking to defend his 2023 Gold Glove title, and his elite range and athleticism make him the front-runner. However, Carlos Correa has had a bounce-back defensive year and could challenge him, while Franco’s quickness and smooth hands have been on display all season.
Third Base:
Matt Chapman (Toronto Blue Jays)
José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)
Alex Bregman (Houston Astros)
Matt Chapman has long been regarded as one of the top defensive third basemen in the game, with multiple Gold Gloves to his name. He remains the favorite with his incredible range and rocket arm, but Ramírez and Bregman have made this race interesting with strong defensive seasons.
Outfield:
Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros)
Kevin Kiermaier (Toronto Blue Jays)
Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox)
Kevin Kiermaier, known for his spectacular catches and elite range, is always a strong contender. However, Kyle Tucker’s all-around play and Robert Jr.’s highlight-reel plays may push him for the top spot this season.
National League Finalists
Catcher:
– J.T. Realmuto (Philadelphia Phillies)
– Sean Murphy (Atlanta Braves)
– Gabriel Moreno (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Realmuto is widely regarded as the best defensive catcher in baseball, but Sean Murphy’s ability to manage the Braves’ pitching staff and control the running game makes him a serious contender. Gabriel Moreno’s rise in Arizona also adds some excitement, but this is likely a two-man race.
First Base:
– Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
– Christian Walker (Arizona Diamondbacks)
– Pete Alonso (New York Mets)
Christian Walker, the defending Gold Glove winner, has made another strong case this year with his slick fielding and reliable defense. Freeman is always in the conversation due to his smooth glove, but Walker has the edge again in 2024.
Shortstop:
– Dansby Swanson (Chicago Cubs)
– Francisco Lindor (New York Mets)
– Ha-Seong Kim (San Diego Padres)
Dansby Swanson has been lights-out for the Cubs in 2024, and his advanced metrics are some of the best in baseball. Lindor remains an elite defender, while Kim’s emergence in San Diego cannot be ignored. This will be a close battle, but Swanson is the favorite.
Third Base:
– Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals)
– Ke’Bryan Hayes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
– Austin Riley (Atlanta Braves)
Nolan Arenado is a perennial Gold Glove winner, and 2024 has been no different for him defensively. Ke’Bryan Hayes, however, may finally be ready to dethrone Arenado after a stellar season filled with highlight-reel plays. Austin Riley has been solid, but this feels like a two-horse race between Arenado and Hayes.
Outfield:
– Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers)
– Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks)
– Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves)
Mookie Betts continues to be a defensive wizard, but Corbin Carroll has burst onto the scene as one of the best outfield defenders in the game, using his speed and instincts to cut off balls in the gaps. Michael Harris II, last year’s Gold Glove winner, will also challenge. Betts has the experience, but Carroll may steal the spotlight this year.
The Favorites and Predictions
While there are many deserving candidates, certain players stand out due to their consistent defensive prowess. Matt Chapman at third base, Matt Olson at first, and Dansby Swanson at shortstop in the National League are likely to add more Gold Gloves to their resumes. Nolan Arenado could face tough competition from Ke’Bryan Hayes but remains a favorite due to his history of defensive excellence. In the outfield, Mookie Betts and Corbin Carroll could provide one of the most exciting matchups for a Gold Glove race in years.
As the final games wrap up and the awards are handed out, it’s clear that the 2024 Gold Glove finalists represent the best in baseball defense. Whether it’s the veterans looking to add to their legacy or the rising stars trying to make a name for themselves, this year’s awards promise to deliver plenty of drama and excitement for baseball fans.
