2024 MLB Gold Glove winners include Bobby Witt Jr., Chris Sale, and Matt Chapman, who are among the recognized defenders

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2024 MLB Gold Glove Awards: Celebrating the Best Defenders in Baseball

The 2024 Gold Glove awards have officially been announced, with Major League Baseball revealing the winners on Sunday night. These prestigious awards honor the best defensive players at each position across both the American League and the National League. The selection process involves a combination of voting by managers and coaches from all teams, accounting for 75% of the total votes, along with a statistical component provided by the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), which contributes the remaining 25%. Notably, team employees are prohibited from voting for their own players, ensuring a fair and impartial selection process.

A Brief History of the Gold Glove Award

Since its inception in 1957, the Gold Glove award has recognized outstanding defensive excellence in Major League Baseball. Originally presented as a single league-wide honor, the award was split into separate categories for the American League and National League in 1958. Throughout its history, the Gold Glove has evolved, including a period when three outfielders from each league received awards without specifying their positions. However, the award now accurately reflects the best defenders in left field, center field, and right field.

This year, MLB also released a list of finalists weeks prior to the announcement, which included the top three finishers at each position. However, it’s essential to note that these finalists were determined before the postseason, meaning that playoff performance did not influence the award outcomes.

Highlights of the 2024 American League Gold Glove Winners

Pitcher: Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals

Lugo captures his first Gold Glove award, joining Bret Saberhagen as the only Royals pitchers to earn this honor.
Catcher: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

Raleigh wins his first Gold Glove in just his fourth season, recognized for his exceptional framing skills and ability to throw out base runners.
First Base: Carlos Santana, Minnesota Twins

The veteran catcher transitions to first base and wins his first Gold Glove at the age of 38, becoming the oldest position player to achieve this accolade.
Second Base: Andrés Giménez, Cleveland Guardians

Giménez secures his third consecutive Gold Glove, demonstrating his prowess as one of the league’s top defenders.
Third Base: Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

Bregman claims his first Gold Glove, showcasing his reliable defensive range and skills at the hot corner.
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

A potential AL MVP finalist, Witt Jr. wins his first Gold Glove, establishing himself as a premier defensive player.
Left Field: Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians

Kwan captures his third straight Gold Glove, known for his range and impressive arm strength.
Center Field: Daulton Varsho, Toronto Blue Jays

Varsho, who was a part-time catcher just a few years ago, wins his first Gold Glove, demonstrating outstanding range in center field.
Right Field: Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox

Abreu takes home his first Gold Glove as a rookie, leading MLB outfielders with nine assists and 17 defensive runs saved.
Utility: Dylan Moore, Seattle Mariners

Moore wins his first Gold Glove award, demonstrating his versatility by playing multiple positions throughout the season.
Highlights of the 2024 National League Gold Glove Winners

Pitcher: Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves

Sale secures his first Gold Glove at age 35, marking a remarkable achievement in what could also be a Cy Young-winning season.
Catcher: Patrick Bailey, San Francisco Giants

Bailey earns his first Gold Glove, recognized as one of the best framers in the game.
First Base: Christian Walker, Arizona Diamondbacks

Walker wins his third consecutive Gold Glove, proving himself as one of the elite defenders at first base.
Second Base: Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers

At just 24 years old, Turang takes home his first Gold Glove, leading all infielders in defensive runs saved.
Third Base: Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants

Chapman claims his fifth Gold Glove, this time on the National League side, further cementing his reputation as one of the best defenders at third base.
Shortstop: Ezequiel Tovar, Colorado Rockies

Tovar wins his first Gold Glove, showcasing his exceptional range and defensive skills.
Left Field: Ian Happ, Chicago Cubs

Happ wins his third consecutive Gold Glove, known for his diving catches and strong defensive play.
Center Field: Brenton Doyle, Colorado Rockies

Doyle secures his second straight Gold Glove, excelling in range and arm strength.
Right Field: Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers

Frelick wins his first Gold Glove, recognized for his speed and defensive prowess.
Utility: Jared Triolo, Pittsburgh Pirates

Triolo earns his first Gold Glove, showcasing his ability to play multiple positions effectively throughout the season.
The 2024 Gold Glove awards celebrate the exceptional talent and defensive skills of MLB players, highlighting the importance of defense in the game of baseball. As the season concludes, these winners represent the pinnacle of defensive excellence in their respective leagues.

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