Sports
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2025 Gold Glove Finalists Revealed: Who Will Win?
It’s that exciting time of year again when we get to celebrate the incredible defensive talent that makes baseball so beautiful to watch. The buzz around the 2025 Gold Glove finalists has been building, and it’s always a treat to see which players are being recognized for their glovework. As reported by X on Wednesday, the nominees are out, and soon we'll know who is taking home these prestigious awards on Sunday, November 2nd.
What I always find so fascinating about the Gold Glove process is how it balances the experience and respect of managers and coaches with the hard data. It’s a neat blend, isn't it? For the standard nine positions, a hefty 75% of the vote comes from those who know the game inside and out – the skippers and their right-hand men – while the other 25% is powered by the SABR Defensive Index. But for that increasingly important utility spot, it’s a whole different ballgame, with Rawlings and SABR collaborating on a unique formula.
Looking at the list, it’s no surprise to see familiar names like Max Fried in the mix for pitcher in the American League. As noted in one of the reports, he’s earned this recognition before, winning three straight from 2020 to 2022. Even with a career-high of four errors this year, his other numbers, like 10 defensive runs saved above average, speak volumes about his prowess on the mound. And how about Ryan McMahon? He's a finalist for third base in the National League, even after a midseason trade. It just goes to show that talent and dedication to defense don't stop at team lines.
Then there are the stories that tug at the heartstrings, like the Mets. They’re hoping to snap a decade-long drought since their last Gold Glove win with finalists David Peterson and Luis Torrens. Peterson's agility off the mound and Torrens's remarkable ability to throw out runners – ranking in the 100th percentile this season, according to Statcast – certainly give fans a reason to be hopeful. It makes you wonder, could this be the year their luck turns around? It’s these narratives, alongside the sheer brilliance on display, that make following the gold glove finalists so engaging.
As the anticipation builds towards the announcement, one can't help but reflect on what it takes to be truly elite defensively. Is it innate skill, relentless practice, or a combination of both?
What I always find so fascinating about the Gold Glove process is how it balances the experience and respect of managers and coaches with the hard data. It’s a neat blend, isn't it? For the standard nine positions, a hefty 75% of the vote comes from those who know the game inside and out – the skippers and their right-hand men – while the other 25% is powered by the SABR Defensive Index. But for that increasingly important utility spot, it’s a whole different ballgame, with Rawlings and SABR collaborating on a unique formula.
Looking at the list, it’s no surprise to see familiar names like Max Fried in the mix for pitcher in the American League. As noted in one of the reports, he’s earned this recognition before, winning three straight from 2020 to 2022. Even with a career-high of four errors this year, his other numbers, like 10 defensive runs saved above average, speak volumes about his prowess on the mound. And how about Ryan McMahon? He's a finalist for third base in the National League, even after a midseason trade. It just goes to show that talent and dedication to defense don't stop at team lines.
Then there are the stories that tug at the heartstrings, like the Mets. They’re hoping to snap a decade-long drought since their last Gold Glove win with finalists David Peterson and Luis Torrens. Peterson's agility off the mound and Torrens's remarkable ability to throw out runners – ranking in the 100th percentile this season, according to Statcast – certainly give fans a reason to be hopeful. It makes you wonder, could this be the year their luck turns around? It’s these narratives, alongside the sheer brilliance on display, that make following the gold glove finalists so engaging.
As the anticipation builds towards the announcement, one can't help but reflect on what it takes to be truly elite defensively. Is it innate skill, relentless practice, or a combination of both?
