Cubs Claim Major League-High 3 Gold Gloves in 2023 Awards

UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs have made headlines by claiming a major league-high three Gold Glove awards for the 2023 season, just announced by Rawlings. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner each secured baseball’s prestigious fielding honor, marking a significant achievement for the team.

This is a monumental moment for Crow-Armstrong, who earned his first Gold Glove following a breakout season as an All-Star center fielder. Happ continues his dominance in left field, winning his fourth consecutive Gold Glove. Meanwhile, Hoerner celebrates his second Gold Glove at second base, solidifying his reputation as a defensive standout.

The announcement highlights a competitive field, with Kansas City, Boston, and San Francisco each boasting two Gold Glove winners. Notably, eight players received the award for the first time, showcasing fresh talent across the league.

In an exciting twist, Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia of the Royals made history as the first shortstop-third baseman teammates to win Gold Gloves in the same season since J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado in 2013. Witt achieved his second consecutive Gold Glove at shortstop, demonstrating his impressive defensive skills.

The Giants also made history, as Patrick Bailey and Logan Webb became the first battery from the same team to win Gold Gloves in the same season since the Cardinals’ Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright in 2013. Bailey’s win marks his second straight Gold Glove at catcher.

In other noteworthy wins, the Boston Red Sox celebrated victories with right fielder Wilyer Abreu, who won for the second year, and center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, earning the award for the first time.

Four-time winners include Max Fried of the New York Yankees and Steven Kwan of Cleveland, joining Happ in this elite category. Matt Olson of Atlanta secured his third Gold Glove, while Dillon Dingler of Detroit, Marcus Semien of Texas, Mauricio Dubón of Houston, and Ty France rounded out the American League winners. France notably transferred from Minnesota to Toronto on July 31.

In the National League, Fernando Tatis Jr. of San Diego, Masyn Winn of St. Louis, Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Javier Sanoja of Miami were also recognized, with Tatis and Hayes both earning their second Gold Gloves.

Financial incentives were also announced, with Semien receiving a $100,000 bonus for his achievement, while Kwan, Witt, and Hayes received bonuses of $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

Voting for the Gold Glove awards included managers and up to six coaches from each team, ensuring a fair selection process. Since 2013, the voting has integrated a defensive index from the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), which accounts for approximately 25% of the total tally.

As the excitement unfolds, fans and players alike will be eager to see how these accolades influence the upcoming seasons and the ongoing narrative of defensive excellence in baseball. Stay tuned for more updates as the league continues to highlight its top talent.