Two Rockies are finalists for Gold Glove Award
Second base
National League: Javier Baez, Cubs; DJ LeMahieu, Rockies; Kolten Wong, Cardinals
American League: Jed Lowrie, Athletics; Ian Kinsler, Red Sox; Rougned Odor, Rangers
LeMahieu was far and away the Majors’ leader in defensive runs saved (DRS) at second base with 18, followed by Odor with 11. Baez, a staple of defensive highlight reels, is seeking his first Gold Glove.
Shortstop
National League: Nick Ahmed, D-backs; Brandon Crawford, Giants; Freddy Galvis, Padres
American League: Francisco Lindor, Indians; Marcus Semien, Athletics; Andrelton Simmons, Angels
Crawford could become the first NL shortstop to win four straight Gold Gloves since Ozzie Smith, who won 13 straight from 1980-92. Ahmed’s 21 DRS tied for the MLB lead among shortstops with Simmons, who could join Omar Vizquel as the second shortstop to win multiple Gold Gloves in each league.
Third base
National League: Nolan Arenado, Rockies; Anthony Rendon, Nationals; Travis Shaw, Brewers
American League: Alex Bregman, Astros; Matt Chapman, Athletics; Jose Ramirez, Indians
Chapman’s 29 DRS were the most of any defender at any position (eight clear of Ahmed and Simmons) amid a breakout year for the A’s young star. He’ll face staunch competition from the stellar Bregman, while Arenado seeks a sixth straight NL Gold Glove — which would tie Buddy Bell and Eric Chavez for the third longest streak by any third baseman.
