All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for AL first basemen. He’s one of 14 first-time winners who put up excellent defensive seasons. The 23-year-old finished ahead Minnestoa’s Luis Arraez and New York’s Anthony Rizzo to claim the award. José Berrios, Matt Chapman, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Whit Merrifield were finalists in their respective positions. However, Guerrero was the only winner out of the four other Toronto Blue Jays.
Good as GOLD 🥇
Vladdy wins his FIRST #GoldGlove Award! pic.twitter.com/vwe6Zo4Ewv
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) November 1, 2022
The Gold Glove Award is handed out annually to the best defender at each position in both leagues. Per the guidelines, managers and coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.
Guerrero has been playing first base since July 2020, and it didn’t take long for him to make a statement in that position. He came up through the minor league system as a third baseman, but a not-so-good one. Despite having a strong arm, he struggled with mechanics and footwork at third. During his rookie year, his 17 errors and -20 outs above average ranked last among all third basemen. Guerrero has continued to make strong strides since playing the position. He’s shown fantastic flexibility and agility to become the first player in Blue Jays history to win a Gold Glove at first base.
His win this year should be considered well-deserved and a bit of an upset. Arraez did finish one above Guerrero with four defensive runs saved and five points better in OAA. Altogether, it didn’t stop the popular star from winning it, who committed 948 putouts, 10 errors and 80 double plays.
Gold Glove Winners
American League
Pitcher: Shane Bieber
Catcher: Jose Trevino
First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Second base: Andrés Giménez
Shortstop: Jeremy Peña
Third base: Ramón Urías
Left field: Steven Kwan
Center field: Myles Straw
Right field: Kyle Tucker
Utility: DJ LeMahieu
National League
Pitcher: Max Fried
Catcher: J.T. Realmuto
First base: Christian Walker
Second base: Brendan Rodgers
Shortstop: Dansby Swanson
Third base: Nolan Arenado
Left field: Ian Happ
Center field: Trent Grisham
Right field: Mookie Betts
Utility: Brendan Donovan
Main Photo
Players mentioned:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Luis Arraez, Anthony Rizzo, José Berrios, Matt Chapman, Jackie Bradley Jr. , Whit Merrifield, Shane Bieber, Jose Trevino, Andrés Giménez, Jeremy Peña, Ramón Urías, Steven Kwan, Myles Straw, DJ LeMahieu, Max Fried, J.T. Realmuto, Brendan Rodgers, Dansby Swanson, Nolan Arenado, Ian Happ, Trent Grisham, Mookie Betts, Brendan Donovan
