On October 18th, it was announced that five Toronto Blue Jays players made it as finalists for the Gold Glove Award. Alejandro Kirk, Kevin Kiermaier, Daulton Varsho, Jose Berrios, and Matt Chapman. While the Blue Jays 2023 season left many disappointed, their defensive spark plugs were represented through these five players. All five of these players played at an elite level defensively this season.
#1 Team in Defensive Runs Saved – Blue Jays
Why?
Great outfield defense
– 29 Runs Saved from OF – most in MLB
– Kevin Kiermaier/Daulton Varsho 1-2 in CF Runs Saved
– Also strong at 3B – Matt Chapman T-2nd
– And catcher – Alejandro Kirk leads in Runs Saved#NextLevel pic.twitter.com/mLS5WJ2fMZ
— SIS_Baseball (@sis_baseball) July 18, 2023
Finalists for the Gold Glove Awards: Toronto Blue Jays
Alejandro Kirk
AL Catcher Gold Glove finalists:
— Alejandro Kirk
— Jonah Heim
— Adley RutschmanWho's winning?#NextLevel pic.twitter.com/6zneBYmanJ
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) October 18, 2023
While many underplay Kirk’s abilities, he is a valuable asset to the Blue Jays both offensively and defensively. He showed us this season that he is a strong back catcher for Toronto. While Kirk, along with many other Blue Jays players, underperformed this season, we cannot forget the games where Kirk helped keep the team in games. Kirk is a hitter who rarely strikes out, and while he does hit into a lot of double plays, he is a smart hitter.
Kirk has a beautiful line-drive swing as a right-handed batter, and he has good balance along with excellent bat speed. But aside from his offense, his defense behind the plate is something we can’t forget. Kirk has caught some wild pitches that have made fans proud of him for being on the Blue Jays. Kirk has been nominated as a Gold Glove Award finalist for American League catcher along with Adley Rutschman and Jonah Heim.
Daulton Varsho
AL Left Field Gold Glove Finalists:
— Daulton Varsho
— Steven Kwan
— Austin HaysThis would be Varsho's first Gold Glove.#NextLevel pic.twitter.com/xZAQn9E4NR
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) October 18, 2023
We know that although Varsho was projected to have a stronger season offensively. But he still had many great moments in 2023 that reminded us why he is a defensive gem. Varsho is the type of player that, when he is playing well, he plays with a lot of energy and confidence. He won the Heart and Hustle Award, and he made some impressive defensive plays in the outfield that helped save runs for the Blue Jays in 2023. Varsho has a strong arm and was signed by the Blue Jays because of the masterful defense that he provides. Varsho finished off the regular season saving 29 runs for the Blue Jays. He is without question worthy of winning, and if he does win, this would be his first Gold Glove award.
Kevin Kiermaier
AL Center Field Gold Glove finalists:
— Kevin Kiermaier
— Luis Robert Jr.
— Julio RodríguezKK already won 3 Gold Glove in his time with the Rays!#NextLevel pic.twitter.com/o0mFiWj1nx
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) October 18, 2023
Winning a Gold Glove Award is nothing new for Kiermaier. He won three of them when he played for the Tampa Bay Rays. Kiermaier is a player that we know hustles when he plays. We’ve seen him jump high and even get injured in order to make a play out in the outfield. Kiermaier is a player that plays aggressively and isn’t afraid to take a risk and chance. Although Kiermaier may not return with the Jays next season as he is a free agent, he is a well-rounded and respected player in baseball. Fans will be happy whatever he decides to do but keeping him for 2024 would mean a new season with more Superman diving catches for Kiermaier.
Jose Berríos
AL Pitcher Gold Glove Finalists:
— José Berrios
— Pablo Lopez
— Sonny GrayBerrios already won a Gold Glove back in 2020.#NextLevel pic.twitter.com/iEnxc6KxW5
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) October 18, 2023
Berríos had a great season for the Blue Jays finishing off the regular season with an 11-12 record and pitched 189.2 innings. He is deserving of being nominated as a Gold Glove finalist for American League pitcher. Let’s not forget that Berríos won back in 2020. Berríos provided the Blue Jays with many productive innings in 2023, and he showcased urgency, intensity, and energy when he pitched. He is a pitcher who works really hard and appreciated all the support that he received from the Blue Jays and his teammates. Berrios deserves more recognition as he pitched well in the postseason until he was removed early from the game, which was unfortunate to watch. It will be exciting to see Berrios pitch in 2024.
Matt Chapman
AL Third Base Gold Glove Finalists:
— Matt Chapman
— Alex Bregman
— José RamírezIf he wins, this would be Chappy's 4th Gold Glove.#NextLevel pic.twitter.com/P3BlwhZNQg
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) October 18, 2023
While Chapman was highly criticized this season for his underperformance offensively, we never doubted his defense at third base. While many do not expect him to return to the Jays in 2024, we can take the time to appreciate the impressive plays he made at third. Chapman joins Kiermaier for having won three Gold Glove Awards in his career. Chapman will always be a player that is respected for his strong defense at third was evident this season that when he wasn’t playing at third, it negatively impacted the Blue Jays.
Who’s Going to Take It?
It’s not unreasonable that the Blue Jays could end up with more than one player winning the Gold Glove Award. Berríos, Kirk, Chapman, Kiermaier, and Varsho are all deserving of it. Despite a frustrating 2023 season for the Blue Jays, these players deserve to be recognized. For their hard work, defensive mechanics, and memorable plays that will be revisited through sports highlights. It will be exciting and thrilling to see these players step it up in 2024. If Kiermaier and Chapman remain with the Jays in 2024, many will expect more from these Blue Jays stars. Congratulations to all the Blue Jays Gold Glove Award finalists in 2023.
Main Photo Credits: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
