Three Toronto Blue Jays players have won Gold Glove Awards this season in 2023. Jose Berrios, Kevin Kiermaier, and Matt Chapman are all Gold Glove award winners. For Chapman and Kiermaier, this will be the fourth Gold Glove Award they earned in their careers. For Jose Berrios, this was his first time winning a Gold Glove Award, which makes it a massive milestone in his baseball career as a pitcher. Berrios finished his 2022 season with a 5.23 ERA, and this season, he finished with a 3.65 ERA.
He deserves this award, as he had a solid 2023 season with the Blue Jays. Jose has already been focusing on the 2024 season and has been training hard in the gym. He shared a video of this on his Instagram story not long after the Minnesota Twins swept the Blue Jays. La Makina, aka Berrios, is a player who has a lot of discipline, like his teammate Chris Bassitt.
Three Blue Jays Players Win Gold Glove Awards
Congratulations, Berrios, Kiermaier, and Chapman
Well deserved! 👏
Kevin Kiermaier, José Berríos & Matt Chapman are Gold Glove Award winners. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/94I4pjCGWg
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 6, 2023
It is no surprise that these three players have won Gold Glove Awards. Although the Blue Jays 2023 season fell short and was a rollercoaster ride, many memorable moments came from these three players. Kiermaier and Chapman are veteran players, and both earning their fourth Gold Glove Awards. It is nostalgic knowing that both Kiermaier and Chapman are free agents and likely won’t be returning in 2024.
Varshow!!
Varsho makes it FIVE 🖐 @DaultonVarsho25 pic.twitter.com/Z1sLDTco17
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 23, 2023
Although Daulton Varsho did not win a Gold Glove Award, he deserves to be mentioned as he came first for DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) with 29. Varsho’s defense in 2023 was stellar, and he proved to fans that although his offense was not as good as when he was on the Diamondbacks, Varsho showcased why he’s an asset to the Blue Jays. He is a strong bunter, he has base-running speed, a solid and accurate throwing arm, and, of course, he has power with 20 home runs on the season.
In 2022, he had 27, so his home run total was lower compared to the 2023 season. Although Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.to the World Series, many feel nostalgic that the Blue Jays lost two strong players, but Varsho’s skills should not be ignored. In 2024, Varsho will play well and be a veteran leader on the team for the young players and new players that the Jays sign in the offseason.
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations to Berrios, Chapman, and Kiermaier again for winning Gold Glove Awards for their performances in the 2023 regular season. These are three players who deserve a lot of respect. Chapman is a skilled third baseman, and his defense always speaks for itself. Although his offense was under par in 2023, Chapman was a valuable asset to the Blue Jays. It will be interesting to see who could replace his defense at third base.
Kiermaier’s Superman dives and spectacular defense in the outfield will also be missed. Kiermaier mentioned that he prefers to play on natural grass. But it is possible that he could resign with the Blue Jays. His aggressiveness with catching balls in the outfield will always be something that he is recognized for. The Blue Jays signed Kevin Kiermaier in December 2022 to a one-year free-agent contract. He also earned $9 million (plus a $750,000 incentive bonus based on time on the roster).
Photo Credit: © Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
