It’s always great to witness a player accomplish a milestone in their career. Earlier this week, outfielder Joey Gallo and catcher/infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa won the 2020 AL Gold Glove at their respective positions. Both are great players, and this marks the first career AL Gold Glove for each of them. Texas Rangers fans wished they could have watched in person. They were thrilled nonetheless.
Strange Times
In Kiner-Falefa’s case, he was just hoping to win a job as a utility infielder heading into spring training. In the pandemic shortened season, the term Gold Glove really doesn’t enter your mind. That makes it even more special. The Rangers may not have made a playoff push, but Kiner-Falefa certainly did what he could to help. At the plate, he hit .280 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and 28 runs scored. As for Gallo, he was learning a new position, right field to be specific. He didn’t really put up a lot of power numbers at the plate, hitting .181 with 10 home runs, 26 RBI, and 23 runs scored. Both of them made up for it with their gloves though.
Stiff Competition
A lot of guys opted out of playing the short 60-game season due to health concerns, but there was still a lot of competition in the Gold Glove Race for both Gallo and Kiner-Falefa. In right field, Gall0 beat out finalists Clint Frazier of the New York Yankees, and Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles. At third base, Kiner-Falefa had the upper hand over Yoan Moncada of the Chicago White Sox, and Gio Urshela of the New York Yankees. All of these guys had great seasons, but the two mainstays for the Texas Rangers stood out just a little bit more.
What’s Next
As a player, you always set goals for yourself. It’s pretty safe to say that Gallo and Kiner-Falefa are both enjoying this milestone, and want more. It’s unclear how many more awards they will pile up, but it will definitely be fun to watch.
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