Five Blue Jays Players Earn Gold Glove Award Finalist Spots

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Five Blue Jays Players Earn Gold Glove Award Finalist Spots

The Toronto Blue Jays have once again showcased their defensive prowess in Major League Baseball. Five players from the team have earned spots as finalists for the prestigious Gold Glove Award this season. This recognition underscores the exceptional defensive skills present within the Blue Jays roster.

Key Blue Jays Gold Glove Award Finalists

  • Ernie Clement – Utility and Third Base Finalist
  • Alejandro Kirk – Catcher Finalist
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – First Base Finalist
  • Andrés Giménez – Second Base Finalist
  • Ty France – First Base Finalist

Ernie Clement’s Outstanding Season

Ernie Clement is a strong contender for the Utility Gold Glove Award. He has played 1,265.1 innings across four infield positions. Notably, he tied for the MLB lead with 22 defensive runs saved (DRS). Clement logged 603 innings at third base, accumulating 11 DRS, making him a finalist in this category as well.

Alejandro Kirk’s Defensive Skills

Alejandro Kirk has made a name for himself among catchers this season. He tied for eighth in DRS with nine. Additionally, Kirk ranked third in MLB with a plus-22 fielding run value, showcasing his value in blocking and framing pitches.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Impressive Work at First Base

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tied for sixth in DRS with ten at first base. Despite his below-average ranking in some Statcast metrics, Guerrero has excelled at preventing base runners, thanks to his strong arm.

Andrés Giménez’s All-Star Defensive Play

Andrés Giménez, who has previously won three Gold Glove Awards, is a finalist even after missing 61 games. He tied for fifth in DRS at second base with nine, despite playing limited innings due to injury and filling in at shortstop.

Ty France’s Dual Representation

Ty France was recognized as a first-base finalist for his contributions to both the Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins. He logged 812.1 innings with the Twins before playing 164.1 innings in Toronto.

Blue Jays’ Overall Defensive Performance

The Blue Jays’ defense has been a significant factor in their success, having recently won consecutive team Gold Glove awards. They ranked fourth in the MLB this season, accumulating a total of 51 DRS. This achievement highlights the team’s commitment to maintaining high defensive standards.

Position Player Team DRS
Utility Ernie Clement Toronto Blue Jays 22
Catcher Alejandro Kirk Toronto Blue Jays 9
First Base Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Toronto Blue Jays 10
Second Base Andrés Giménez Toronto Blue Jays 9
First Base Ty France Toronto Blue Jays / Minnesota Twins N/A

As the Blue Jays prepare for the postseason, these individual accolades highlight the team’s depth and defensive excellence. Fans eagerly await the official Gold Glove awards announcement to see if their favorite players will be recognized for their outstanding performances.