Controversy Surrounds 2024 AL Gold Glove Finalists

The announcement of the Gold Glove Award finalists for the 2024 Major League Baseball season has sparked debate, particularly regarding some unexpected names among the contenders. Known for recognizing defensive excellence, this year’s finalist list has stirred opinions within the baseball community.

One of the most discussed inclusions is Soto, a right fielder nominated as a finalist despite statistical evidence that may not support his candidacy. According to FanGraphs, Soto concluded the season with minus-1 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and minus-5 Outs Above Average (OAA), metrics which typically do not align with Gold Glove recognition. In contrast, fellow finalists Abreu and Adell recorded 18 DRS and 7 OAA, and 6 DRS and 1 OAA, respectively.

The selection process for the Gold Glove Awards is determined using a 75-25 formula, where votes from all 30 MLB managers and up to six coaches from each team comprise 75 percent of the decision, while the SABR Defensive Index accounts for the remaining 25 percent. Soto was previously a finalist in 2022 but did not secure the award that year.

Another notable finalist in the American League infield is Lopez, a second baseman who stood out despite playing for the team with the worst defensive record in contemporary baseball history. Lopez, making his second appearance as a Gold Glove finalist, had mixed stats that included a 74th percentile in fielding run value and the 88th percentile in outs above average, while also recording minus-1 DRS at second and minus-9 DRS at shortstop.

Despite these statistics, Lopez seemingly improved the average defensive performance of the White Sox, a team that finished with the lowest defensive runs above average since 2017, at minus-47.1, according to FanGraphs. The Oakland A’s were the next lowest with minus-37.7.

The catcher position features an interesting narrative as well, with emerging talents in the running for the award. Five-time Gold Glove winner, catcher Pérez, saw his backup, Fermin, earn a spot as a finalist for the first time in his career. Fermin tied with another first-time finalist, catcher Raleigh, with 16 DRS, marking a shift in competition dynamics among AL catchers.

The introduction of fresh faces like Fermin and Raleigh at the catching position indicates a period of transition, following a decade where the award was almost monopolized by consistent winners like Salvador Pérez, Martín Maldonado, and Roberto Pérez from 2013 to 2020.