MLB tried to pull a fast one, dumping the biggest defensive awards of the year late on a Friday night like it was old news, but they can’t hide the truth from the Emerald City: our very own Cole Young just snagged an American League Gold Glove at second base! While the league was busy trying to bury the Platinum Glove announcements, a real hero from T-Mobile Park quietly earned his due, and that’s a massive deal for the Mariners.
The League’s Latest News Dump Shenanigans
Seriously, what is up with MLB? They dropped the Platinum Glove awards, honoring the top overall defender in each league, at 11 p.m. ET on a Friday. Like, did they want people to actually see this? Pete Crow-Armstrong from the Chicago Cubs and Cody Bellinger from the New York Yankees were the big winners, both taking home their first Platinum Gloves. Rawlings Sports even tweeted it out with a picture of the guys looking happy, which is cool for them, but the timing? Total bush league move. These awards are supposed to celebrate incredible defense, not be snuck out like a late-night infomercial. The winners are decided by a combo of a fan vote, which we all know can be easily swayed, and the SABR Defensive Index (SDI). Bellinger actually led the AL in SDI, while Crow-Armstrong was second in the NL behind Brice Turang, another Gold Glover. And for other advanced stats? Crow-Armstrong was first in Fielding Run Value and third in Defensive Runs Saved in his league, with Bellinger checking in at 21st and second, respectively. It’s tough to compare positions, yeah, but a late-night announcement still feels disrespectful to the talent.
Cole Young: Our Golden Boy at Second!
Now, let’s get to what really matters for Seattle On Tap readers! While Crow-Armstrong and Bellinger were grabbing the top honors, the Platinum Gloves are chosen from the 10 Gold Glovers in each league, and guess who was right there in the mix? Our guy, Cole Young! He absolutely earned that American League Gold Glove at second base. He was among a stacked list of AL Gold Glovers, including guys like Christian Walker at first for Houston, Taylor Walls at short for Tampa Bay, and Cody Bellinger in left field for the Yankees. This isn’t just some participation trophy; it’s a legitimate nod to how incredible Young has been with the leather this season. Think about it: a Mariners infielder getting this kind of recognition. It just goes to show you the kind of talent we’re nurturing here in the Emerald City, and it makes you wonder what else he’s going to achieve.
What This Gold Glove Means for the M’s
This isn’t just about a shiny piece of hardware for Cole Young’s trophy case, though that’s awesome too. This Gold Glove is a statement. It’s a clear signal that the Mariners have a defensive wizard locking down the middle infield, which is crucial for any team looking to make a serious run. And while the source article talks about Crow-Armstrong being expected to win NL MVP after hitting MLB’s seventh 40-40 season, and Bellinger getting his first All-Star nod since 2019, our focus is squarely on Young. This award cements his place as one of the elite defenders in the game right now. Looking ahead, this kind of recognition early in his career can only propel him further, giving our pitching staff even more confidence with him behind them. We’re talking about a guy who just got recognized as the best defensive second baseman in the AL. You better believe Mariners fans are going to be watching every single play even closer next season, knowing they’ve got a true Gold Glover out there.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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