Alright, let’s get into it! Our very own Mariner second baseman, Cole Young, officially snagged a Rawlings Gold Glove award last night, bringing some serious defensive hardware back to the Emerald City. This isn’t just a win for him, it’s a huge nod to the M’s defense and a moment for Seattle fans to absolutely swell with pride. The best defenders in baseball were honored Sunday night by Major League Baseball, and Cole Young proved he’s among the elite.
King of the Diamond: Young’s Gold Glove Triumph
Cole Young’s win is a massive statement. He beat out other tough American League finalists like Michael Massey from the Royals and Chase Meidroth of the White Sox to claim the second base honor. This isn’t just some popularity contest either. Gold Gloves have been a thing since 1957, recognizing the absolute best defensive player at each position in both leagues. We’re talking about the guys who make those jaw-dropping plays, the ones who save runs and swing momentum. For a Mariner to be in that conversation and come out on top? That’s what we love to see!
The League’s Defensive Royalty Crowned
While we’re hyped for Cole, let’s give props where they’re due across the league. Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs’ wunderkind, absolutely dominated. He took home his second straight National League Gold Glove in center field, and honestly, the guy is a beast. He also won in 2025 and is even expected to be named the NL MVP for 2026. The numbers back it up too: PCA posted a ridiculous +26 Fielding Runs Value (FRV), which is the fifth best in a single season since that metric launched in 2016, and second best for a non-catcher. Crazy.
The Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks led the pack, each hauling in three Gold Gloves. Talk about defensive powerhouses! Guys like JJ Wetherholt (+23 FRV) and Bobby Witt Jr. (+17 FRV) also showcased elite defense, proving the talent pool across MLB is just overflowing.
Behind the Gold: How Winners Are Chosen
Ever wonder how these awards are decided? It’s a mix of expert opinion and cold, hard data. Managers and coaches cast 75% of the votes, but here’s the kicker: they can’t vote for their own players. Smart, right? The other 25% comes from a statistical component, which relies heavily on Statcast’s Fielding Runs Value, or FRV. This all-encompassing metric digs deep, factoring in a player’s range, arm strength, and even how well catchers block and frame pitches. It’s not just about flashy plays, it’s about consistent, game-changing defense. And for our guy Cole Young to come out on top with that system in place? It speaks volumes about his skill and dedication.
This Gold Glove award for Cole Young isn’t just a trophy on a shelf, it sets a standard for defensive excellence for the Mariners. It’s a reminder that fundamental, stellar play on defense is just as crucial as lighting up the scoreboard. This is the kind of recognition that builds a winning culture and gives us all something to cheer about. What a moment for our M’s!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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