5 infielders leading the race for 2024 Gold Glove Award
The 2024 MLB season has been a good one for infielders in general, with at least one strong candidate for the MVP in both the National League and American League. Even though offensive production from middle infielders has become a big part of the game, the defensive ability of the corner infielders also seems to be getting better each year.
Here's a closer look at five infielders from both leagues who are leading the race for Gold Glove in their respective positions.
5 infielders leading the race for 2024 Gold Glove Award
#1. Patrick Bailey - Catcher
Patrick Bailey established himself as the premier catcher for the San Francisco Giants after finishing in seventh place for the NL Rookie of the Year last year.
As per Google Statcast, Bailey is leading all MLB catchers for framing, throwing and fielding run value in 2024. He also has a .996 fielding percentage, along with 18 outs above average and 7 defensive runs saved.
#2. Christian Walker - First Base
Christian Walker was enjoying one of his best seasons with a .815 OPS and 23 home runs until he was brought down by injury at the end of July.
Defensively, Walker has made just two errors in over 900 innings, which puts him on course for a third straight Gold Glove. The 33-year-old leads all NL first basemen with eight outs above average, and he also has seven defensive runs saved.
#3. Andrés Giménez - Second Base
Andrés Giménez is having a forgettable season at the plate with a .258/.306/.340 slash line while producing only five home runs thus far.
Nevertheless, the Cleveland Guardians' second baseman is on the road to securing a third consecutive Gold Glove. Giménez currently has a .988 fielding percentage with 18 outs above average and seven defensive runs saved.
#4. Nolan Arenado - Third Baseman
Nolan Arenado is likely to win a Gold Glove for the 11th time in his career after relinquishing his decade-long grip on the award last year.
Widely considered the best third baseman of his generation, Arenado has a .977 fielding percentage while making just seven errors this season. He also has six outs above average, which is the most among any player in that position.
#5. Bobby Witt Jr. - Shortstop
Bobby Witt Jr. is a leading candidate for the AL MVP, and he currently leads the league in hits and average while slugging over .600 with an OPS above 1.000.
Meanwhile, Witt Jr. has also been one of the best defenders in the shortstop role and leads the MLB in that position with eight outs above average. At the same time, he has a .971 fielding percentage with seven defensive runs saved.