"I’m trying to win a World Series" - Francisco Lindor breaks silence after Gold Glove snub for National League shortstop
Francisco Lindor was not named one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove at shortstop in the National League this year despite being at or near the top in a plethora of defensive metrics.
This "snub" was discussed at length by fans and analysts since it happened on October 15. Lindor, currently in the NLCS, gave his two cents on the matter.
The New York Mets star said via the New York Post:
“I had a good defensive year, but I guess there’s other players that had a better defensive year than me. At the end of the day, I’m trying to win a World Series. I’m trying to make it to the World Series and then win it. And I guess hopefully next year I get a chance at [a Gold Glove] again.”
Lindor would love to win his third Gold Glove and first with the Mets, but he has bigger things to focus on than not being named a finalist. His manager Carlos Mendoza is in the same boat, but he also reflected on the snub.
“He’s an elite defender," Mendoza said. "I was shocked that he wasn’t even in the finals.”
Ezequiel Tovar, Dansby Swanson and Masyn Winn were named the three finalists over Lindor.
Full Gold Glove finalists with Francisco Lindor snub
For pitchers, the nominees in the AL are Seth Lugo, Griffin Canning and Cole Ragans. In the NL, it's Chris Sale, Luis Severino and Zack Wheeler.
At catcher, the NL nominees are Patrick Bailey, Will Smith and Gabriel Moreno. The American League is up to Freddy Fermin, Cal Raleigh and Jake Rogers.
For first base, Nathaniel Lowe, Carlos Santana and Ryan Mountcastle are up for the award in the AL. In the NL, Matt Olson, Bryce Harper and Christian Walker can win.
The second basemen from the AL that can win a Gold Glove are Andres Gimenez, Nicky Lopez and Marcus Semien. On the NL side, Ketel Marte, Bryson Stott, and Brice Turang will fight for the trophy.
Third base in the AL is going to either of Alex Bregman, Ernie Clement and Jose Ramirez. Nolan Arenado, Matt Chapman and Ryan McMahon will duke it out in the National League.
Shortstop is down to Brayan Rocchio, Anthony Volpe and Bobby Witt Jr. in the American League. Ezequiel Tovar, Dansby Swanson and Masyn Winn (not Francisco Lindor) will fight it out on the other side.
In left field, the AL finalists are Alex Verdugo, Steven Kwan and Colton Cowser. Brandon Marsh, Ian Happ and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will vie for the NL's award there.
In center field, Jarren Duran, Daulton Varsho and Jake Meyers will vie for a Gold Glove. Blake Perkins, Jacob Young, and Brenton Doyle are up for the NL's version.
In the right field of AL, Juan Soto, Jo Adell and Wilyer Abreu are nominated. Sal Frelick, Jake McCarthy, and Mike Yastrzemski can win it at that spot in the other league.
There is also a utility award, which can be won by Willi Castro, Mauricio Dubon, or Dylan Moore in the AL. Jared Triolo, Brendan Donovan and Kike Hernandez are NL nominees.