Photo Credit: MLB.com
0
0
Major League Baseball celebrated its best defensive players Sunday night, announcing the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners. The awards recognized outstanding fielding performances across the American League and National League. This year’s winners included established veterans, emerging stars, and several players celebrating their first defensive honors. Additionally, two organizations stood above the competition with three winners apiece. The Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks led Major League Baseball with three Gold Glove recipients each. Meanwhile, nine players earned their first career awards, demonstrating baseball’s growing collection of outstanding young defenders. Christian Walker and Matt Olson also reached significant milestones, collecting their fourth career Gold Gloves. The announcement highlighted another exciting season of defensive excellence throughout baseball.
American League Gold Glove Winners
The American League featured several impressive performances, including a historic achievement for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Pitcher: Tanner Bibee, Cleveland Guardians
Bibee earned his first career Gold Glove after demonstrating outstanding defensive ability on the mound. He led American League pitchers with five Defensive Runs Saved. Furthermore, Bibee became Cleveland’s second pitcher to capture the award, joining Shane Bieber.
Catcher: Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers
Dingler captured his second consecutive Gold Glove after another exceptional defensive season. He led Major League catchers with 17 Fielding Run Value and 15 Defensive Runs Saved. His performance further established him among baseball’s premier defensive catchers.
First Base: Christian Walker, Houston Astros
Walker continued building his impressive defensive résumé with his fourth career Gold Glove. Previously, he captured three consecutive awards with Arizona from 2022 through 2024. His latest honor marked his first Gold Glove with Houston.
Second Base: Cole Young, Seattle Mariners
Young enjoyed a breakthrough defensive season, earning his first career Gold Glove. He led American League second basemen with 16 Defensive Runs Saved. Additionally, Young became Seattle’s first second baseman to win the award since Bret Boone in 2004.
Third Base: Caleb Durbin, Boston Red Sox
Durbin quickly established himself as a defensive difference-maker after joining Boston. He led American League third basemen with 13 Defensive Runs Saved. Moreover, Durbin became just the second Red Sox third baseman to capture the prestigious award.
Shortstop: Taylor Walls, Tampa Bay Rays
Walls delivered one of the most impressive defensive performances of the 2026 season. He led all Major League shortstops with 21 Defensive Runs Saved. Additionally, Walls became the first shortstop in Tampa Bay Rays history to capture a Gold Glove. The achievement ended a lengthy drought for the organization. Kevin Kiermaier previously earned Tampa Bay’s last Gold Glove in 2019. Walls now joins the franchise’s distinguished collection of defensive standouts.
Left Field: Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees
Bellinger earned his second career Gold Glove and first since 2019. His 21 Defensive Runs Saved placed him among baseball’s best defenders. Additionally, he recorded eight outfield assists while demonstrating improved arm strength.
Center Field: Ceddanne Rafaela, Boston Red Sox
Rafaela continued establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier defensive center fielders. He captured his second consecutive Gold Glove after recording 21 Defensive Runs Saved. His remarkable range helped Boston maintain one of baseball’s strongest defensive outfields.
Right Field: Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox
Abreu completed an impressive three-peat, capturing his third consecutive Gold Glove. He led all Major League defenders with 28 Defensive Runs Saved. Furthermore, his 13 outfield assists showcased his outstanding throwing ability.
Utility: Ezequiel Duran, Texas Rangers
Duran earned his first Gold Glove through exceptional defensive versatility. He appeared at every defensive position except pitcher and catcher. His 17 Outs Above Average placed him among baseball’s elite defenders. Boston’s three winners highlighted an outstanding year for the Red Sox defense.
National League Gold Glove Winners
The National League featured several familiar winners alongside exciting young players making their first appearances among baseball’s defensive elite.
Pitcher: Nolan McLean, New York Mets
McLean made history by becoming the first rookie pitcher to capture a Gold Glove. His impressive defensive ability complemented an outstanding rookie season. Additionally, McLean became the Mets’ first Gold Glove winner at any position since Juan Lagares in 2014.
Catcher: Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks
Moreno captured his second career Gold Glove after previously winning in 2023. His outstanding catching ability helped anchor Arizona’s defense throughout the season. Furthermore, Moreno joined Joe Mauer as the only catchers to win a batting title and Gold Glove together.
First Base: Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Olson earned his fourth career Gold Glove, matching Christian Walker’s total. He led Major League first basemen with 12 Outs Above Average. His reliable glove continued providing Atlanta with exceptional defense around the infield.
Second Base: Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang captured his second career Gold Glove after previously winning in 2024. He recorded 23 Defensive Runs Saved, finishing second among all Major League players. His quick reactions and impressive range helped strengthen Milwaukee’s middle infield.
Third Base: Alex Bregman, Chicago Cubs
Bregman captured his second career Gold Glove after previously winning with Houston in 2024. He became just the second Cubs third baseman to earn the honor. Chicago legend Ron Santo previously dominated the position with five consecutive awards.
Shortstop: Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks
Perdomo earned his first career Gold Glove after an outstanding defensive campaign. He recorded 16 Outs Above Average while handling a demanding workload at shortstop. His performance helped Arizona establish one of baseball’s strongest defensive units.
Left Field: Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee Brewers
Chourio captured his first career Gold Glove at just 22 years old. He led National League left fielders with 13 Defensive Runs Saved. His athleticism and developing defensive instincts continued making him an important part of Milwaukee’s success.
Center Field: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs
Crow-Armstrong continued dazzling baseball fans with his exceptional defensive ability. He earned his second consecutive Gold Glove after leading Major League Baseball with 26 Outs Above Average.Additionally, his remarkable range helped Chicago turn difficult fly balls into routine outs. Crow-Armstrong also enjoyed a tremendous offensive season, reaching the 40-homer, 40-steal milestone.
Right Field: Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
Carroll captured his first career Gold Glove after another outstanding season in Arizona. He led Major League right fielders with 10 Outs Above Average. His exceptional speed and athleticism helped the Diamondbacks prevent numerous extra-base hits.
Utility: Mauricio Dubón, Atlanta Braves
Dubón earned his third career utility Gold Glove after previous victories in 2023 and 2025. He contributed defensively at five different positions during the season. Furthermore, Dubón became the first player to capture three Gold Gloves in the utility category. Arizona’s three winners highlighted the organization’s commitment to outstanding defensive baseball. MLB.com +1
Gold Glove Awards Highlight Baseball’s Defensive Excellence
The 2026 Gold Glove winners demonstrated why outstanding defense remains essential to championship-level baseball. While home runs and strikeouts dominate headlines, exceptional fielding can change games just as dramatically. The Red Sox and Diamondbacks led the way with three winners each. Meanwhile, the Cubs, Braves, and Brewers each celebrated two recipients. Walker and Olson continued building impressive careers with their fourth Gold Gloves. Meanwhile, Abreu and Dubón reached three career awards. Several young players also announced their arrival among baseball’s defensive elite. Young, Durbin, Walls, Chourio, Carroll, and McLean all earned their first Gold Gloves. Perhaps one of the most significant achievements came from Tampa Bay’s Taylor Walls. His historic victory gave the Rays their first Gold Glove shortstop.
The selection process combined traditional baseball evaluations with advanced defensive statistics. Managers and coaches accounted for 75 percent of the voting at the nine standard positions. The SABR Defensive Index contributed the remaining 25 percent Meanwhile; Rawlings used a separate statistical process to select each league’s utility winner. The celebration will continue with the announcement of the Platinum Glove Award winners on November 6. Fans can vote through November 5 to help recognize baseball’s top overall defensive player in each league. Ultimately, the 2026 winners reminded baseball fans that defense deserves recognition alongside offensive accomplishments. Great hitters can change a game with one swing. However, outstanding defenders can change the outcome with one remarkable play. The Gold Glove Awards ensure those defensive contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
NCAABNovember 3, 2026 at 12:12 amUSF Basketball Sweeps Home Openers in Dominant Fashion
NHLNovember 3, 2026 at 12:12 amNHL Hometown Remix Jerseys 2026: All 32 Teams Ranked
WWENovember 3, 2026 at 12:12 amWWE Crown Jewel 2026: Champions Collide in Saudi Arabia
MLBNovember 3, 2026 at 12:12 am2026 MLB Gold Glove Winners: Baseball’s Defensive Stars Shine
About the Author
