Cubs Shine with Gold Glove Honors Amid Fans’ Snubs Frustration
The Chicago Cubs have wrapped up their season, and while the team didn’t make it to the World Series, they certainly left their mark. With a renewed focus on defense, the Cubs reached the playoffs for the first time in four years, showcasing the skills of their standout players. As the season concludes, accolades are pouring in, most notably the prestigious Gold Glove Awards.
Three Cubs Players Earn Gold Glove Recognition
The Cubs led all teams with three Gold Glove winners this year, a testament to their exceptional defensive play. Left fielder Ian Happ captured his fourth consecutive Gold Glove, while second baseman Nico Hoerner secured his second. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrated his inaugural win, hinting at a bright future ahead for the young star.
This trio’s defensive prowess has played a crucial role in the Cubs’ success, but questions linger about whether more players deserved the recognition.
The Snubs Raise Eyebrows
Among the finalists overlooked for the Gold Glove were catcher Carson Kelly, pitcher Matthew Boyd, and third baseman Matt Shaw. While being nominated is an achievement in itself, the ultimate goal is to clinch the award.
In the case of Boyd, it’s challenging to argue against Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants, who led all National League pitchers in defensive runs saved—a key metric in evaluating pitcher defense.
Catcher Carson Kelly faces a similar situation. He may not boast the impressive putout numbers of Patrick Bailey, but Kelly played nearly 30 games less this season. Still, he ranked in the top five for catchers in the NL, with both his fielding and caught stealing percentages outperforming Bailey’s.
Here’s a closer look at their performances:
Carson Kelly vs. Patrick Bailey
– Games Played: 105 vs. 132
– Total Chances: 802 vs. 1,077
– Putouts: 777 vs. 1,013
– Errors: 2 vs. 7
– Double Plays: 6 vs. 9
– Fielding Percentage: .998 vs. .994
– Stolen Bases Allowed: 44 vs. 61
– Caught Stealing Percentage: .343 vs. .303
– WAR: 1.3 vs. 1.4
Shaw’s case mirrors Kelly’s, as he too played fewer games than his competitor, Ke’Bryan Hayes. Despite this, Shaw’s numbers reflect a strong defensive efficiency. Although Hayes topped the charts statistically, Shaw was on pace to surpass his assist and double play totals, while potentially matching Hayes in putouts.
Matt Shaw vs. Ke’Bryan Hayes
– Games Played: 124 vs. 152
– Putouts: 80 vs. 100
– Assists: 214 vs. 291
– Double Plays: 18 vs. 26
– Fielding Percentage: .977 vs. .987
– Range Factor: 2.62 vs. 2.74
– WAR: 1.4 vs. 1.9
Looking Ahead for the Cubs
Despite the disappointments surrounding the Gold Glove snubs, the Cubs can take pride in being the team with the most nominees and winners in the league. As they set their sights on the upcoming season, it will be intriguing to see if they can add more Gold Glove winners to their roster. With Kelly and Shaw expected to take on greater responsibilities, the Cubs’ defensive future is looking promising.
The excitement surrounding the Cubs is palpable as they gear up for another season, aiming to build on their successes and address the areas where they fell short. The Gold Glove Awards may have sparked debate among fans, but the team’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering.
