Jacob deGrom’s Gold Glove Aspirations Dimmed by Tough Competition
The Texas Rangers’ ace, Jacob deGrom, has built an illustrious career that few can rival. Yet, as he finds himself in the hunt for a prestigious Gold Glove award, questions loom over whether he can secure his first win in a category that has eluded him thus far.
A Stellar Career With Notable Achievements
Jacob deGrom, now a pivotal figure for the Texas Rangers, comes with a resume that speaks volumes. The right-handed pitcher is a five-time All-Star, marking his first appearance as a Ranger this season. His accolades include two National League Cy Young Awards earned during his tenure with the New York Mets, alongside multiple top-ten finishes in both Cy Young and MVP voting. Notably, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2014 and clinched his first World Series title in 2023 with the Rangers, despite battling injuries.
Throughout his career, deGrom has dominated in various statistical categories. He led Major League Baseball in ERA in 2018 with an impressive 1.70 and has twice topped the National League in strikeouts. Despite this impressive track record, one award remains conspicuously absent from his collection: the Gold Glove.
Finalist Status and the Competition
Earlier this week, deGrom was announced as a finalist for the Gold Glove, joining notable contenders: Max Fried of the New York Yankees and Luis Severino of the Oakland Athletics. The question now is whether deGrom’s defensive prowess can outshine that of his rivals.
According to the Rangers’ public relations team, deGrom handled 31 chances without an error last season, placing him third among American League pitchers for errorless opportunities. He also recorded four defensive runs saved (DRS) as per FanGraphs, tying him for fifth in the AL. However, his path to victory is complicated by the accomplishments of his competitors.
Max Fried’s Established Defense
Max Fried brings a significant edge to the table, with three Gold Gloves to his name, awarded in 2021 and 2022. He handled more chances in the field than deGrom, recording 10 putouts and 39 assists, although he did commit four errors during the season. In terms of defensive runs saved, Fried boasts a notable lead over deGrom with a total of 10 DRS, marking his highest for a single season.
Luis Severino’s Steady Performance
Luis Severino, while not a Gold Glove winner, also showed commendable defensive skills. He matched deGrom’s errorless record, handling every chance without a misstep, and racked up seven putouts and 24 assists. Severino finished the season with six DRS, tying his best defensive season from 2017 with the Yankees. Despite a sub-.500 record, his defensive statistics position him as a formidable contender.
The Challenge Ahead for deGrom
Statistically, deGrom’s prospects for the Gold Glove appear dim. While he enjoyed an errorless season, both Fried and Severino have outperformed him in DRS metrics. Fried’s impressive defensive runs saved rate stands as a testament to his skill, and even with his errors, his overall performance makes him a strong candidate.
The Rangers are undoubtedly pleased to see deGrom complete a full season and earn an All-Star selection. However, with the competition heating up, it seems this year may not be the one that sees deGrom finally claim the coveted Gold Glove.
