The Toronto Blue Jays will be one of the best defensive teams in baseball in 2023, with three of their players recognized for their individual excellence at their respective positions.
Matt Chapman (third baseman), Kevin Kiermaier (center fielder), Jose Berrios (Pitcher) won the Gold Glove Award on Sunday, which recognizes the best defenseman at each position in each league.fellow blue jays alejandro kirk (catcher) and dalton varsho (Left Field) was a finalist, but unfortunately didn’t come close.
Chapman won his fourth Gold Glove Award for his solid play in the hot corner. He finished with 12 defensive run saves (DRS). per fangraphsignificantly outperforming the other finalists. alex bregman (5) and Jose Ramirez (1). Anyone who watched the 2023 Blue Jays can attest to the incredible plays Chapman made on a daily basis.
Kiermaier defeated Julio Rodriguez and louis robert A junior on his way to winning his fourth Gold Glove. Kiermaier had an edge over his competitors in DRS, as he had 18 hits, the second-most in the majors among center fielders. Kiermaier and Robert were tied for above-average outings (+12) and defensive run value (+12), followed closely by Rodriguez (+12 OAA, +9 FRV).
Berrios was a finalist for the second straight season, beating out the Twins’ starting pitcher to earn the first honor of his career. sonny gray and pablo lopez. Berrios led the American League’s pitchers with five DRS and topped two Twins pitchers in both outs (15) and infield assists (26).
blue jays pitcher Chris Bassitt He was shocked that Varsho didn’t lose the winner, citing the fact that the 27-year-old came out on top. Fielding Bible DRS Ranking. Varsho had 18 DRS in center field and an additional 11 DRS in left field.left field winner Stephen Kwan Finished with 16 DRS, all coming to that position.
“The fact that you can save a defensive run and lead and still not win a Gold Glove is sheer stupidity that only baseball can pull off,” Bassitt wrote on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter). I wrote this.
Chapman and Kiermaier are free agents this winter, meaning the Blue Jays could lose two key defensive players. Varsho would be more than adequate as a replacement in center field, as he played 64 games at the position in 2023 and is arguably the best defender in MLB, as Bassitt hinted. He doesn’t have an obvious solution at third base, but Toronto does have some interesting options in Addison Berger and Orelvis Martinez, both of whom are high up in the minors.
Gabriel MorenoPlayers acquired by the Blue Jays via trade arizona diamondbacks Last offseason, he won the National League Gold Glove Award as a catcher in exchange for Varsho.
Yahoo Sports Canada’s Thomas Hall contributed to this article
