While the MLB Gold Glove odds aren't out yet, it's never too early to speculate who baseball's sharpest defenders will be.
Established in 1957, the Gold Glove honors players who exhibit superior individual fielding performances at each position in the AL and NL. Overall, 18 Gold Gloves are handed out, making the Gold Glove odds a fun bit of speculation — and ultimately a lucrative market to bet.
As I said, we don't have odds, but we can profile my picks for Gold Glove winners in each league as the season goes on. Here's who I expect to win the award at each position.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
AL Gold Glove Odds & Picks
- C: Carlos Narvaez (Red Sox)
- 1B: Jonathan Aranda (Rays)
- 2B: Marcus Semien (Rangers)
- 3B: Ernie Clement (Blue Jays)
- SS: Corey Seager (Rangers)
- LF: Steven Kwan (Guardians)
- CF: Ceddane Rafaela (Red Sox)
- RF: Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox)
- P: Max Fried (Yankees)
Halfway through the season, Blue Jays infielder Andres Gimenez led all AL second basemen with five defensive runs saved (DRS). That said, he hit the injured list soon after, prompting Rangers two-bagger Marcus Semien inch closer on the leaderboard. Gimenez currently has a small edge on DRS, but his innings count should fall short of Semien on the year, giving the Ranger a better chance.
Shortstop was a lock with Taylor Walls at 17 DRS, but he suffered a season-ending groin injury in early September. While he still holds the DRS lead, I actually prefer Corey Seager, whose own return from injury and current DRS numbers (16) give him a shot to surpass Walls.
NL Gold Glove Odds & Picks
- C: Patrick Bailey (Giants)
- 1B: Matt Olson (Braves)
- 2B: Nico Hoerner (Cubs)
- 3B: Matt Chapman (Giants)
- SS: Dansby Swanson (Cubs)
- LF: Brandon Nimmo (Mets)
- CF: Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs)
- RF: Andy Pages (Dodgers)
- P: David Peterson (Mets)
Elite defenders pass the eye test and stats test. Like I said with Gimenez in the AL, Giants catcher Patrick Bailey is just miles ahead of other catchers defensively. Through September 17, he owns 20 DRS, 10 runs better than the next catcher. Playing time could do him in, as he's struggled at the dish, but overall, he is worth a bet once the market opens.
Bailey's teammate Matt Chapman is another surefire bet for the Gold Glove at third base. "Chappy" could win the award every year, and with Nolan Arenado losing some luster, he's the clear favorite to win the NL hardware.
I also like Dansby Swanson to win the NL GG at shortstop. The NL crop of shortstops offers a very even market, with many players jostling for the title of best defender. Mookie Betts, Nick Allen, and Geraldo Perdomo could also play into this race.
