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Cole Young announced as Gold Glove finalist at second base

The Seattle Mariners’ Cole Young has emerged as a Gold Glove finalist at second base, a rare bright spot for a team that struggled defensively in 2026. Despite the Mariners’ historically poor infield play, Young’s improved footwork and arm accuracy set him apart, earning him a spot alongside Kansas City Royals’ Michael Massey and Chicago White Sox’s Chase Meidroth.

His +16 Defensive Runs Saved ranked him as the American League’s best second baseman and the eighth-best defender across all positions, though other metrics like Outs Above Average (-6) and Fielding Run Value (-5) painted a less flattering picture. The award’s scoring system—weighted 75% toward manager/coach votes and 25% toward a SABR-Rawlings Defensive Index—favors metrics closer to his DRS numbers, giving Young a credible shot at winning despite mixed statistical evaluations.

Through August, he was the only AL second baseman in the SABR’s Top-25 defenders, a testament to his reliability in a position where the Mariners often faltered. Young’s .990 fielding percentage over 1,350.1 innings led the league, though his arm strength—ranked 380th among qualified players—remained a liability, particularly in turning double plays.

His accuracy, however, still generated positive value, underscoring a season where he was the only infielder fans could trust to handle grounders.

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