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Gold Glove finalist nod rewards Simpson's 180 on 'D.' Here's how he did it

Chandler Simpson’s defensive transformation in 2026 has earned him a spot among the American League Gold Glove Award finalists for left field, marking a dramatic turnaround from his struggles in 2025. The Tampa Bay Rays outfielder, a 2022 draft pick, went from a minus-5 outs above average (11th percentile) to a plus-8 (93rd percentile) this season, showcasing improved ball-reading, positioning, and glove work.

Simpson credited his progress to relentless effort, while manager Kevin Cash highlighted the role of first-base coach Corey Dickerson, a former MLB outfielder, in refining the team’s outfield defense—even veterans like Jonny DeLuca and Cedric Mullins saw defensive upgrades under his guidance. Simpson’s journey from a player working to overcome weaknesses to a Gold Glove contender underscores the Rays’ defensive resurgence, a key factor in their postseason push.

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