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Ty France, Freddie Fermin are Gold Glove finalists

Major League Baseball has unveiled its finalists for the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, with a mix of standout defensive performances and overlooked candidates. Atlanta Braves first baseman Ty France and Chicago Cubs shortstop Freddie Fermin emerged as finalists, leading corner infielders in Fielding Run Value with +10 and +9, respectively.

Despite strong defensive seasons, high-profile players like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. were excluded—Machado posted a +12 Outs Above Average but was passed over, while Tatis Jr., a two-time Gold Glove winner, split time between right field and second base, finishing with a +4 OAA and +3 FRV.

The finalists for third base include Alex Bregman (+9 OAA), Javier Sanoja (+6 OAA), and Max Muncy, whose -1 OAA marks the lowest among the group. Meanwhile, Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill, who recorded a +7 OAA, was also left off the list, underscoring the committee’s focus on positional consistency and elite metrics.

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