2025 Gold Glove Award Winners Unveiled
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. has announced the prestigious winners of the 2025 Gold Glove Awards, celebrating the outstanding defensive talents in Major League Baseball. The announcement spotlighted players from both the American and National Leagues, recognizing the elite fielding performances that have captivated fans throughout the season.
Spotlight on Excellence
This year’s honorees include a remarkable mix of talent, showcasing 12 players who have previously won a Gold Glove Award and 8 first-time winners. Among the notable achievements, Max Fried, Steven Kwan, and Ian Happ each earned their fourth Gold Glove, a remarkable feat that highlights their consistent excellence on the field. Teams such as the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox in the American League, along with the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs in the National League, each celebrated multiple award winners.
The Awarding Process
Mike Thompson, the chief marketing officer for Rawlings, expressed pride in the award's longstanding reputation: "Nearly 68 years after its creation, we're proud that the Gold Glove Award continues to be recognized as the gold standard by which defense is measured." This statement amplifies the significance of the awards, beyond just statistics, emphasizing the heart and determination that each recipient embodies.
Voting and Selection Criteria
The process for determining the Gold Glove winners involves input from the managers and up to six coaches from each team, who cast their votes for eligible candidates without voting for players from their own roster. The SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI) plays a critical role in the selection process, accounting for about 25 percent of the total, ensuring that both analytics and traditional coaching insights contribute to recognizing the best of the best.
Utility Award Selection
To identify the winners of the utility award, Rawlings introduced a specialized defensive metric in partnership with SABR. This initiative aims to distinctly evaluate utility players, recognizing their unique contributions on the field. The formula incorporates not just traditional statistics but also advanced metrics, providing a comprehensive view of defensive capabilities.
CEO Statement on the Awards
Scott Bush, the CEO of SABR, noted, "SABR is proud to support the Gold Glove Awards and help ensure the winners are quantifiably excellent." This statement reaffirms the commitment to elevating defensive standards in Major League Baseball and looking forward to the upcoming Rawlings Platinum Glove Award, set to be presented soon.
2025 Gold Glove Award Winners
Here is the complete list of winners for the 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards across both leagues:
AMERICAN LEAGUE:
Position | Player | Team | Awards Won
P | Max Fried | New York Yankees | 4 (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020)
C | Dillon Dingler | Detroit Tigers | 1 (2025)
1B | Ty France | Minnesota Twins/Toronto Blue Jays | 1 (2025)
2B | Marcus Semien | Texas Rangers | 2 (2025, 2021)
3B | Maikel Garcia | Kansas City Royals | 1 (2025)
SS | Bobby Witt Jr. | Kansas City Royals | 2 (2025, 2024)
LF | Steven Kwan | Cleveland Guardians | 4 (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022)
CF | Ceddanne Rafaela | Boston Red Sox | 1 (2025)
RF | Wilyer Abreu | Boston Red Sox | 2 (2025, 2024)
UT | Mauricio Dubón | Houston Astros | 2 (2025, 2023)
NATIONAL LEAGUE:
Position | Player | Team | Awards Won
P | Logan Webb | San Francisco Giants | 1 (2025)
C | Patrick Bailey | San Francisco Giants | 2 (2025, 2024)
1B | Matt Olson | Atlanta Braves | 3 (2025, 2019, 2018)
2B | Nico Hoerner | Chicago Cubs | 2 (2025, 2023)
3B | Ke'Bryan Hayes | Pittsburgh Pirates/Cincinnati Reds | 2 (2025, 2023)
SS | Masyn Winn | St. Louis Cardinals | 1 (2025)
LF | Ian Happ | Chicago Cubs | 4 (2025, 2024, 2023, 2022)
CF | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Chicago Cubs | 1 (2025)
RF | Fernando Tatis Jr. | San Diego Padres | 2 (2025, 2023)
UT | Javier Sanoja | Miami Marlins | 1 (2025)
Voting for the prestigious Rawlings Platinum Glove Award is currently ongoing. Fans are encouraged to participate in this exciting opportunity to support their favorite defensive players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards?
The Gold Glove Awards recognize the best defensive players at each position in Major League Baseball.
How are the winners determined?
The winners are chosen based on votes from managers and coaches, plus the SABR Defensive Index.
When were the 2025 Gold Glove Award winners announced?
The winners were announced during a special broadcast on ESPN.
How many awards did Max Fried win?
Max Fried won his fourth Gold Glove Award this year.
What is the significance of the SABR Defensive Index?
The SABR Defensive Index is a metric that contributes to the overall selection process, providing an analytical perspective on defensive performance.
