[OmahaBaseball]

American League Gold Gloves Honor Defensive Excellence

Defense took center stage across the American League as the 2024 Gold Glove Awards were announced, celebrating the game’s premier fielders at each position. Long considered the gold standard for defensive excellence, the Awards recognize players whose glove work consistently set them apart from their peers.

On the mound, Framber Valdez (1.000 PCT, 3.1 ZR, 1.057 EFF) of the Houston Astros was honored for his fielding prowess, while Jake Rogers (.999 PCT, 2.8 ZR, 1.114 EFF) of the Detroit Tigers earned the nod behind the plate for his pitch framing and control of the running game. The infield featured Triston Casas (.997 PCT, 5.0 ZR, 1.030 EFF) of the Boston Red Sox at first base, Andrés Giménez (.991 PCT, 10.0 ZR, 1.066 EFF) of the Cleveland Guardians at second, Josh Rojas (.973 PCT, 6.4 ZR, 1.042 EFF) of the Seattle Mariners at third, and Bobby Witt Jr. (.977 PCT, 15.4 ZR, 1.058 EFF) of the Kansas City Royals at shortstop.

The outfield awards went to Kansas City Royals left fielder Dairon Blanco (.996 PCT, 8.5 ZR, 1.032 EFF), Texas Rangers center fielder Leody Taveras (.989 PCT, 15.3 ZR, 1.044 EFF), and Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (.994 PCT, 14.8 ZR, 1.071 EFF); a trio known for speed, strong arms and highlight-reel catches. Together, the 2024 American League Gold Glove winners represent the very best in run prevention, turning defense into an art form and reinforcing its vital role in championship-caliber baseball.