Cubs shortstop Javy Baez took home the first Gold Glove Award of his career and first baseman Anthony Rizzo won the fourth of his career as the winners were announced on Tuesday night.
The last time the Cubs had multiple winners was in 2016 when Jason Heyward and Rizzo won the award. It’s the 12th time the Cubs have had two Gold Glove winners.
The other Cubs finalists Nico Hoerner, Willson Contreras, Alec Mills, Kyle Hendricks and Heyward, were beat out by free agent Kolten Wong, the Cincinnati Reds’ Tucker Barnhart, the Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried and the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, respectively.
Despite struggling at the plate, Baez continued his impressive defensive prowess in 2020 and showed why he’s considered one of the best defensive players at any position.
The 27-year-old shortstop was second in the National League with seven defensive runs saved (DRS) and led the NL shortstops with four Outs Above Average (OAA)
Baez becomes the third Cubs shortstop to win the award and the first since Don Kessinger won it back in 1969, ‘70. Cubs legend Ernie Banks won the award in 1960.
“It’s a different feeling,” Baez said about winning the Gold Glove at shortstop after moving around the infield. “It’s a different feeling when you have that commitment with a position. But obviously, trying to get better every day, trying to keep working and trying to get the ball hit to me every time it’s hit.”
Rizzo has become a mainstay as a Gold Glove Award finalist His fourth Gold Glove is tied with Mark Grace for the most by a first baseman in franchise history. It’s also the third consecutive year Rizzo has taken home the award (2018, ‘19).
“It’s something that definitely feels good, especially after this long year,” Rizzo said on ESPN. “I know it’s only 60 games, but when you get into September, the mind tells you that it’s September baseball and you’re getting to October. I think that this year and everything that every team had to go through, it’s going to be growing year for a lot of people including myself. And to be able to win a Gold Glove is so that never, ever will take for granted.”
