NEW YORK (AP) — Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has won his fifth consecutive Gold Glove Award, while Twins center fielder Byron Buxton headlines a group of six first-time winners.
The prizes for defensive excellence were announced Tuesday night by Rawlings for the 60th time.
Arenado, Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward and Royals left fielder Alex Gordon were each honored for the fifth time, most among this year’s winners.
Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu got his second Gold Glove, joining Arenado in a banner year for the NL West. Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke won for the fourth time in a row, and teammate Paul Goldschmidt took his third award at first base. Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford won for the third consecutive year at shortstop.
The World Series-winning Astros and NL champion Dodgers were both shut out. Houston pitcher Dallas Keuchel had won the last three years, but was edged by Blue Jays righty Marcus Stroman, who got his first Gold Glove.
Buxton and Twins second baseman Brian Dozier were also among the first-time winners. The group also includes Angels catcher Martin Maldonado, who ended a four-year reign by Royals backstop Salvador Perez. Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart and Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna also won for the first time.
Kansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer received his fourth Gold Glove, while Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons and Rays third baseman Evan Longoria each won their third.
Boston right fielder Mookie Betts and Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte each won for the second time.
Barnhart, 26, became only the third catcher in Reds history to win Major League Baseball’s top award for defensive excellence, joining Johnny Edwards (1963, 1964) and 10-time winner Johnny Bench (1968-1977).
Barnhart led Major League catchers in fielding percentage (.999, 1e, 953tc), caught stealings and assists. His 2.8 Defensive WAR as calculated by Baseball Reference led all National League players and ranked second among all Major League players (SS Andrelton Simmons, 4.2). As calculated by Fangraphs, Barnhart led all Major League catchers in defensive value and in defensive runs saved.
Barnhart committed his only error of the season in his 53rd appearance behind the plate (7/7 at Ari, SB/E2). That 52-game errorless streak was the longest of his career, but then after that miscue finished the season with another 57 consecutive scoreless defensive apps to establish another career best. He caught 7 of the pitching staff’s 8 shutouts and Scott Feldman’s 4-0 complete game win on 5/7 vs San Francisco.