While the MLB Gold Glove odds aren't out yet, it's never too early to speculate who baseball's sharpest defenders will be.
Established in 1957, the Gold Glove honors players who exhibit superior individual fielding performances at each position in the AL and NL. Overall, 18 Gold Gloves are handed out, making the Gold Glove odds a fun bit of speculation — and ultimately a lucrative market to bet.
As I said, we don't have odds, but we can profile my picks for Gold Glove winners in each league as the season goes on. Here's who I expect to win the award at each position.
AL Gold Glove Odds & Picks
- C: Alejandro Kirk (Blue Jays)
- 1B: Vinnie Pasquantino (Royals)
- 2B: Andres Gimenez (Blue Jays)
- 3B: Alex Bregman (Red Sox)
- SS: Taylor Walls (Tampa Bay Rays)
- LF: Steven Kwan (Guardians)
- CF: Ceddane Rafaela (Red Sox)
- RF: Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox)
- P: Max Fried (Yankees)
As of May 22, Gimenez led all AL second basemen with six defensive runs saved (DRS). He has ed both the eye test and metrics test as one of baseball's best infielders, generating a career 9.7 dWAR.
Third base and shortstop are locks right now, with Alex Bregman leading AL third basemen with six DRS, and Taylor Walls with a remarkable 12 DRS through just 43 games. I like Walls as a sneaky pick, because although he is a terrible hitter, he's statistically the best shortstop in baseball.
NL Gold Glove Odds & Picks
- C: Patrick Bailey (Giants)
- 1B: Matt Olson (Braves)
- 2B: Nico Hoerner (Cubs)
- 3B: Matt Chapman (Giants)
- SS: Dansby Swanson (Cubs)
- LF: Brandon Nimmo (Mets)
- CF: Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs)
- RF: Andy Pages (Dodgers)
- P: David Peterson (Mets)
Elite defenders the eye test and stats test. Like I said with Gimenez in the AL, Giants catcher Patrick Bailey is just miles ahead of other catchers defensively. Through May 22, he owns 7 DRS, two better than the next catcher. Playing time could do him in, as he's struggled at the dish, but overall, he is worth a bet once the market opens.
Bailey's teammate Matt Chapman is another surefire bet for the Gold Glove at third base. "Chappy" could win the award every year, and with Nolan Arenado losing some luster, he's the clear favorite to win the NL hardware.
I also like Dansby Swanson to win the NL GG at shortstop. The NL crop of shortstops offers a very even market, with many players jostling for the title of best defender. Mookie Betts, Nick Allen, and Geraldo Perdomo could also play into this race.
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