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Rawlings Gold Glove Winners! (Sponsored)

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This is a sponsored post from Rawlings.

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., announced the winners for the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award®, honoring the best individual fielding performances at each position in the American League® and National League®. The winners were unveiled on Nov. 3rd.

Recognized as the best defensive players at their respective positions, this year’s class of honorees includes six previous winners of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and 14 first-time winners.

Of this group, Matt Chapman has earned the most awards during his career thus far with five at the third base position.

Several teams had multiple winners: the Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners in the American League; and the Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants in the National League.

“The art of defense is something we’ve deeply admired and treasured over the 67-year history of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, and this year’s winners are truly masters of their craft,” said Mike Thompson, chief marketing officer for Rawlings.

“It’s evident, from this year’s stacked lineup of Rawlings Gold Glove Award finalists to the newly announced winners, that superior defensive excellence is what differentiates the good from the great in this game.”

How Gold Glove Winners are Selected:

To determine the winners of the 18 defensive position awards, each team’s manager and up to six coaches on his staff voted from a pool of qualified players in their league and could not vote for players from their own team. Additionally, Rawlings includes the SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI) as part of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award selection process, which influences approximately 25 percent of the overall selection total, with the managers’ and coaches’ votes continuing to carry the majority.

To identify the utility award winners, Rawlings collaborated with SABR to create a specialized defensive formula separate from the traditional selection process for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award position winners. Utilizing the SABR formula and additional defensive statistics, Rawlings selected one utility winner from each league.

“We truly value our role in providing the quantitative metrics used to assist in determining the winners of a career-defining honor such as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award,” said Scott Bush, chief executive officer for SABR. “The 20 Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipients this year certainly took defense to a new level, and we congratulate them on their golden achievement this season.”

The Winners!
Below is the complete listing of the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners from each league and the number of Rawlings Gold Glove Awards each player has won in his career:

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

  • P: Seth Lugo – Kansas City Royals (1)
  • C: Cal Raleigh – Seattle Mariners (1)
  • 1B: Carlos Santana – Minnesota Twins (1)
  • 2B: Andrés Giménez – Cleveland Guardians (3)
  • 3B: Alex Bregman – Houston Astros (1)
  • SS: Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals (1)
  • LF: Steven Kwan – Cleveland Guardians (3)
  • CF: Daulton Varsho – Toronto Blue Jays (1)
  • RF: Wilyer Abreu – Boston Red Sox (1)
  • Utility: Dylan Moore – Seattle Mariners (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

  • P: Chris Sale – Atlanta Braves (1)
  • C: Patrick Bailey – San Francisco Giants (1)
  • 1B: Christian Walker – Arizona Diamondbacks (3)
  • 2B: Brice Turang – Milwaukee Brewers (1)
  • 3B: Matt Chapman – San Francisco Giants (5)
  • SS: Ezequiel Tovar – Colorado Rockies (2)
  • LF: Ian Happ – Chicago Cubs (3)
  • CF: Brenton Doyle – Colorado Rockies (2)
  • RF: Sal Frelick – Milwaukee Brewers (1)
  • UT: Jared Triolo – Pittsburgh Pirates (1)

“I’m honored to have won my very first Rawlings Gold Glove Award alongside such a talented group of athletes, including my own teammate, which makes it even more special for me,” said Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners. “I can’t wait to wear the iconic Rawlings gold patch on my gear and glove as Gold Glovers like Johnny Bench, Yadier Molina and Salvador Perez have done throughout their impressive careers as catchers.”

About the Rawlings Gold Glove Award®:

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award® is a registered trademark owned by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The award is correctly identified as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The name should not be shortened, abbreviated, or otherwise misused. Proper identification of this service mark using the registration symbol and the Rawlings name is important to protect the integrity of the program and perpetuate this worthy tradition. For more information including how players qualify for the Award, please visit www.Rawlings.com.

About Rawlings®:

Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings’ unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings.

Rawlings is the official glove, baseball, helmet and faceguard, and base of Major League Baseball, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball and the official baseball and softball of the NCAA and NAIA, and the official softball of the NJCAA. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.

Live Video Chat With MLBTR Writers

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The first-ever MLBTR live video chat happened today!  Tim Dierkes, Anthony Franco, Darragh McDonald, and Steve Adams took MLB questions from Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers for over an hour.  Below you'll find a YouTube link where you can watch the chat.

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MLB Mailbag: Bohm, Mariners, Guardians, Pirates, Sasaki

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This week's mailbag gets into the concept of trading Alec Bohm, possible targets for the Mariners and Guardians, Roki Sasaki's decision, the Pirates' catching surplus, various hypothetical trade scenarios, and much more.

Eric asks:

What could the Phillies reasonably expect in return for Alec Bohm and a second tier prospect?

Bohm, 28, posted a full-season best 115 wRC+ in 606 plate appearances this year, good for a career-best 3.5 WAR.  That's despite a 74 wRC+ over the season's final two months.  His struggles continued into the Phillies' four NLDS games against the Mets.  I assume this is why Phillies fans seem to want to get rid of him.  Bohm projects for an $8.1MM arbitration salary in 2025 and is under team control through '26.

Though he's a solid player, there is real evidence the Phillies are considering moving Bohm.  Yesterday, ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote, "Coming off a career-best season, the 28-year-old Bohm nonetheless finds himself on the trade block."  Passan offers no rationale beyond the Phillies "looking to shake up their team."

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Ha-Seong Kim’s Challenging Free Agent Case

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Ha-Seong Kim represents one of the biggest risk-reward plays of this year's free agent class. That didn't seem like it'd be the case in August. For most of the season, Kim's profile was built around stability. He wasn't a huge offensive threat, but his plus defense at shortstop and league average bat gave him a strong floor. Kim hadn't had a single injured list stint since making the move from Korea, so durability was going to be one of his biggest selling points.

That changed on August 18. Kim dove back into first base awkwardly on a pickoff attempt. He jammed his right shoulder and went on the IL. The Padres initially announced the injury as inflammation and expressed hope he'd be back within a couple weeks. Kim didn't return and eventually underwent a season-ending labrum repair.

Kim's return timeline is up in the air, as is his free agent value. It seems clear he won't be ready for Opening Day. There's not much known beyond that. Agent Scott Boras has said the 29-year-old will be ready early in the '25 campaign. Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller was more vague, saying last month that it could be anytime around "May, June, July." Forecasting Kim's market when there's such a wide variance on his return timeline is tricky. That's borne out in the extreme range of pre-offseason contract predictions.

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Catch Every Goal With Amazon Prime! (Sponsored)

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Amazon Prime’s Exciting Monday Night Hockey Broadcast Schedule is LOADED!

As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves turn vibrant colors, hockey season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to experience the thrill of the game than with Amazon Prime’s exclusive Monday Night Hockey broadcasts. If you’re a fan of fast-paced action, nail-biting moments, and electrifying goals, you won’t want to miss what Prime has lined up this season.

Sign up here to ensure you don’t miss out.

Premier Matchups:

Throughout the remainder of 2024, Prime Video will showcase a lineup of games that are not only crucial for playoff standings but also highlight fierce rivalries and thrilling storylines. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the standout matchups you can look forward to:

  • Monday, November 18, 2024: Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens
    A storied rivalry renewed! The Oilers and Canadiens both bring rich histories and passionate fanbases to this exciting matchup.
  • Monday, November 25, 2024: Calgary Flames vs. Ottawa Senators
  • Monday, December 2, 2024: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
    A classic Original Six matchup, this game features the rich histories and intense rivalries that make hockey special.
  • Monday, December 9, 2024: Anaheim Ducks vs. Montreal Canadiens
    The Ducks will look to build on their season against a Canadiens squad seeking redemption.
  • Monday, December 16, 2024: Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
    Another chance to see the high-flying Oilers as they face the Panthers in what could be a high-scoring affair.
  • Monday, December 23, 2024: San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks
    The Sharks and Canucks will battle for crucial points as the holiday season heats up. Expect intensity and skilled play from both sides.
  • Monday, December 30, 2024: Nashville Predators vs. Winnipeg Jets
    As the calendar year ends, this matchup could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Exclusive Features for Prime Members:

In addition to the thrilling matchups, Amazon Prime offers features that enhance your viewing experience. Prime members can enjoy:

  • Multiple Camera Angles: Choose your perspective with various camera views, giving you control over how you watch the game.
  • Real-Time Stats and Insights: Stay informed with up-to-the-minute statistics and expert commentary that bring context to the action on the ice.
  • Post-Game Analysis: Dive deeper into the game with post-match breakdowns and highlights that analyze the key moments and decisions.

Join the Community:

Watching hockey through Amazon Prime isn’t just about the games; it’s about being part of a community of passionate fans. Engage with fellow viewers through the platform’s social media channels, where you can share your thoughts, predictions, and reactions during and after games. Join discussions, participate in polls, and celebrate your team’s victories alongside others who share your enthusiasm.

Sign Up and Tune In:

If you’re not already a Prime member, there’s no better time to join. With a wealth of content beyond hockey—including movies, TV shows, music, and more—you’ll find endless entertainment options at your fingertips. Plus, with Prime’s fast shipping and exclusive deals, you’ll enjoy numerous perks that make membership worthwhile.

So grab your snacks, settle in on your couch, and get ready to cheer for your team. This hockey season, let Amazon Prime be your go-to destination for all the action on the ice. Join the community, enjoy the games, and make Monday nights the highlight of your week!

Click here to get signed up NOW!

This is a sponsored post from Amazon Prime.

Why The Royals Should Be Primed For Another Big Offseason

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The Royals were the surprise spender of the 2023-24 offseason, putting down a combined $110.5MM on eight free agents: Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe, Chris Stratton, Will Smith, Adam Frazier, Garrett Hampson and Austin Nola. Several of the moves didn't pan out, but the ones that did paid of in spades. Lugo and Wacha helped anchor a strong rotation, which the Royals rode to a Wild Card berth in the American League. They quickly swept the Orioles out of said Wild Card round before falling 3-1 to the eventual AL Champion Yankees in the Division Series.

Not every offseason spending spree produces such favorable results. More often than not, it seems to go the other direction. "Winning the offseason" has become something of an oft-cited punchline, given the frequency with which the team that grabbed the most headlines over a given winter ultimately still falls shy of expectation.

That doesn't mean the Royals should be reluctant to take a similarly aggressive approach to the free agent market this winter, however. To the contrary, there are several reasons why they should give serious thought to an even more aggressive winter -- perhaps even breaking their prior free agent precedents -- especially with an early strike to retain Wacha on a three-year contract already complete.

It's not exactly a novel concept to suggest that a team that just completed a surprising playoff berth thanks to big contributions from some on-the-rise stars should spend in free agency, of course. But the Royals are better positioned than many might realize, and if you're looking for dark-horse candidates to make a significant splash in free agency, they're among my favorite picks to do so. Let's break down the reasons.

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Front Office Subscriber Chat Transcript

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MLBTR’s Anthony Franco held a live chat today, exclusively for Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers!

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How Will The Market Value Pete Alonso?

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There are a few players who are tough to predict during the preparation of the Top 50 free agents every year. Often, they're players whose reputation outpaces their statistical output, especially in their walk year. Pete Alonso is the best example this offseason.

We landed on a five-year, $125MM prediction that ranked him seventh in the class. That seems to be below market consensus. Other estimates of Alonso's earning power have landed in the $140MM to $170MM range.* Those align more closely with the Polar Bear's reputation as a star, putting him in the Freddie Freeman or Matt Olson bucket. Freeman landed a deferred $162MM contract from the Dodgers, while Olson's extension with the Braves guaranteed him $168MM over eight seasons.

Alonso likely expects to be paid similarly. Joel Sherman of the New York Post has reported that Alonso declined a seven-year, $158MM offer from the Mets in June 2023. That would have bought out his final arbitration season and six free agent years. Alonso collected $20.5MM for his last arbitration year, so the extension proposal can be considered akin to $137.5MM over six seasons. As recently as last summer, Alonso and his previous representatives felt he could do better. (He has since hired the Boras Corporation.) He'll need to buck some market trends for that to be the case.

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MLB Mailbag: Yankees, Soto, Cole, Santander, Dodgers, Mets

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With MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list hitting your screens Monday evening, the MLB Mailbag is back.  This week's mailbag gets into Plan B for the Yankees if they lose Juan Soto, the Gerrit Cole contract situation, the Reds and Nick Martinez, the Cubs' response to Cody Bellinger staying, the Dodgers' approach to free agent pitching, fits for Anthony Santander, the Mets' payroll, and much more.

Mike asks:

So two of the MLBTR writers pick Soto to leave the Yankees and sign with the Mets. Certainly could happen. What struck me though is I didn't see the writers compensating that loss with heavier spending on other free agents by the Yankees. Seems unlikely. Let's assume Soto leaves. What would be a credible backup plan to cover 1B, an open OF spot and either 3B or 2B as Chisholm could cover one or the other?

A different Mike asks:

What do you think the Yankees pivot to when the Dodgers sign Soto?

Frankly, I find Soto slightly more likely to sign with the Mets than the Yankees, but I picked the Yankees because I had nitpicks about most of the major alternate free agents I could put on the Yankees to compensate.  Ah, the annual struggle of making 50 team picks that all make sense.  Beyond the Yankees and Mets, I certainly won't rule out the Dodgers or "the field" on Soto.  But the question of the Yankees' Plan B came up often in our free agent deliberations.

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Front Office Subscriber Chat Transcript

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MLBTR’s Anthony Franco held a live chat today, exclusively for Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers!

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  • Access weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.
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