With a league-high seven Gold Glove finalists this year, you figured the Chicago Cubs would win at least a couple. But we know how it can go when you expect the voting to go a certain way.
If I’d told you in advance that the Cubs indeed won two – and only two – Gold Gloves, these might’ve been the two you’d guess:
Congratulations to @javy23baez and @ARizzo44 on their 2020 #RawlingsGoldGloveAwards! pic.twitter.com/skLnxoj9LS
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 4, 2020
For Rizzo, that’s his fourth Gold Glove, and third in a row. For Báez, that’s his first Gold Glove (which is insane). Nico Hoerner lost out to Kolten Wong (fair), Jason Heyward lost out to Mookie Betts (can’t complain), Willson Contreras lost out to Tucker Barnhart (dang it), and Alec Mills and Kyle Hendricks lost out to Max Fried (BOOOO!).
Miscellaneous bits:
Cubs players with 4 or more Gold Glove Awards:
Ryne Sandberg (9)
Greg Maddux (6)
Ron Santo (5)
Mark Grace (4)
Anthony Rizzo (4)— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) November 4, 2020
Javy Báez was a Gold Glove snub in 2019, when he led all MLB infielders with 19 Outs Above Average and was tied for lead among MLB shortstops with 26 Defensive Runs Saved.
Not left out this year. Báez takes home his first career Gold Glove Award.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) November 4, 2020
Asked if he expects to add a Gold Glove tattoo to the many he already has (including MLB logo and World Series trophy), Javy said:
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I will, somewhere. I don't have much space now."
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) November 4, 2020
Javy becomes the third #Cubs shortstop to win the award. First since Don Kessinger in 1969, ‘70. Ernie Banks won the award back in 1960. https://t.co/lo6QioY0id
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) November 4, 2020
Anthony Rizzo after winning fourth Gold Glove:
"It's something that definitely feels good, especially after this long year that I know was only 60 games… To be able to win a Gold Glove is something I will never, ever take for granted."#Cubs
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) November 4, 2020