The duo of young defenders turned in gilded performances in 2024.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and center fielder Brenton Doyle took home a pair of Rawlings Gold Glove Awards at their respective positions on Sunday night. It is the first time a Rockies infield/outfield duo have taken home the awards in the same season since Nolan Arenado and Carlos González did so in 2013, and the first time the Rockies have had two Gold Glove Award winners in a single season since Arenado and DJ LeMahieu in 2018.
Brenton Doyle, 26, took home the award for his 2023 rookie campaign. He has now won another in 2024. While patrolling the cavernous confines of Coors Field’s outfield Doyle held an 11.4 ultimate zone rating, best among all MLB center fielders and second-best among all MLB players. He was also worth 16 outs above average—second-best among all MLB outfielders—and 14 defensive runs saved. All the while, he made incredible catch after incredible catch to shock and delight Rockies fans in a difficult season. Doyle also recently won the Fielding Bible Award for center field and now has a chance to take home the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award later this week.
At just 23-years-old, Ezequiel Tovar is the youngest shortstop to take home the National League Gold Glove at his position in the history of the award. Tovar—in just his second full season—held an MLB third-best ultimate zone rating of 11.2 while leading all shortstops, had the second best fielding percentage among MLB shortstops at .988, and put up heavy defensive volumes in a hitter friendly environment. Tovar’s total chances (676), assists (435), and double plays (107) were the most among all big league shortstops, as were the 52 double plays he induced himself. Tovar is the third shortstop in franchise history to win a Gold Glove Award. He signed a team friendly long term contract prior to the 2024 season and will continue to be a mainstay in the Rockies infield for years to come.
Third baseman Ryan McMahon was a finalist at his position for the National League for the fourth straight season, but unfortunately did not take home the award. It instead went to Matt Chapman of the San Francisco Giants.