Two Red Sox outfielders named finalists for Gold Glove award
Red Sox outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu might be taking home some hardware this winter. The two Sox’ outfielders were named finalists for Rawlings annual Gold Glove awards on Tuesday.
Duran, a first-time finalist for center fielders, was named a finalist along with the Astros’ Jake Meyers and Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho. The speedy outfielder made 89 starts in center and 71 in left field. He was credited with 17 defensive runs saved in 2024.
He ranked in the 95th percentile in fielding run value, according to Baseball Savant, and led all outfielders with 12 assists.
Abreu was named a finalist for right field along with Yankees’ Juan Soto and Angels’ Jo Adell. The rookie Abreu made just 106 starts in right field, mainly due to sitting when the lineup was facing lefties, and was credited with 18 defensive runs saved in right field.
“I try to play outfield the way that I know how to do,” Abreu said through a translator at the end of the regular season. I know [Mookie Betts] and [Verdugo], they played a very good right field here, one of the most difficult right fields in the big leagues. So, for me, it’s an honor to be in that conversation with them.”
Fellow rookie Ceddanne Rafaela was a snub for the utility category, which is given to a player who plays multiple positions. Rafaela, who saw time in center field, shortstop, was not nominated. Astros’ Maurico Dubon, Twins’ Willi Castro, and Mariners’ Dylan Moore were the named finalists for that category.
Boston had no infielders, catchers, or pitchers that were nominated for a Gold Glove award. The Red Sox infield struggled defensively overall as a unit, leading the league with 95 unearned runs. The last Sox’ infielder who won a Gold Glove came in 2018, when Ian Kinsler took home the award. It should be noted he was acquired at the trade deadline from the Angels. He played 37 games for the Red Sox and earned a World Series ring.
The last Gold Glove winner for Boston was Mookie Betts, who won the award in 2019. He also won Gold Gloves in 2016, 2017, and 2018 in addition to 2019. Dustin Pedrosa was the last Red Sox infielder to win a Gold Glove, winning them in 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2014.
