The Red Sox’ outfield defense was much improved in 2024 and was recognized as such as Rawlings announced its annual Gold Glove awards Tuesday.
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 24: Jarren Duran of the Red Sox was named a Gold Glove finalist by Rawlings Tuesday. Duran was chosen for center field, where he played about half his games. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)Getty Images
Jarren Duran, a first-time finalist in center, was named a finalist along with Houston’s Jake Meyers and Toronto’s Daulton Varsho.
Meanwhile, Wilyer Abreu, a rookie, was named a finalist in right field along with the Yankees’ Juan Soto and the Los Angeles Angels’ Jo Adell.
The winners will be announced on Nov. 3. The awards are voted on by managers and coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.
Former Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo, traded to the New York Yankees last December was named a finalist in left field. Duran made 71 starts in left and another 89 in center, and was credited with 17 defensive runs saved.
Abreu, who often sat against lefties, made just 106 starts in right field but his play was superb. He was credited with 18 defensive runs saved in right field.
It was thought that rookie Ceddanne Rafaela might have a chance in the Utility category, given to players who contribute at multiple positions. Rafaela split time between shortstop and center field, but lost out to Houston’s Mauricio Dubon, Minnesota’s Willi Castro and Seattle’s Dylan Moore.
The Red Sox were shut out in the infield, on the mound and behind the plate.
The Red Sox had their share of defensive struggles, leading the league in unearned runs allowed (95) and were generally sloppy in the field.
The Sox haven’t had a Gold Glove winner since Mookie Betts, who won the award in 2019. Betts won the award four times with the Red Sox (2016, 2017, 2018, 20190. Jackie Bradley Jr. also won for his outfield play in 2018.
The 2018 season was the last time a Red Sox infielder won, though second baseman Ian Kinsler was a deadline acquisition and didn’t spend the full season with the Red Sox.
Prior to Kinsler, the last Red Sox infielder to be honored was Dustin Pedroia, who won in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014.
