MLB released the list of finalists for the Gold Glove Awards in all positions, in both leagues.
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado, widely recognized as one of the best fielders at his position in the league, wasn’t named as a finalist.
The snub was met with surprise and disappointment from certain sectors, especially Padres fans and even some players.
One of Machado’s teammates, Joe Musgrove, backed the talented infielder.
“‘Manny’s every bit deserving of that.” – Joe Musgrove on Manny Machado’s gold glove candidacy,” 97.3 The Fan, which covers Padres news and developments, tweeted.
"Manny's every bit deserving of that." – Joe Musgrove on Manny Machado's gold glove candidacy
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) October 20, 2022
Of course, Musgrove sees on a daily basis how Machado’s good defense helps his team, and even himself, turning difficult plays into crucial outs.
However, the reality is that Machado may not have been a top defender at third base for the first time in a while.
The Numbers Say Machado Wasn’t A Top-Three Fielder This Year
The winner of two Gold Gloves in the past, Machado had a negative DRS at -3.
DRS means Defensive Runs Saved, a metric that measures defensive performance.
In the other widely used fielding metric, Outs Above Average, he had 8, which is very good.
However, all three finalists this year – Nolan Arenado, Ryan McMahon and Ke’Bryan Hayes – fared much, much better in the defensive metrics.
All had at least 10 DRS, with solid marks in OAA as well.
Machado’s absence from the list of finalists doesn’t mean he is a bad fielder at this point: not even close, as he remains an asset.
But he may not be absolutely elite anymore, or least wasn’t in 2022.
Arenado is seeking his tenth straight award, but Hayes could surprise everybody and take it away from him.
NEXT: Manny Machado Faces A Potential Award Snub