San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. wins 2nd Gold Glove Award
When the Padres decided to move Fernando Tatis Jr. away from his natural shortstop position and insert him in right field there were questions about how he’d adjust to the new spot. That was 2023. Now you kind of have to wonder why he wasn’t playing outfield his entire life.
Tatis Jr. won his second National League Gold Glove award this weekend, joining Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield, Steve Finley, and Trent Grisham as the only Padres outfielders to take home multiple awards. Aside from the bevy of highlight reel catches and laser rocket arm, Tatis Jr. was one of the most consistent defenders in baseball.
He led all right fielders with 15 Defensive Runs Saved and was second with eight Outs Above Average. Aside from the ridiculous range his average 95.5 MPH outfield throw velocity kept many a would-be run stranded on 3rd base instead of trying to score.
Let’s also give a tip of the cap to former Friar and San Diego State Aztec star Ty France, who won his first career Gold Glove award as the best defensive 1st baseman in the American League. France started the season with the Twins before being traded to the Blue Jays and still managed to lead all AL 1st basemen with 10 Outs Above Average.
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