OK fine, you're probably scoffing at the idea that something is paying off for the Cubs after the terrible ending to their 2023 season, but on a micro level, the front office prioritizing elite middle infield defense was a success with the addition of Dansby Swanson. That allowed the team to move Nico Hoerner back to second base and now both are gold glove finalists for their respective positions.
On Wednesday, Rawlings Baseball announced its finalists for all positions in both the National and American Leagues. Along with Swanson and Hoerner making the cut as the best three defenders at shortstop and second base, respectively, Ian Happ was named a finalist in left field.
Swanson, who signed a seven-year, $177 million contract last offseason with the Cubs, finished the 2023 season with a 4.9 fWAR, a 20.3 defensive rating on FanGraphs, along with a career high 20 defensive runs saved and 20 outs above average, which matched his 2022 total with the Atlanta Braves. Swanson won last year's gold glove, the first of his career.
As for Hoerner, this is now the second time that he's been a gold glove finalist at second base. The first time was back in 2020. Many believed Hoerner was snubbed in 2022, when he wasn't named one of the finalists at shortstop. He proved to be a great middle infield partner with Swanson in what will hopefully be the start of a long relationship on the north side. Hoerner ended the year with a 4.7 fWAR, 11.9 defensive rating, with 11 defensive runs and a career best 14 outs above average.
As for Happ, he won the gold glove in left field in 2022, his first full season in one position during his MLB career. I won't lie, I didn't think Happ was going to be a finalist this year, but I can't say I know too much about the best defensive left fielders around the league. Happ's defensive metrics took a step back in 2023, but I guess he now has that reputation built up to got one of the three finalists spots?
The three Cubs finalists are the team's most since 2020.
Here are the American League gold glove finalists.
I think there's a pretty good chance of Swanson and Hoerner winning. Happ? Hmm, I just can't see it, but good luck to the trio!
