THE APEX TIMES
The Mariners’ Cole Young was announced as the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove winner at second base in the American League, with the award reflecting both manager-coach voting and defensive analytics.
The question at the center of the Gold Glove announcement was clear: who earned the 2026 award at second base for the American League. MLB announced that Cole Young of the Seattle Mariners received his first Gold Glove at second base.
Established in 1957, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award recognizes the top defender at each position in each league. Voting is conducted 75% by MLB managers and coaches and 25% by the sabermetrics community.
MLB tied Young’s selection to defensive production, noting that he led all American League second basemen with 16 Defensive Runs Saved. Young also earned the honor in just his second big league season.
The announcement also placed the Mariners’ accomplishment in franchise context. Seattle’s last Gold Glove winner at second base was Bret Boone, who won the award three straight years from 2002 to 2004.
Under the Gold Glove format, each league names three finalists at each position, including the utility spot, which was added in 2022. Young was one of the second-base recipients announced as awards were rolled out on ESPN.