THE APEX TIMES
Rawlings and Minor League Baseball named nine defensive standouts, led by Boston’s top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias after another season defined by low error totals and firm two-way production.
Boston shortstop prospect Franklin Arias, ranked No. 2 overall in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, was named the 2026 Minor League Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop, Rawlings and Minor League Baseball announced Sunday.
Arias finished 117 games across Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester with just five total errors. The defensive recognition came alongside an offensive breakthrough, as he slugged 25 home runs and posted a.957 OPS, while also receiving reps at second base at Triple-A.
The Gold Glove class also featured Chicago Cubs first base prospect Josiah Hartshorn (MLB Pipeline’s No. 35), who was recognized for his work at first base. Hartshorn committed five errors at first base in 2026 and had no errors in 21 games in center field, adding 23 home runs, 112 RBIs, and a.925 OPS across his first full professional season.
At catcher, Tampa Bay prospect Caden Bodine won the award after throwing out 19 percent of basestealers and finishing with a.988 fielding percentage. With the bat, Bodine slashed.342/.410/.517 across four levels in 2026.
The nine-winner group rounded out with infielders and outfielders at multiple levels, including Triple-A Toledo second baseman Max Anderson, High-A Spokane third baseman Ethan Hedges, and outfielders Carlos Jorge, Druw Jones, Carson Roccaforte, and the right-handed pitcher Cade Smith.