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The catcher is arguably the most important defensive position in baseball, which is why the Gold Glove Award is such a coveted accolade. Unlike the other positions, the defensive success of catchers is tied to various statistics such as framing and pop time. This year's crop of top-tier catchers vying for the award feature some familiar faces, as well as a few promising young stars.
Here's a look at the top 5 catchers vying for the 2024 Gold Glove Award
#1 Patrick Bailey
Although there are no guarantees when it comes to award season, or life for that matter, it seems that the NL Gold Glove is Patrick Bailey's to lose. The San Francisco Giants catcher has been sensational behind the plate this season, nearly doubling the next closest player when it comes to catcher framing runs, according to Statcast. Bailey also ranks twice as high in fielding run value.
"Patrick Bailey was a Gold Glove finalist as a rookie. In year two, he leads NL catchers in Defensive Runs Saved ... and is also hitting .297 with a .881 OPS" - @PavlovicNBCS
#2 Cal Raleigh
Unlike the NL, the AL Gold Glove race will be much tighter. One of the catchers who could find himself as a finalist for the award is Cal Raleigh. The man affectionately known as "Big Dumper" has enjoyed a stellar year for the Seattle Mariners, ranking near the top of pitch framing, defensive rating and fielding run value.
#3 Jose Trevino
One of Raleigh's biggest threats for the AL Gold Glove Award will be Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees. Although he has been limited to 60 games this season, he remains on track to be eligible for the award, which could be the second of his career if he can lock it down.
#4 Alejandro Kirk
Alejandro Kirk has struggled to live up to many of the expectations that Toronto Blue Jays fans have had for him with the bat. That said, the diminutive catcher has been a force behind the plate. Kirk should be able find himself in contention yet again for the AL Gold Glove Award thanks to his defensive statistics and frame rate.
"AL Catcher Gold Glove finalists: — Alejandro Kirk — Jonah Heim — Adley Rutschman Who's winning? #NextLevel" - @BlueJays_Muse
#5 Francisco Alvarez
Although Patrick Bailey may have already locked up the NL Gold Glove Award, Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets is worth mentioning. The promising young slugger has continued his growth in the majors and currently ranks second in the NL in terms of catcher framing runs, according to Statcast.
