The 2026 MLB season has produced a fascinating Gold Glove race, with established defensive stars battling emerging young players for the league’s most prestigious defensive honors.
While familiar names remain among the favorites, several rookies and breakout players have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders. MLB.com’s expert predictions highlight a number of intriguing races at nearly every position.
Catcher
In the American League, Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler is the predicted winner. His defensive value has been exceptional, ranking among the most valuable players in baseball according to FanGraphs. He sits in the 97th percentile in framing, 94th in blocking and 90th in pop time, while also leading catchers in ABS value.
The National League prediction goes to Marlins rookie Joe Mack. After arriving in the majors in May, Mack has quickly backed up his reputation as one of the Minors’ premier defensive catchers. His plus-11 fielding run value leads NL catchers.
First Base
Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the AL pick at first base. The 2022 Gold Glove winner continues to provide excellent defense, leading AL first basemen with eight Defensive Runs Saved and a plus-6 Fielding Run Value.
In the NL, Braves veteran Matt Olson remains the favorite. The three-time Gold Glove winner leads the league’s first basemen with seven Outs Above Average and has continued to establish himself as one of baseball’s elite defensive first basemen.
Middle Infield
White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth has emerged as the AL favorite at second. His plus-9 Fielding Run Value leads all AL second basemen, while his eight Outs Above Average rank among the league’s best.
Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt is the NL selection and has made a major defensive impact during his first season. His 21 Outs Above Average and plus-21 fielding run value both lead MLB second basemen.
At shortstop, Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. is positioned to capture his third consecutive Gold Glove. His 23 Outs Above Average match his 2025 total and are tied for the MLB lead.
Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn is the NL favorite. His 94.3 mph average arm strength ranks in MLB’s 96th percentile, while his plus-15 Fielding Run Value leads NL shortstops.
Outfield
The outfield races are equally compelling.
Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is the AL left-field prediction, while Cubs veteran Ian Happ gets the NL nod. Bellinger has been among the league’s top defensive left fielders since 2025, while Happ has established remarkable consistency at the position.
Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela is the AL favorite despite currently being sidelined with a quad strain. He leads AL outfielders in Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value this season.
In the NL, Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong may have the strongest case of anyone. He leads MLB with a plus-26 Fielding Run Value and 25 Outs Above Average and is seeking his second consecutive Gold Glove.
Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu is projected to win in the AL, while Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll is the NL selection. Abreu leads AL outfielders with 12 assists, while Carroll’s 10 Outs Above Average lead all right fielders this season.
Utility and Pitcher
Rangers utility player Ezequiel Duran is the AL prediction after contributing elite defense across multiple positions. His 18 Outs Above Average rank in MLB’s 99th percentile.
Braves utility man Mauricio Dubón gets the NL nod. The two-time Gold Glove winner has continued to provide exceptional versatility, playing extensively in the outfield while also contributing at shortstop, second and third base.
At pitcher, Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee is the AL selection after recording four Defensive Runs Saved, while Mets rookie Nolan McLean is projected to win in the NL. McLean’s five Defensive Runs Saved are tied for second among NL pitchers.
With several races still capable of changing before the season ends, the 2026 Gold Glove picture is shaping up to feature a fascinating blend of established stars, rookies and breakout defensive talents.
