Gold Glove finalists were announced Wednesday, and the Texas Rangers had five players make the list: catcher Jonah Heim, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, second baseman Marcus Semien, shortstop Corey Seager and right fielder Adolis García.
For all the talk of big bats and big contracts, defense and solid fundamental play has also been a big part of what has fueled Texas’ run to the postseason.
“It's what we talked about this spring, is the importance of our defense,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “We go out and we acquire pitching, but it's critical that we work on this defense, and that has to show up every day. The pitching is going to come and go at times. Hitting will (come and go), but one thing we can do is focus on defense every day. And I'm proud of these guys. We have five guys that are finalists and a couple, I think, that were left out, to be honest, Josh Jung and (Leody) Taveras.”
Texas finished seventh in MLB with 37 defensive runs saved as a team this season. Their 19 outs above average ranked sixth. They committed only 57 errors, the lowest of any American League team.
In all facets, it was a major year-over-year improvement.The Rangers committed 96 errors in 2022. Texas ranked 20th in defensive runs saved and 21st in outs above average.
Lowe, the first baseman, might be the best example of the Rangers’ improvement. One year ago, he was worth minus-9 DRS. After an offseason full of work — including time with Fransisco Lindor via a workout group the players’ agents put together — Lowe improved to 3 DRS this season.
He maintained success scooping throws at first and, with the help of Texas infield coaches Tony Beasley and Corey Ragsdale, he also improved greatly on batted balls.
“He’s had a real good year,” Bochy said, “so I’m glad that he’s there and in the mix. He’s worked hard to make himself into a good defender.”
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