2026 Gold Glove Winners: Venezuelans Moreno and Chourio Shine as Red Sox, Diamondbacks Lead Field

2026 Gold Glove Winners: Venezuelans Moreno and Chourio Shine as Red Sox, Diamondbacks Lead Field

Major League Baseball announced the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners on Sunday night, November 1, honoring the top defensive players at each position in the American League and National League. The Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks led the way with three winners each, but two Venezuelan standouts—Gabriel Moreno and Jackson Chourio—drew special attention for their outstanding seasons on both sides of the ball.

Winners are selected through a combination of votes from MLB managers and coaches (75 percent) and the SABR Defensive Index (25 percent). Managers and coaches vote only within their own league and cannot select players from their own clubs.

Full List of 2026 Gold Glove Winners American League

Pitcher: Tanner Bibee, Cleveland Guardians (1st) Catcher: Dillon Dingler, Detroit Tigers (2nd) First Base: Christian Walker, Houston Astros (4th) Second Base: Cole Young, Seattle Mariners (1st) Third Base: Caleb Durbin, Boston Red Sox (1st) Shortstop: Taylor Walls, Tampa Bay Rays (1st) Left Field: Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees (2nd) Center Field: Ceddanne Rafaela, Boston Red Sox (2nd) Right Field: Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox (3rd) Utility: Ezequiel Duran, Texas Rangers (1st)

National League

Pitcher: Nolan McLean, New York Mets (1st) Catcher: Gabriel Moreno, Arizona Diamondbacks (2nd) First Base: Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (4th) Second Base: Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers (2nd) Third Base: Alex Bregman, Chicago Cubs (2nd) Shortstop: Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks (1st) Left Field: Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee Brewers (1st) Center Field: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs (2nd) Right Field: Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks (1st) Utility: Mauricio Dubón, Atlanta Braves (3rd)

Spotlight on Venezuelan Excellence: Gabriel Moreno and Jackson Chourio

Gabriel Moreno (Arizona Diamondbacks, Catcher) delivered one of the most complete seasons by a catcher in recent memory. The Venezuelan backstop earned his second career Gold Glove (his first since 2023) while ranking among the National League’s best behind the plate. Statcast graded him strongly in blocking (+5), catcher framing runs (+5), and caught-stealing above average (+3). He finished second among all catchers in Defensive Runs Saved behind only Dillon Dingler.

Gabriel Moreno (Arizona Diamondbacks, Catcher) delivered one of the most complete seasons by a catcher in recent memory. The Venezuelan backstop earned his second career Gold Glove (his first since 2023) while ranking among the National League’s best behind the plate. Statcast graded him strongly in blocking (+5), catcher framing runs (+5), and caught-stealing above average (+3). He finished second among all catchers in Defensive Runs Saved behind only Dillon Dingler.

What makes Moreno’s 2026 campaign historic is the offensive component. He became only the second catcher in MLB history to win both a Gold Glove and a batting title in the same season, joining Joe Mauer. His combination of elite pitch-calling, receiving skills, and a high-average bat made him the clear choice at the position and a cornerstone of Arizona’s defensive identity. The Diamondbacks finished with three Gold Gloves overall, underscoring the impact of their Venezuelan catcher.

Jackson Chourio (Milwaukee Brewers, Left Field) continued his rapid rise in 2026, earning his first Gold Glove at age 22. The Venezuelan outfielder led all National League left fielders in Defensive Runs Saved (13) and fielding run value, showcasing the speed, instincts, and arm strength that have defined his early career. Chourio’s defensive breakthrough came in a championship season for Milwaukee, as the Brewers captured the World Series. His ability to cover ground in left field and make highlight-reel plays added a crucial layer to a roster already known for its athleticism

Chourio’s Gold Glove joins a growing list of early-career achievements and reinforces his status as one of the most dynamic young talents from Venezuela. Together with Moreno, he represents the continued influence of Venezuelan players on elite defensive play across the majors.

Other Notable Storylines

Christian Walker and Matt Olson each collected their fourth career Gold Gloves, tying for the most among active players at first base. Pete Crow-Armstrong secured his second consecutive National League award in center field after posting the highest Fielding Run Value of any non-catcher in baseball. Nine first-time winners emerged, including Mets rookie pitcher Nolan McLean, who became the first rookie pitcher in MLB history to win a Gold Glove

The 2026 Gold Glove class blends proven veterans with emerging stars, but the performances of Venezuelans Gabriel Moreno and Jackson Chourio stand out as defining highlights of the season. Platinum Glove Award voting is now open on Rawlings.com through November 5.

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