The Gold Glove Nominations were announced on Thursday. The Dodgers had multiple players on the list. Mookie Betts was not a huge surprise. Betts has been a defensive wizard for most of his career. AJ Pollock’s was probably the one most welcomed and surprising for Dodger fans.
2021 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Finalists – Right Field – NL: Mookie Betts, Mike Yastrzemski, Adam Duvall #RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/NjnI7F8M3v
— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) October 28, 2021
2021 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Finalists – Left Field – NL: Tyler O’Neill, David Peralta, AJ Pollock #RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/Gf14tBy5yY
— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) October 28, 2021
Nevermind The Pollocks
2021 was a redemption year for Pollock. In Pollock’s first year with the Dodgers in 2019, the observations about Pollock’s declining defense were endless. He looked like he couldn’t get his legs under him, his range was greatly reduced and routine plays he made in Arizona were difficult in Dodger blue. This was the season the Dodgers had Cody Bellinger moved to the outfield to help with the weaning center field depth. Thankfully in 2021, Pollock’s defense improved greatly. Partly due to playing more often in left field, and partly Pollock having a clean bill of health for the time he was in the outfield.
Pollock won a gold glove as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks back in 2015. Could he win another this year?
You’re The Betts Around
This one is no surprise. Betts has won a gold glove each of his last five seasons, and he’s going for his sixth straight this season. Betts winning this gold glove is probably more likely than Pollock, although Tyler O’Neil had a great season as well. Betts has a cannon of an arm, a terrific jump on every fly ball, and above-average speed in the outfield. He can play center field as well as right field. Check this out.
When Will We Know?
Lucky for Dodger fans, we only have to wait just over a week. The winners will be revealed on Sunday, Nov. 7, on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Best of luck to our boys in blue!
NEXT: Max Muncy Named Among Gold Glove Finalists at First Base