The Colorado Rockies’ defense was outstanding in the 2017 season, finishing second in the National League with a .987 fielding percentage, only .001 points behind the Miami Marlins for the lead — and three of their finest fielders have been rewarded for it.
While the winners won’t be announced until November 7, third baseman Nolan Arenado, second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and left fielder Gerardo Parra were all names among the three best at their position as Gold Glove finalists.
Arenado, already a four-time Gold Glover, is expected to win for his fifth consecutive season after he tried for the league lead among third basemen with fellow finalist Anthony Rendon of the Washington Nationals at .979. Arenado, already considered one of the best defensive third basemen in history, played in twelve more games and had 89 more chances to make an error.
LeMahieu led all National League second basemen with a .989 percentage, despite having 139 more chances than second-place Joe Panik of the San Francisco Giants. LeMahieu won the Gold Glove in 2015, and would further burnish his résumé with a victory — helpful, given that he’s arbitration-eligible this winter.
Parra’s bounce-back campaign extended to the field, where his rangy and sometimes high-risk play still saw him assemble a .985 percentage on the season. Parra previously won the award twice as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011 and 2013.
The full list of finalists is below.
Pitchers:
AL: Alex Cobb (Rays), Chris Sale (Red Sox), Marcus Stroman (Blue Jays)
NL: Zach Davies (Brewers), R.A. Dickey (Braves), Zack Greinke (Diamondbacks)
Catchers:
AL: Yan Gomes (Indians), Martin Maldonado (Angels), Salvador Perez (Royals)
NL: Tucker Barnhart (Reds), Yadier Molina (Cardinals), Buster Posey (Giants)
First basemen:
AL: Eric Hosmer (Royals), Mitch Moreland (Red Sox), Carlos Santana (Indians)
NL: Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks), Anthony Rizzo (Cubs), Joey Votto (Reds)
Second basemen:
AL: Brian Dozier (Twins), Ian Kinsler (Tigers), Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox)
NL: Dee Gordon (Marlins), D.J. LeMahieu (Rockies), Ben Zobrist (Cubs)
Third basemen:
AL: Evan Longoria (Rays), Manny Machado (Orioles), Jose Ramirez (Indians)
NL: Nolan Arenado (Rockies), David Freese (Pirates), Anthony Rendon (Nationals)
Shortstops:
AL: Elvis Andrus (Rangers), Francisco Lindor (Indians), Andrelton Simmons (Angels)
NL: Brandon Crawford (Giants), Freddy Galvis (Phillies), Corey Seager (Dodgers)
Left fielders:
AL: Brett Gardner (Yankees), Alex Gordon (Royals), Justin Upton (Angels)
NL:Adam Duvall (Reds), Marcell Ozuna (Marlins), Gerardo Parra (Rockies)
Center fielders:
AL: Byron Buxton (Twins), Lorenzo Cain (Royals), Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays)
NL: Billy Hamilton (Reds), Ender Inciarte (Braves), Michael A. Taylor (Nationals)
Right fielders:
AL: Mookie Betts (Red Sox), Kole Calhoun (Angels), Aaron Judge (Yankees)
NL: Jason Heyward (Cubs), Yasiel Puig (Dodgers), Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins)