The Houston Astros have been focusing on Alex Bregman this offseason, and they had a chance to celebrate him before he becomes a free agent. Bregman, the third baseman, was chosen as a Gold Glove finalist alongside Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays and Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians. In the end, Bregman emerged as the winner. This marks Bregman’s first Gold Glove in his career, although he had been a finalist four times before. With Matt Chapman, who had won four Gold Gloves, now in the NL, it created an opportunity for Bregman and others in the AL to shine. Bregman seized the moment and added another prestigious award to his collection before entering free agency.
Being the second Astros third baseman to win the Gold Glove, following Doug Rader’s wins from 1970 to 1974, Bregman’s performance this season was exceptional. He posted six outs above average, ranking in the 91st percentile according to Baseball Savant, showcasing his elite defensive skills. According to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, Bregman was ranked as the fourth-best third baseman on the SABR index on August 11. Additionally, his 1,234.2 innings played at the position were the most among AL third basemen. These statistics highlight Bregman’s value as a top-tier defender in the league.
As Bregman heads into a crucial offseason, securing the Gold Glove award will undoubtedly increase his market value. Combined with his impressive offensive performance of 26 home runs and 30 doubles in 2024, Bregman has positioned himself as a sought-after player in the upcoming free agency. The Astros will face a significant decision regarding Bregman’s future, especially if a bidding war escalates his price beyond their budget. Nevertheless, winning the Gold Glove is a significant achievement for Bregman and a testament to his skill and dedication on the field.
