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Postseason Awards: 5 Blue Jays Named Finalists for Major Honor
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- Postseason Awards: 5 Blue Jays Named Finalists for Major Honor
(Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
What was one of the differences between a Toronto Blue Jays team that won 94 games in the 2025 season and missed winning the World Series by two outs, and the most recent edition that won 79 games and missed the postseason?
Oh, 13 errors.
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The 2026 Toronto team committed 99 errors on the season, worst in the American League with four National League teams eclipsing that figure: the San Francisco Giants (108), Washington Nationals (106), Miami Marlins (101) and Colorado Rockies (100).
The Chicago Cubs had just 61 errors on the season, and it's no surprise that they were one of two teams to see five players named finalists for a Rawlings Gold Glove Award for fielding on Wednesday.
The other team with five finalists , surprisingly, is the Blue Jays, represented on the list by rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., shortstop Andrés Giménez, right fielder Nathan Lukes and pitcher José Soriano, acquired at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Angels.
Valenzuela committed 10 errors, highest among the group. More than one-third of the Blue Jays' 99 errors – a combined 34 – were committed by two infielders, Kazuma Okamoto (21) and Ernie Clement (13).
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Winners will be announced Nov. 1.
Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Chandler Simpson is tagged out at home plate by Toronto Blue Jays catcher Brandon Valenzuela during the third inning of a July 21, 2026, game at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The finalists
A look at the 2026 AL Gold Glove Award finalists at positions including Blue Jays players.
Catcher
Valenzuela
, Dillon Dingler (Detroit Tigers), Austin Wells (New York Yankees).
Dingler won the award in 2025.
First baseGuerrero, Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals), Christian Walker (Houston Astros).
Guerrero won a Gold Glove in 2022. Walker won three in a row from 2022-24 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
ShortstopGiménez, Taylor Walls (Tampa Bay Rays), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
Giménez won three straight AL Gold Gloves at second base from 2022-24. He moved to shortstop this season. Witt is seeking his third consecutive Gold Glove.
Blue Jays shortstop Andres Gimenez calls for a fly ball hit by Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo during the third inning of a Sept. 13, 2026, game at Rogers Centre in Toronto. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Right fieldLukes, Wilyer Abreu (Boston Red Sox), Cam Smith (Astros)
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Smith is a two-time Gold Glove finalist, but Abreu is a two-time winner. Lukes and Abreu are among the seven players with 10-plus outfield assists in 2026.
PitcherSoriano, Tanner Bibee (Cleveland Guardians) and Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)
This category will have a first-time winner.
How are Gold Glove winners picked?
To select the winners among pitchers and the other eight position players, the manager and up to six coaches from each MLB team vote – prohibited for voting for a player from their own team. Their selections count for 75% of a player's score, with the SABR Defensive Index making up the remaining 25%.
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Utility players also are eligible for a Gold Glove, with Rawlings and SABR creating a specialized format for determining the winner.
Blue Jays and Gold Gloves
In their 50 years of existence, the Blue Jays franchise has seen its players win 31 Gold Gloves . Five players captured multiple awards, headlined by the combination of second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Devon White, who won five each from 1991-95. They are:
2025: 1B Ty France
2024: CF Daulton Varsho
2023: P José Berrios, 3B Matt Chapman, CF Kevin Kiermaier
2022: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2021: 2B Marcus Semien
2017: P Marcus Stroman
2013: P R.A. Dickey
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2006: OF Vernon Wells
2005: 2B Orlando Hudson, Wells
2004: Wells
Second baseman Marcus Semien prepares to turn a double play on Oct. 1, 2021, for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Baltimore Orioles. He won an American League Gold Glove that season. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
1999: OF Shawn Green
1995: 2B Roberto Alomar, OF Devon White
1994: Alomar, White
1993: Alomar, White
1992: Alomar, White
1991: Alomar, White
1990: 3B Kelly Gruber
1989: SS Tony Fernandez
1988: Fernandez
1987: Fernandez, OF Jesse Barfield
1986: Fernandez, Barfield
