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Javier Sanoja’s Gold Glove Snub Shows He Needs Fewer Errors
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- Javier Sanoja’s Gold Glove Snub Shows He Needs Fewer Errors
Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Javier Sanoja played like a star but lost the award. The Miami Marlins infielder took a huge step forward in 2026 with new career highs in home runs and batting average. He earned a nomination for the National League Gold Glove Award at third base. Yet he did not win. Alex Bregman of the Chicago Cubs took the honor on Sunday night. This loss is not a sign to stop teaching Sanoja how to play. It is proof that the young player needs to cut down on his mistakes.
The Numbers Do Not Lie
Sanoja showed he belongs with the best players in the league. Statcast data ranks him fifth among all third basemen with a five in fielding run value. That number beats Max Muncy and sits just behind Bregman. Sanoja is only 23 years old and already proving he can be a total force. He won a Gold Glove in 2025 at age 22. Losing this year at 23 just shows he is still growing with the top talent. The potential is right there for everyone to see. The Marlins should not change a single thing they have taught him about his approach.
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One big problem held him back in the voting process. Sanoja committed 11 errors in 778.1 innings. That is too many for a player with his range and arm strength. Bregman made only six errors in the same season. Bregman also led the league with 251 assists and 30 double plays while holding a .982 fielding percentage. The stats show Sanoja has the tools to win. He just needs to clean up his act at the hot corner.
Fixing the Errors Will Bring the Win
The path to the next award is clear and simple. Sanoja must sharpen his focus this offseason to cut the error count. Sports Illustrated reports that refining his skills will benefit the Marlins over the long term. Miami aims to construct a youthful lineup capable of securing its first title since 2003. Sanoja is a key piece of that future plan. His defense complements his offense perfectly to make him an entertaining player in the National League.
Veterans such as Bregman and Max Muncy from the Los Angeles Dodgers presented stiff challenges for him. Falling short this year does not mean he cannot win next year. The numbers prove the potential is there for a second Gold Glove. Now Sanoja has to do the work to get there. The fans in Miami want to see him finish what he started last season.
