Can Cam Smith or Christian Walker Bring Home a Gold Glove for the Astros

Despite the challenges the Houston Astros faced this season, Christian Walker (first base) and Cam Smith (right field) were named Gold Glove finalists.

The winners will be announced on ESPN.

Gold Gloves are part stats and part vote. The selection is made up of votes from MLB managers and coaches (75%) and advanced defensive statistics from the SABR Defensive Index (25%). Managers and coaches cannot vote for players on their own teams.

CHRISTIAN WALKER

Walker is a 35-year-old veteran. He is a three-time Gold Glove winner and a reliable first baseman. However, this would be his first Gold Glove as an Astro. He earned his previous three with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He may have struggled at the plate after the All-Star break, but he made just three errors in 154 games, and defense is what this award is all about.

Who is he up against?

His rivals are Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a 2022 winner, and Vinnie Pasquantino, who is chasing his first.

But Walker isn’t the only Astro waiting to hear.

CAM SMITH

Smith is a 23-year-old who debuted in March 2025. He recorded seven Outs Above Average, up from just one in 2025. His seven Outs Above Average ranked in the 91st percentile and fourth among primary right fielders. This will be his second straight year as a finalist, and he is chasing his first Gold Glove Award.

His rivals are Wilyer Abreu, who won in 2024 and 2025, and Nathan Lukes. Abreu is Smith’s biggest competitor. Abreu led MLB with 28 Defensive Runs Saved, while Lukes recorded at least 10 outfield assists. Abreu’s Outs Above Average was just two, and Smith’s seven is the most among the three finalists.

ASTROS GOLD GLOVE HISTORY

The most Gold Glove Awards as an Astro went to César Cedeño and Doug Rader with five, and Dallas Keuchel and Craig Biggio with four.

Walker would be the third Astros first baseman to win, after Jeff Bagwell (1994) and Yuli Gurriel (2021).

Smith would be the second Astros right fielder, after Kyle Tucker (2022).

My verdict: Cam Smith should win in right field. His seven Outs Above Average, the most among the three finalists, set him apart, and despite playing on a struggling team, he never stopped grinding. As for Christian Walker, he has the track record, and his three errors in 154 games help his case. Whether that's enough to earn him a fourth Gold Glove remains to be seen.

Stay tuned this evening to find out.