The Cubs were rightly recognized for their defensive excellence, but Pete Crow-Armstrong’s individual snub stole the spotlight.
As Major League Baseball continues to roll out its postseason hardware for the 2025 season, the Chicago Cubs received a prestigious honor on Friday.
The Cubs were named the Rawlings Gold Glove Team for the National League — an award presented to the club with the best overall defense.
It’s hard to argue with the selection.
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Nico Hoerner captured his second career Gold Glove after posting the best season of his MLB career — a 114 OPS+ and 6.1 bWAR — while leading all major league second basemen in both Outs Above Average (+14) and Defensive Runs Saved (+17).
Ian Happ took home his fourth consecutive Gold Glove for another excellent year in left field, leading all NL players at the position with +9 DRS.
And after years of hype surrounding his defense, Pete Crow-Armstrong finally claimed the Gold Glove that always felt inevitable. From the moment he entered pro ball, it was clear his elite glove would one day be recognized at the highest level — and now it has. PCA’s +24 OAA tied him with Bobby Witt Jr. for the most among all position players in baseball.
Add in the fact that Matthew Boyd (P), Matt Shaw (3B), and Carson Kelly (C) were all finalists for Gold Gloves at their respective positions, and it’s a no-brainer: the Cubs were the best defensive team in baseball.
Even Dansby Swanson, who wasn’t a finalist at shortstop this year, remains one of the game’s premier defenders with two career Gold Gloves and consistently positive defensive WAR.
The Platinum Glove Snub
But on the flip side of the Cubs being rightfully honored as a team, there’s the glaring snub of Pete Crow-Armstrong for the Platinum Glove Award.
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. was voted the National League Platinum Glove winner alongside Bobby Witt Jr. in the American League.
Witt? Deserving. Tatis? Not so much.
As mentioned, PCA and Witt tied for the MLB lead with +24 Outs Above Average this season. Mason Wynn of the Cardinals finished with +21 — he would’ve been a solid pick too. Patrick Bailey, the Giants’ standout catcher, graded among the league leaders in every defensive metric behind the plate. All worthy candidates.
Tatis, on the other hand, ranked 37th in OAA with just +8 — the same total as Carlos Santana, to put things in perspective.
PCA’s defensive run value was 12 points higher than Tatis’ and he recorded 16 more outs above average. Yet the award went to the bigger name.
This is what happens when you let a worldwide fan vote determine a prestigious award. Sure, you have to win a Gold Glove to be eligible, but this time, the fans flat-out got it wrong.