In the competition for the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award, four Dominicans are positioning themselves among the finalists, recognizing the defensive excellence that has characterized the nation in recent years. Ezequiel Durán, a player for the Texas Rangers; Vladimir Guerrero Jr., of the New York Yankees; Geraldo Perdomo, of the Arizona Diamondbacks; and José Soriano, of the Miami Marlins, share the recognition with outstanding statistical merits and individual achievements.
Ezequiel Durán: versatility in numbers
Durán stands out for his defensive versatility, covering at least ten games at second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions during the season. With a defensive WAR of 4.4, the Dominican surpassed the replacement by 4.4 wins, according to FanGraphs. His ability to generate outs was reflected in 17 outs above average (OAA), including 11 at shortstop, placing him tied for sixth in the Major Leagues. Additionally, he recorded six outs above average in the pre-game, which puts him fourth in that group in the National League.
Durán also contributed five defensive saves, tying for fourth in that category. Fan votes represent 75% of the final result, while the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Defensive Index contributes the remaining 25%.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: defensive continuity
The Dominican Yankees player, known for his offensive power, also showed a solid defensive performance at first base. His consistency in coverage and efficiency in preventing runs placed him among the finalists in the first base category of the American League.
Geraldo Perdomo and José Soriano: standout in third base and shortstop
Perdomo, who plays left field for the Diamondbacks, and Soriano, a utility player for the Marlins, have been nominated in their respective positions. Soriano, who won the Gold Glove as a utility player in 2025, was nominated in the National League third base category. His defensive performance and ability to adapt to multiple positions made him stand out in the competition.
The defensive formula developed by Rawlings and SABR for the utility category considers specialized metrics, independent of the traditional process, which highlights the versatility and impact of players in multiple positions.
A recognition that transcends statistics
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award not only measures defensive efficiency but also the importance of players in the context of their teams. The presence of four Dominicans in the list of finalists reflects the quality of the training and training imparted in the Dominican Republic, where defense has been gaining relevance in the career of international players.
For fans, the presence of these players in the list of finalists is a source of national pride. The Dominican Republic has produced high-level defenders who not only dominate the offensive game but also stand out in base protection and run prevention.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
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