Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. announced tonight that Royals left fielder Alex Gordon has been named the American League Rawlings Platinum Glove winner for 2020. This is the second time he’s been named the league’s top defender, also earning the honor in 2014.
The Rawlings Platinum Glove Award was established in 2011 to provide fans to opportunity to vote for the best defensive player at any position in each league. In 2013, a new sabermetric component from the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award's new presenting sponsor, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and its new SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI™) joined the international fan vote to determine the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners from each league. The SDI's ability to accurately compare players from different positions helped establish the "science" behind the evolving Award platform.
In the 10 years that a Rawlings Platinum Glove had been awarded, Gordon is the only outfielder to earn the honor twice. Infielders Nolan Arenado (2017-19), Matt Chapman (2018-19), Adrian Beltre (2011-12) and catcher Yadier Molina (2011-12, 2014-15) have also earned multiple Rawlings Platinum Gloves.
Gordon, who announced his retirement in September following a 14-year Major League career—all with Kansas City—was named a Rawlings Gold Glove winner earlier this week for the eighth time, matching Frank White (1977-82, 1986-87) for the most in Royals history.
Kansas City Royals
