Houston Astros: Jeremy Pena, Kyle Tucker Win 2022 Gold Glove Awards

After getting boat raced by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 and watching the Phillies much maligned defense turn into Willie Mays, silver linings were few for the Houston Astros.

While moral victories are nonexistent in the World Series, Rawlings announced on Tuesday that Houston Astros have two recipients for the 2022 Gold Glove–Jeremy Peña at shortstop and Kyle Tucker in right field–both first time recipients of the award.

Jeremy Peña made history, becoming the first rookie shortstop to earn a Gold Glove. He also becomes the first Astro at any position to win the prestigious defensive award as a rookie. Peña joins Carlos Correa and Roger Metzger as the only Astros shortstops to win a Gold Glove.

Peña led all American League shortstops with 15 defensive runs saved and a 2.4 defensive WAR, per FanGraphs. Former Astro and reigning Gold Glove winner, Carlos Correa, and Xander Bogaerts of the Boston Red Sox were the other finalists.

Third time was the charm for Kyle Tucker, who finally captured a Gold Glove in his third appearance as a finalist. According to FanGraphs, he led the American League in defensive runs saved with 13, and his eight outfield assists are second in the league.

Minnesota Twins’ right fielder Max Kepler and Toronto Blue Jays’ Jackie Bradley Jr were the other finalists. Kepler had a fantastic defensive year. However, he did so with 385 less innings than Tucker, who led the league in innings played at the position.

Peña and Tucker’s Gold Glove awards only solidify what fans knew about their Houston Astros–they are one of the best defensive teams in MLB. Their 31.8 defensive fWAR was best for fourth in all of baseball. Peña and Tucker also join J.T. Realmuto, who won his National League Gold Glove at catcher, as the only 2022 Gold Glove recipients playing in the World Series.

The Houston Astros and New York Yankees had two recipients each. Though, it was the Cleveland Guardians with an eye-popping four Gold Glove winners. Here is a complete list of the 2022 Gold Glove Winners in the American League.

• Pitcher – Shane Bieber (CLE)
• Catcher – Jose Trevino (NYY)
• First Base – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)
• Second Base – Andres Gimenez (CLE)
• Third Base – Ramon Urias (BAL)
• Short Stop – Jeremy Peña (HOU)
• Left Field – Steven Kwan (CLE)
• Center Field – Myles Straw (CLE)
• Right Field – Kyle Tucker (HOU)
• Utility – D.J. LeMahieu (NYY)