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Alejandro Kirk was once again robbed of a Gold Glove

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Ryley Delaney | Last updated 10/16/24

The 2024 Gold Glove nominees were announced on Tuesday, and one thing was immediately clear: Alejandro Kirk was robbed.

Kirk’s bat has been less than desirable the past two seasons, as he finished the 2024 season slashing .253/.319/.359 with five home runs in 386 plate appearances for a career-worst 94 wRC+. However, Kirk’s defence continues to improve.

On top of a fantastic bat in 2022, the Mexican catcher posted 9 Defensive Runs Saved and 12 Fielding Run Value. Jose Trevino was by far the most deserving catcher for the Gold Glove that season, but Kirk’s DRS ranked fifth-best in the American League, while his 12 FVR was the second-highest.

The only time Kirk has been nominated for the Gold Glove despite deserving a nomination in the past three seasons was in 2023. That season, he posted by far the highest DRS in 2023 with a 17, with the next highest catcher being Freddy Fermin who had 8 DRS. Moreover, Kirk’s 8 FRV was the third-highest in the American League for catchers. He absolutely should’ve won the award in 2023.

In 2024, Kirk caught 766 innings behind the plate and posted 14 DRS, along with a career-best 15 Fielding Run Value. His 15 FRV led all American League catchers, while his 14 DRS was the second-highest in the AL.

Despite that, the three nominees for the American League Gold Glove for catchers were Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh (16 DRS, 14 FRV in 1122 innings), Kansas City Royals’ Freddy Fermin (16 DRS, 6 FRV in 663 innings), and the Detroit Tigers’ Jake Rogers (13 DRS, 12 FRV in 761 innings).

The 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Finalists – AL Catcher – Freddy Fermin, Cal Raleigh, Jake Rogers #RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/E7y1DsTXfm

— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) October 15, 2024

Since the beginning of 2022, Kirk’s 40 DRS ranks first for all American League catchers, while his 35 FRV ranks a close second behind Jose Trevino’s 36. Kirk has also caught the seventh-most innings in that time with 2195.

The knock on Kirk last season was that sure, he was a great blocker and a good framer, but he threw out only 18% of batters for a Catcher’s Caught Stealing Above Average, a statistic Baseball Savant introduced before the 2024 season began. Although he still deserved to win the 2023 Gold Glove, that’s a fair point.

Well, Kirk drastically improved at throwing runners out, throwing out 33% of would-be base stealers. Kirk finished with a 7 CCSAA, fourth in the league. With that being said, his blocking ability, which was the second-best from 2022 to 2023 took a hit, as Kirk finished with 3 Blocks Above Average, tied for 20th in the league. Moreover, Kirk remains one of the best framers in baseball, posting 10 Catcher Framing Runs, tied for fourth.

At the end of the day, Kirk is one of the best defensive catchers in the league and has been statistically the best defensive catcher in the American League for the past three seasons. The fact he’s only been nominated for one Gold Glove is a joke: and not a good one.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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