San Francisco Giants: Nick Ahmed Breaks Brandon Crawford’s Gold Glove Streak

San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford’s streak of three consecutive Gold Gloves has ended, with division rival Nick Ahmed knocking him off the pedestal.

After an incredible first half, San Francisco Giants’ shortstop Brandon Crawford ended up having a fairly disappointing year. His offense sagged off considerably after the All-Star break, bringing his overall numbers to around his career norm. Now, his Gold Glove streak is over as well.

Crawford had won three consecutive Gold Gloves as the National League’s top defensive shortstop entering this season. He had taken over that crown from Atlanta Braves’ shortstop Andrelton Simmons in 2015, and Crawford’s spot was solidified when Atlanta traded Simmons to the Los Angeles Angels in the American League.

Crawford was a finalist for the Gold Glove again this year, along with a pair of other shortstops from the NL West. The Padres’ Freddy Galvis also had a legitimate case, but the award was Arizona’s Nick Ahmed to lose.

Ahmed, in his fifth big league season, wasn’t just one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, but one of the better overall defensive players. His 21 defensive runs saved were tied for second-most at any position, and tied for most among shortstops with Simmons. His 116 “out of zone” plays were fifth-most in MLB at any position. His 5.5 UZR/150 was third among National League shortstops, as was his 11.0 overall defensive rating.

Crawford, on the other hand, had his worst defensive season in years. The normally always sure-handed shortstop committed 16 errors, his most in a season since 2014. His six defensive runs saved were his lowest since 2013, while his -0.8 UZR/150 was his worst since 2014. He finished sixth among National League shortstops in DRS, as was his 5.5 defensive rating, and his UZR/150 was seventh.

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Crawford made 97.5 percent of routine plays (plays with a 90% to 100% chance of being made) in 2018, his lowest since 2014. He made 70.6 percent of likely plays (60% to 90% chance of being made), the worst mark of his career.  His 29.4 percent unlikely play (10% to 40%) conversion rate was also his personal worst.

Fellow Giant Buster Posey was also a finalist as the catcher, but lost out to Yadier Molina, who won it for the ninth time. It’s Molina first Gold Glove since Posey snapped his streak back in 2016.

This is the first time since 2014 that the Giants had no Gold Glove winners. Crawford’s first Gold Glove in 2015 snapped an nine-season drought that dated back to Omar Vizquel in 2006.

The full list of Gold Glove winners:

National League

Catcher – Yadier Molina (9th)
First Base (Tie) – Freddie Freeman (1st)/Anthony Rizzo (2nd)
Second Base – D.J. LeMahieu (3rd)
Third Base – Nolan Arenado (6th)
Shortstop – Nick Ahmed (1st)
Left Field – Corey Dickerson (1st)
Center Field – Ender Inciarte (3rd)
Right Field – Nick Markakis (3rd)
Pitcher – Zack Greinke (5th)

American League

Catcher – Salvador Perez (5th)
First Base (Tie) – Matt Olson (1st)
Second Base – Ian Kinsler (2nd)
Third Base – Matt Chapman (1st)
Shortstop – Andrelton Simmons (4th)
Left Field – Alex Gordon (6th)
Center Field – Jackie Bradley Jr. (1st)
Right Field – Mookie Betts (3rd)
Pitcher – Dallas Keuchel (4th)

*All defensive statistics courtesy of FanGraphs