Oakland Athletics: Matt Chapman and Matt Olson are ‘Golden’ again in 2019
The Matts are golden again. Oakland Athletics infield duo Matt Chapman and Matt Olson have officially been named 2019 Rawlings Gold Glove winners.
The Oakland Athletics corner infielders are back-to-back Gold Glove recipients and for good reason. The A’s team colors are the usual kelly green, but double the gold.
Before Matt Chapman and Matt Olson, the last A’s player to win a Gold Glove in back-to-back seasons was beloved third baseman, Eric Chavez.
Shortstop Marcus Semien was a very deserving Gold Glove finalist, but finished as a runner-up to winner Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians.
Outfielder Robbie Grossman was also a finalist but did not win any of the three Gold Gloves awarded to American League outfielders. Alex Gordon of the Kansas City Royals won the left fielder award for the American League.
Despite missing 34 games following hand surgery early in the season, Olson led MLB first basemen in defensive runs saved (13) and ultimate zone rating (6.6).
He also led American League first basemen in total chances (1,121), putouts (1,023), and assists (90). Chicago Cubs’ first baseman, Anthony Rizzo took home the honor for the National League.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
In addition to his record-breaking offensive season which included an appearance in the Home Run Derby, Chapman led Major League third basemen in defensive runs saved (18), total chances (466), putouts (146), fielding percentage (.981), and zone rating (.834).
Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies was another back-to-back Gold Glove winner as he took home the third base title for the National League.
In 2018, Chapman was awarded a Platinum Glove in addition to his Gold Glove. You can vote for the Bay’s best infield duo to receive Platinum Gloves at Rawlings.com until Thursday, Nov. 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
A combination of the national fan vote and the SABR Defensive Index will determine the winners from each league.
It is so exciting to see two homegrown players show so much success on the field each and every night. These two make defensive plays that you simply don’t want to miss.
Matt Chapman and Matt Olson are two prime examples of players who put everything they have towards winning for not just themselves, but for the whole team.
dark. Next. Oakland Athletics: The A’s must stay away from veteran SP’s in free agency
If they continue this success in their respective positions, the A’s future will be golden, just like their gloves.