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.

TheOakland Athleticscorner infielders areback-to-back Gold Glove recipientsand for good reason. The A’s team colors are the usual kelly green, but double the gold.

BeforeMatt ChapmanandMatt Olson, the last A’s player to win a Gold Glove in back-to-back seasons was beloved third baseman,Eric Chavez.

ShortstopMarcus Semienwas a very deserving Gold Glove finalist, but finished as a runner-up to winnerFrancisco Lindorof the Cleveland Indians.

OutfielderRobbie Grossmanwas also a finalist but did not win any of the three Gold Gloves awarded to American League outfielders.Alex Gordonof 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 Rizzotook home the honor for the National League.

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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 Arenadoof 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 atRawlings.comuntil 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.

If they continue this success in their respective positions, the A’s future will be golden, just like their gloves.

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