Changes to Gold Glove Awards open door for Kiké Hernández
In 2021, Kiké Hernández did something that few have been able to do in the long history of Fenway Park:
He skillfully defended centerfield.
To play centerfield in America’s Most Beloved Ballpark requires not just a great glove, speed, and the ability to make a split-second calculation for the perfect leaping or diving catch. The outfielder must maneuver the triangle to the left of the Boston bullpen and play balls off the various portions of famous green walls.
In other words, it’s not a position for the faint of heart. But in the Boston Red Sox‘ first season without Jackie Bradley Jr. since 2012, Hernández more than shouldered the burden. He started 81 games in Fenway’s tricky triangle, and by year’s end, he ranked third in the majors in Defensive Runs Saved and fifth in the league in Outs Above Average.
The numbers would’ve been impressive for any centerfielder, but especially so for Hernández, who is a longtime utility player with extensive experience all over the infield and outfield. So when he wasn’t named a Rawlings Gold Glove finalist, Hernández admitted to being “very confused” by his exclusion but assumed it was due to not reaching the innings requirement. However, Rawlings confirmed that Hernández had qualified for a Gold Glove, so then the assumption became that his utility role had set him aside from other centerfielders in a disadvantageous way.
It’s too late to rectify the snub now, but it turns out that Hernández will have another chance next year.
Rawlings announces addition of Gold Glove Award for utility players
This week, Rawlings announced that their prestigious Gold Glove Awards will expand to include one multi-positional player from each league:
"“We’re thrilled to finally introduce a Rawlings Gold Glove Award that recognizes players with the superior defensive ability to play multiple positions. Utility players are some of the most versatile athletes you’ll see on the field, and it’s time for them to be rewarded for their tremendous defense, alongside position players.”– Mike Thompson, chief marketing officer for Rawlings"
Even if Hernández is primarily in centerfield again next season, playing other positions shouldn’t hurt his chances of fulfilling what he admits is a big dream of his.
In reality, a utility player of Hernández’s caliber might be considered more deserving of a defensive award than a player who only plays one position. There is security and familiarity in playing a singular role that multi-positional players do not have. They go where they’re needed and must play well everywhere they’re put. The versatility Hernández has shown in his career is already worthy of accolade.
Maybe his 2021 performance is what convinced Rawlings to finally make the change.
