Third baseman Matt Chapman was named Defensive Player of the Year for the first time in his career.
Chapman broke Nolan Arenado’s three-year streak and became the first member of the A’s to ever be selected as Defensive Player of the Year in any position.
The league also announced the best defensive players for each position, as well as the best all-around defensive team on Wednesday night, three days after the Gold Glove Award winners were crowned in the National and American Leagues.
Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, who is also in the race for AL Most Valuable Player, was honoured for the second time. Kevin Kiermaier was named best defensive centre fielder for the second time in his career despite playing just 88 games with the Tampa Bay Rays due to a torn thumb ligament.
Los Angeles Angels’ Andrelton Simmons was crowned at shortstop for the fifth consecutive year.
Here is the complete winners list:
C: Mike Zunino, Seattle Mariners
1B: Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
2B: DJ LeMahieu, Colorado Rockies
3B: Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics
SS: Andrelton Simmons, Los Angeles Angels
LF: Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
CF: Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Bay Rays
RF: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
P: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks
Best Overall Defensive Player: Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics
Defensive Team of the Year: Arizona Diamondbacks
The last time a Blue Jay was a part of the list was in 2015, when Kevin Pillar was named best defensive centre fielder.
The MLB award season continues Thursday with the announcement of the Silver Slugger Award winners.
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