The anticipation is building across Major League Baseball as the league unveiled its 2025 Gold Glove Award finalists on Wednesday, October 15. With the winners set to be revealed on November 2, all eyes are on the defensive standouts who’ve made their mark this season. From seasoned veterans to first-time nominees, the list reflects a blend of consistency, breakout performances, and the ever-evolving science of fielding metrics.
For the San Francisco Giants, the spotlight shines brightly on catcher Patrick Bailey and pitcher Logan Webb, both recognized as National League finalists at their respective positions. Bailey, no stranger to this honor, is a finalist for the third time and is looking to defend his Gold Glove crown after taking home the award last year. Webb, meanwhile, is celebrating his inaugural appearance among the league’s defensive elite, a testament to his growth and prowess on the mound.
The Gold Glove selection process has seen major improvements in recent years, now combining the subjective insights of managers and coaches with the objective SABR Defensive Index (SDI), which accounts for about a quarter of the vote. The SDI’s most recent update, released on August 10, 2025, placed Bailey and Webb at the very top of their categories, giving them a strong case as the awards approach. According to this index, Bailey led all catchers by a comfortable margin with a 12.1 SDI, trailing only Fernando Tatis Jr. (15.3) and Ke’Bryan Hayes (14.2) among all National League fielders.
“He’s the best pitch framer in baseball,” one league analyst noted, echoing the sentiment that Bailey’s skills go far beyond the numbers. Bailey’s defensive dominance is further underscored by his league-leading 19 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and a remarkable 31 Fielding Run Value (FRV), both tops among catchers and all fielders, respectively. It’s no wonder he’s being touted as a strong candidate not just for the Gold Glove, but also for the Fielding Bible and Platinum Glove awards this offseason.
Bailey isn’t alone in the running for the National League’s top defensive catcher. He’s joined by Carson Kelly of the Chicago Cubs and Luis Torrens of the New York Mets, both of whom have carved out impressive seasons behind the plate. But with Bailey’s statistical edge and reputation for excellence, the 26-year-old backstop enters the final stretch as a clear favorite to repeat.
On the mound, Logan Webb’s first Gold Glove nomination is a milestone for the Giants’ ace. Leading all National League pitchers with a 2.9 SDI, Webb has demonstrated superior fielding skills and a knack for controlling the running game. His ability to hold runners and react quickly off the mound has not gone unnoticed by the voting managers and coaches. The competition at pitcher includes Matthew Boyd of the Cubs and David Peterson of the Mets, both formidable defenders in their own right. Still, Webb’s all-around game gives him a legitimate shot at capturing his first Gold Glove.
Across the league, the Gold Glove finalist lists are packed with household names and emerging stars. The Chicago Cubs lead all teams with six finalists, while the Toronto Blue Jays have five, highlighted by Ernie Clement’s unique double nomination at third base and as a utility player. The Blue Jays’ defensive depth is further showcased by the presence of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, and Andres Gimenez among the American League’s top defenders.
In Atlanta, the Braves are celebrating two finalists of their own: Matt Olson at first base and Nick Allen at shortstop. Olson, already a two-time Gold Glove winner from his days with Oakland (2018-2019), is up for his third award and is widely regarded as a favorite. His league-leading 17 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at first base set him apart from his peers, with Cincinnati’s Spencer Steer and Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tied for second at eight DRS each. Olson’s durability is also on display, as he played all 162 games for the Braves, finishing the year with a robust .272/.366/.484 slash line and 29 home runs. He was rightfully named the 2025 Brave of the Year.
Nick Allen, meanwhile, is a first-time finalist at shortstop, having delivered a stellar defensive season despite losing his starting job to Ha-Seong Kim late in the year. The Braves as a team tied with the Texas Rangers for the best fielding percentage (.991) in the majors and committed just 54 errors, the second fewest in baseball. Their defensive excellence has been a cornerstone of their 2025 campaign, and fans are hopeful that both Olson and Allen can bring home the hardware. The Braves haven’t had multiple Gold Glove winners since 2022, when Dansby Swanson and Max Fried took home the honors.
The Gold Glove Award process itself is a blend of tradition and innovation. Managers and coaches from all 30 MLB teams—excluding votes for their own players—cast ballots, while the SABR Defensive Index provides a statistical backbone. For utility players, a specialized defensive formula developed by Rawlings and SABR replaces the coaches’ vote, ensuring a fair and objective selection.
The full list of 2025 finalists reads like a who’s who of defensive baseball. In the American League, standouts include Jacob deGrom (Rangers), Max Fried (Yankees), Luis Severino (Athletics), and Corey Seager (Rangers). The National League’s top defenders, beyond the Giants and Braves, feature Bryce Harper (Phillies), Mookie Betts (Dodgers), Masyn Winn (Cardinals), and Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres), among others. The diversity of teams and positions represented underscores the depth of talent across the league.
As November 2 approaches, speculation is rampant. Will Patrick Bailey repeat as the best defensive catcher in baseball? Can Logan Webb cap off his breakout year with a Gold Glove? Will Matt Olson’s defensive wizardry at first base earn him a third trophy? And will the Braves see multiple winners for the first time in three years? With so much at stake and a field this competitive, fans and players alike are counting down the days.
The 2025 Gold Glove winners will be announced live on ESPN, promising both celebration and perhaps a few surprises. Whether you’re a stats junkie, a die-hard fan, or just love watching glove work at its finest, this year’s race is shaping up to be one for the ages.
