Call to the pen
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Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier thought he was snubbed for the Gold Glove

By Ryota Nishino

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Kevin Kiermaier of the Tampa Bay Rays dives for a catch in the during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 24, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Kevin Kiermaier of the Tampa Bay Rays dives for a catch in the during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 24, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Luis Robert of the White Sox makes a sliding catch against the Athletics.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The White Sox rookie is already making a name for himself

One of the most highly touted prospects was given everyday playtime in 2020 and he did not disappoint. Not only did Luis Robert impress White Sox fans with his offensive abilities, he also showed off his defense and athleticism in center field.

Robert had the lowest fielding percentage out of Kiermaier and Buxton. The White Sox rookie made one error in 2020, while Kiermaier and Buxton made none. But, Robert was healthier and on the field for nearly every game of the shortened season so there was slightly a bigger opportunity of error. One of the most important metrics is defensive runs saved and Robert was at eight.

  • Defensive runs saved above average
    • Kiermaier 10
    • Robert 8
  • Plus/minus fielding runs above average
    • Kiermaier 2
    • Robert 10
  • Outfield arm runs above average
    • Kiermaier 6
    • Robert -1
  • Total zone fielding runs above average
    • Kiermaier -1
    • Robert 6
  • Good plays/misplays runs above average
    • Kiermaier 2
    • Robert -1
  • Fielding percentage
    • Kiermaier 1.000%
    • Robert .994%
  • Assists
    • Kiermaier 6
    • Robert 2
  • Range factor per game
    • Kiermaier 2.00
    • Robert 2.73

The Buxton vs. Kiermaier comparison seemed relatively close, with Buxton taking the edge. Right now, it seems like Kiermaier did fare better in 2020 compared to Robert. The White Sox outfielder did win zone fielding and plus/minus fielding by a lot, but he did not come close to Kiermaier’s assist totals or defensive runs saved. Especially considering Robert played in 10 more games in 2020 than Kiermaier did.

Maybe Kiermaier has a point that he was snubbed. Was he directly referring to Robert’s finalist finish? Who knows, Robert’s selection could have been slightly affected by the rookie’s hype in 2020. Not to take away from Robert’s ability as a young 23-year-old, but maybe Kiermaier should have been included.

Now let’s take a final look at the Athletics center fielder.

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