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St. Louis Cardinals own the Platinum Glove

By David Hill

Oct 2, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields a ground ball during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields a ground ball during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Platinum Glove has been a constant for Nolan Arenado. The St. Louis Cardinals‘ third baseman continued his run of Gold Gloves this year, winning his ninth consecutive defensive award, taking home the award in every one of his major league seasons. He also added the Platinum Glove as well, his fifth consecutive time winning that award as the best defensive player in the National League.

Arenado’s dominance with the Platinum Glove continues an interesting trend. Between he and Yadier Molina, the Cardinals have nine of the 11 Platinum Gloves that have been awarded since the award debuted in NL in 2011.

St. Louis Cardinals own the Platinum Glove

Molina may not be the same player he had been, but the glove is still there. He was a Gold Glove nominee again this year, throwing out 41% of would be base stealers while saving six runs behind the plate. As he is back for one more season, it is not out of the question that he will end his career with some more hardware.

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Arenado, meanwhile, shows no signs of slowing down defensively either. He led the NL in putouts, double plays, and range factor while placing second in assists and fielding percentage. His defense was just as good as it has ever been.

That may be a key for the Cardinals going forward. The pitching staff has more question marks than anything else at this point, although that is likely to be addressed during the offseason. Having one of the best defensive players of his generation at third will make a major difference if the Cardinals are forced to rely upon their prospects in the rotation.

It is possible that he ends his career as the second best third baseman in terms of zone runs saved. Brooks Robinson seemingly has an insurmountable lead with 293 runs saved; Adrian Beltre is second all time with 168. However, as Arenado continues to flash the leather at the hot corner, he could take a run for Beltre’s spot on the list. In doing so, he may win a few more awards along the way.

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Nolan Arenado added another Platinum Glove to his collection. In doing so, he continued the St. Louis Cardinals’ dominance in the award.

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