Anthony Rizzo wins Gold Glove

The day started out strong for Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo when his contract option was picked up for the 2020 season. It finished even stronger as Rizzo was named the winner of the Rawlings Gold Glove for National League first baseman.

This was the third time that Rizzo won the Gold Glove for defensive excellence. He also won the award last season and in 2016. He also won the Platinum Glove Award given for the best defensive player at any position in 2016.

Rizzo was interviewed on ESPN2 after winning the award, where he said he takes a lot of pride in his defensive ability and is honored to win these awards. Rizzo added that his dad is the biggest critic of his defense and that his dad was always working with him on his defense growing up. Rizzo was also asked about new Cubs manager David Ross and he said that Ross was his biggest mentor and that for him, Ross being named Cubs manager was a bigger deal than winning the Gold Glove.

Yu Darvish offered his congratulations, but (jokingly) thought he deserved some of the credit:

Jason Heyward was also one of the three finalists for the Gold Glove in right field, but the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger took home the award this year. Heyward will have to wait until at least next year to try to add to the five Gold Gloves he’s already won in his career.

The complete winners of the Rawlings Gold Gove Awards are as follows:

National League:

C: J.T. Realmuto Phi

1B Anthony Rizzo CUBS

2B Kolten Wong StL

3B Nolan Arenado Col

SS Nick Ahmed Ari

LF David Peralta Ari

CF Lorenzo Cain Mil

RF Cody Bellinger LAD

P Zack Greinke Ari (although he finished the year with Hou in the AL)

American League

C Roberto Pérez Cle

1B Matt Olson Oak

2B Yolmer Sánchez CWS

3B Matt Chapman Oak

SS Francisco Lindor Cle

LF Alex Gordon KC

CF Kevin Kiermaier TB

RF Mookie Betts Bos

P Mike Leake Sea (Traded to the Diamondbacks in July, so Arizona sent one Gold Glove pitcher away to the American League and added the AL Gold Glove winner on the same day.)