Cole Young wins first career Gold Glove at second base

Key Points:

• Cole Young won the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award at second base, marking the Mariners' 45th Gold Glove and their first at second base since 2004, making Young only the third Mariner to win at that position.
• Despite being ranked behind competitors Chase Meidroth and Michael Massey in some defensive metrics like Outs Above Average (OAA), Young led all AL second basemen with 16 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), the highest for a Mariners second baseman since 2003.
• Young’s defensive improvement was noted for his exceptional footwork and positioning, contributing to his reliability on plays "in the box," and he appeared in 160 games in 2026, the most on the Mariners and among the highest in MLB.
• The award reflects both statistical performance and votes from managers and coaches, highlighting Young's significant defensive progress after transitioning from shortstop to second base.
• Mariners infield coach Perry Hill played a key role in Young’s development, further cementing his reputation as a "Gold Glove Maker" despite recent coaching staff changes.