Analyzing SF Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski's chances of winning 2024 Gold Glove

The SF Giants had three finalists named for the Gold Glove Award at their respective positions in 2024. This included veteran outfielder Mike Yasrtzemski. What are his chances of taking home his first Gold Glove Award?

Analyzing SF Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski's chances of winning 2024 Gold Glove

It bears mentioning that the voting has already taken place. So, the finalists represent the top vote-getters at each position. The selection process has improved in recent years where some level of objectivity is factored into the calculation.

25 percent of the voting comes from the SABR Defensive Index, which is a measure to evaluate a player's defensive performance. The remaining 75 percent is voted on by coaches and managers. We did look at Bailey and Chapman's case earlier this week. They have a good shot at taking home the award.

On the other hand, Mike Yastrzemski faces steeper odds as he faces off against Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers and Jake McCarthy of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This is not to take anything away from Yastrzemski. He is a solid defensive outfielder and is deserving of being recognized as a finalist.

Through August 11, Frelick led the group with +4.2 SABR's Defensive Index. McCarthy (+1.7) and Yastrzemski (+1.1) were a bit behind in that category and this comprises 25 percent of the vote. That said, those numbers will be updated once the award winner is announced. Currently, Frelick would have the edge.

Yastrzemski posted +5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in right field in 2024. He was ahead of McCarthy, who had +1 DRS, but comfortably behind Frelick with +9 DRS.

The newer defensive metrics paint Yastrzemski as a below-average fielder. He tallied -2 Outs Above Average (OAS) and -2 Fielding Run Value (FRV). Frelick led in that category as well with +6 OAA and +8 FRV. On the other hand, McCarthy ranked a bit better than Yastrzemski with +2 OAA and +1 FRV. As good as the defensive metrics are, the eye test would disagree.

The defensive metrics are likely not why Yastrzemski was a finalist. He plays strong defense at Oracle Park, where it can be a tough challenge for many right fielders. He has adjusted well.

This likely caught the attention of the managers and coaches who voted for the veteran outfielder. The voters are likely aware of the defensive metrics at the time of voting, so there is a good chance that Frelick takes home the award. However, Yastrzemski's work in right field should not be overlooked.