Cole Young’s first full season in the majors ended with a Gold Glove, and that puts the Mariners second baseman in some pretty exclusive company.
Young was named the American League winner on Sunday night after being listed as a finalist with Kansas City’s Michael Massey and Chicago’s Chase Meidroth. With the award, he becomes just the third Mariners second baseman in franchise history to bring home a Gold Glove.
It was a big defensive leap for Young in 2026, even if the numbers didn’t all tell the same story. He appeared in 161 games in his first full year in the big leagues, and the advanced metrics were split on his work. Outs Above Average had him in the ninth percentile, while Defensive Runs Saved gave him 16 DRS above average, the most of any American League second baseman.
The counting stats were loud in his favor, too. Young led the American League in games played at second base with 157, and he also paced all major league second basemen in putouts with 223 and assists with 397.
He finished first in the AL in double plays with 79 and fielding percentage at .990. Baseball Reference had him fourth in the American League in Defensive WAR at 2.3.
There’s still an area for Young to sharpen. His arm ranked in the second percentile, so that part of his game remains a work in progress. Even so, his quick release helped him on multiple occasions, including on the play above.
Young now joins a short list of Mariners second basemen who have won the award. Bret Boone took it home three times from 2002-04, and Harold Reynolds also won it three times from 1988-1990.
Dylan Moore, who spent plenty of time at second base during his Mariners career, won a Gold Glove at the utility position in 2024.
Monday could bring more movement for Seattle. The Mariners are reportedly in the final stages of their managerial search and could hire their next manager that day.
They also need to reach 40-man roster compliance by 2 p.m. PT, and they are expected to make a qualifying offer to pending free agent Randy Arozarena, who has made back-to-back All-Star teams.
The latest podcast is also out, featuring ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney. The discussion covered the managerial search, the flat feel around it, and the Mariners’ decision to decline the contract option on starting pitcher Bryce Miller. Miller will remain with the roster next season, but at a different financial value.
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