Cal Raleigh's Historic Achievement

In an exciting night for baseball aficionados, the Rawlings Gold Glove award dinner celebrated the top defensive talents in Major League Baseball. Among the highlights was the announcement that Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners' standout catcher, has claimed the coveted 2024 AL Platinum Glove. Not only does this mark his first Platinum Glove victory, but it also represents a historic achievement as he becomes the first player from the Mariners organization to receive this honor since the award's establishment in 2011.

How the Award is Determined

The Platinum Glove award is determined through a blend of advanced metrics and fan engagement. This year, SAXY's Defensive Index and votes from enthusiastic fans led to Raleigh’s recognition, making it a moment of pride not just for the player, but also for the fans who rallied behind him online.

Competitive Field and Notable Rivals

In a fiercely competitive field, Raleigh edged out several elite defenders. He faced tough competition from the Cleveland Guardians’ duo of second baseman Andrés Giménez and outfielder Steven Kwan, both previous Gold Glove recipients, as well as Kansas City Royals’ rising star Bobby Witt Jr., who secured his first Gold Glove this year. Giménez, last year’s Platinum Glove winner, boasted an impressive 21 Outs Above Average, while Raleigh’s expertise in pitch framing as a catcher truly showcased his prowess in the most challenging position on the diamond. It's noteworthy that only a few catchers have previously won the Platinum Glove, with Yadier Molina being one of them, having won it an astounding four times.

National League Recognition

In the National League, the Brewers’ Brice Turang received the Platinum Gove for his defensive excellence. The Blue Jays and Brewers also took home team accolades for their unmatched overall defense, confirming their positions as perennial leaders in this category.

A Cornerstone for the Mariners

Cal Raleigh has captured the hearts of Mariners fans, not only for his incredible skills on the field but also for his charismatic and dedicated nature. This honor underscores his status as a franchise cornerstone, deserving of recognition and a worthy contract. But the accolades may not stop here! Earlier this week, Raleigh was also named an AL Silver Slugger Award finalist, with the results set to be revealed on Tuesday, November 12. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate yet another potential accolade for this exceptional athlete, as the ceremony will be streamed live on MLB Network!

Future Prospects

This latest achievement is just another testament to Raleigh’s rising trajectory, both defensively and offensively, potentially placing him among the elite players in Major League Baseball. Keep an eye on this extraordinary talent; he’s just getting started!