Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tiger: Four Gold Glove Finalists

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) fist bumps with catcher James McCann (34) just before being relieved in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Four of the best Detroit Tigers defensive players in 2016 have earned high-profile nods from MLB managers who believe they are worthy of taking home a Gold Glove.

The four Detroit Tigers finalists are Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler, Jose Iglesias, and James McCann. All three of these men have certainly passed the eyeball test with their impressive plays. And all three of them certainly have a good chance to win the high honor, especially when compared to the competition.

The last Detroit Tigers player to win an AL Gold Glove was Yoenis Cespedes, who spent the first half of the season with the Tigers before joining the New York Mets and helping to bring that team to the World Series.

Prior to Cespedes winning in 2015, the most recent Tigers to win Gold Gloves were Placido Polanco in 2007 and 2009, Ivan Rodriguez in 2006 and 2007, and Kenny Rogers in 2006. The Tigers players with the most Gold Glove awards include Al Kaline (10), Bill Freehan (5), Mickey Stanley (4), and Alan Trammell (4). Only one Detroit Tigers third baseman has ever won the award: Aurelio Rodriguez in 1976.

Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) acknowledges the crowed against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Gold Glove Pitching Finalists

Out of all of the AL pitchers, Justin Verlander is competing against R.A. Dickey, and Dallas Keuchel. Dickey posted a WAR of 0.4 in 2016 with a 0.23 RA9def. Keuchel posted a WAR of 0.5 and an RA9def of 0.30. Verlander had a WAR of 6.6 and an RA9def of -0.30. The difference between the three pitchers is striking, with Verlander clearly the dominant of the three. It is safe to say that JV is the clear winner.

Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) makes a throw to first to complete a double play as Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) slides into second in the second inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Gold Glove Second Basemen Finalists

Kinsler will most likely have a tighter challenge winning the Gold Glove against Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia. For years, Pedroia, along with Jose Altuve, have been thorns in Kinsler’s side – always inching him out for the major awards. But, this year, Kinsler was an exception. He earned a 6.1 WAR and his RF/9 was 5.09. Robinson Cano beat out Kinsler for a spot on the All-Star roster this year and he earned a 7.3 WAR. His defensive range factor was 4.84. Pedroia finished the season with a WAR of 4.4 and a RF/9 of 4.23. Kinsler should finish above Pedroia, but the race will be tight with Cano.

Sep 4, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) chases down a ground ball against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Gold Glove Shortstop Finalists

At shortstop, no one puts on a show quite like Jose Iglesias. Iggy is in the running with Francisco Lindor and Andrelton Simmons. In his short, two-year career, Lindor has already made quite an impression, losing to Carlos Correa in the Rookie of the Year battle last year and getting a spot on the 2016 All-Star roster. Lindor has a range of 4.37 and a dWAR of 4.4. He turned 83 double plays. Simmons had a dWAR of 2.6, a range of 4.61. He turned 82 double plays. Iglesias has the lowest dWAR with 1.1 with a range of 4.40. He turned 92 double plays. The men who choose will most likely select Lindor, especially with his performance in the postseason.

Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher James McCann (34) applies to the tag to Boston Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon (3) during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Gold Glove Catching Finalists