Jed Hoyer’s roster gamble just got a Gold Glove stamp of approval

There's been plenty of flaws within Jed Hoyer's vision for the Chicago Cubs' roster, but with an emphasis on run prevention, the Cubs' President of Baseball Operations received some validation this offseason. The National League Gold Glove Award finalists were revealed, and it confirmed that the strength of the Cubs is their defense.

Matthew Boyd, Carson Kelly, Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Ian Happ, and Pete Crow-Armstrong were all named finalists at their respective positions.

Dansby Swanson, a household name for the Gold Glove award among National League shortstops, was snubbed this season. There is some irony in Swanson's snub, considering it was his defense that carried the Cubs against the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card round. For Swanson, it's the first time since 2021 that he hasn't been among the finalists for the award.

Joining Swanson on the list of snubs for the Cubs was first baseman Michael Busch. Busch isn't as much of a surprise as Swanson, considering the number of talented first basemen there are in the National League. With that said, with continued development, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Busch as a finalist as early as next season.

Cubs just backed up Jed Hoyer’s blueprint with Gold Glove success

Nothing speaks more to the Cubs' preference for run prevention than Shaw at third base. Despite offensive struggles to close out the season, it was Shaw's defense at third base that kept him in the starting lineup during the team's playoff run. While some have suggested that the Cubs could revisit their interest in Alex Bregman this offseason, Shaw being a Gold Glove finalist is another reminder that the Cubs may leave third base as is.

Of course, Crow-Armstrong was the highlight when it comes to the Cubs' defense last season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Crow-Armstrong come away with the platinum glove, which awards the best fielder in each league.