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MLB.com predicts Cubs will have two Gold Glove winners this year

Two Chicago Cubs defenders are quietly separating from the NL pack for Gold Glove consideration.
ByOliver Vandervoort|
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) throws to first baseman Michael Busch for a final out.
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) throws to first baseman Michael Busch for a final out. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

While most of the talk this time of year around the Chicago Cubs is whether they can keep running towards the postseason or who they will pick up at the MLB trade deadline, there's another interesting conversation surrounding the team and its post-season awards prospects.

Who stands out on a team that has been solid defensively as a whole? Who might win a Gold Glove this year? According to MLB.com, Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong are the early front-runners.

Andrew Simon and Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru recently collaborated to debate the potential Gold Glove winners for both the AL and NL as we move closer to the end of the first half of the season. Neither Hoerner nor Crow-Armstrong getting mentioned as winners is surprising. In fact, what stands out the most right now is that Ian Happ's run of earning the award himself three straight years would come to an end if their predictions are correct.

MLB experts peg Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong as Cubs’ top Gold Glove contenders

The writers point out that a panel of experts really put together the list, and that panel believes Hoerner will take back the NL Gold Glove after winning it in 2023 and losing to the Brewers' Brice Turang last year. As they point out, the Chicago Cubs' second baseman leads all NL second basemen with 7 Outs Above Average.

Meanwhile, Simon Sepe-Chepuru pointed out that Crow-Armstrong and his 10 OAA in center are also an NL-best. It's not just about his range either. PCA's got a strong arm (which averages 92.6 mph on competitive throws).

Like Hoerner, Crow-Armstrong's choice as a potential Gold Glover (despite a disastrous gaffe earlier this week) is not all that surprising. On a team that has several other possible contenders, they've stood out as lockdown defenders for the Chicago Cubs.

Of course, players like Happ (three consecutive Gold Gloves in left field) and Dansby Swanson (two OAA) will have strong cases as well come season's end, further highlighting just how strong this defensive unit is.

Still, Hoerner and PCA are the favorites at their respective positions for a reason, and they represent the best gloves on this year's version of the Cubs.

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