An already surprising and exciting 2022 season for the Baltimore Orioles got a bit better Tuesday, as in addition to the first winning season since 2016, one of the O’s key players added some hardware to the mix.
Ramón Urías, who played a whopping total of 10 games at third base prior to the 2022 season, was named the AL Gold Glove winner at the position by Rawlings.
In the history of baseball, Urías’ 10 games at third is the least by any non-rookie at one position in a season prior to winning a Gold Glove the following season.
It is safe to say, even with Urías winning this award, that his defense at third somewhat got overshadowed. Maybe it was the unexpected string of wins and a 83-79 record.
Maybe it was the absolute brilliance at shortstop by Jorge Mateo, who was undeniably snubbed of a Gold Glove himself. Whatever the reason may be, there is no denying Urías certainly deserved this award.
In this 2022 season, Urías was at the top of his game in many defensive metrics on the hot corner. He played 769.1 innings at third, a little less than some due to injuries, but more than enough to consider him a candidate.
In those nearly 800 innings, Urías committed just eight errors, good for a .969 fielding percentage. In addition to that, he was a part of turning 25 double plays.
On a more advanced level, Urías also shined. His 14 defensive runs saved was amongst the highest of any third baseman in the whole league, let alone the AL.
Not only was it the highest number in the AL, but it skyrocketed past the two other candidates. Both Matt Chapman (TOR) and José Ramírez (CLE) each finished the season with just two defensive runs saved.
In addition to leading in defensive runs saved, Urías also led in outs above average with seven. His competition in Ramírez and Chapman had just one each.
When we look at the numbers, there is no surprise Urías took home this Gold Glove. He was making plays all year that no man who entered the season with just 10 starts at that position should ever make.
Urías now joins the great Brooks Robinson and Manny Machado as the only Oriole third baseman to win the award. That’s impressive company.
All of us at The Baltimore Battery want to congratulate Ramón on this historic achievement.
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