Detroit Tigers: Will Verlander, McCann, Kinsler or Iglesias Win a Gold Glove?

Ian Kinsler

Position: Second Base
Def: 10.8
DRS: 12
UZR: 8.5
Competition: Boston’s Dustin Pedroia and Seattle’s Robinson Cano

Since joining the Detroit Tigers in 2014, Ian Kinsler has solidified himself as arguably the best defensive second baseman in baseball. However, he doesn’t have a Gold Glove to show for it.

Kinsler leads all second baseman with 51 defensive runs saved since the start of 2014. For reference, Pedroia was the next closest with a 36 DRS. Detroit’s second baseman also ranks second in both UZR and Def.

Could this be the year Ian Kinsler finally wins a Gold Glove?

Potentially.

While he won’t be robbed by Jose Altuve, who won the award last year despite Kinsler posting superior numbers, Detroit’s leadoff hitter will have to go up against Pedroia.

Boston’s longtime second baseman has won four of the last nine Gold Gloves at the position, and ranks right up there with Kinsler in a number of statistical categories.

The two are tied for the league lead with 12 defensive runs saved, while Pedroia holds a slight edge in Def, with his 14.8 numbers just beating Kinsler’s 10.8 output.

Additionally, the rest of the league’s second baseman are looking up at Pedroia and Kinsler, who respectively rank first and second in UZR.

Similar to the situation at catcher, Kinsler would probably be close to a lock if it weren’t for Pedroia’s strong numbers this season. Time will tell who ends up winning this award as it wouldn’t be a shock to see some close voting.