Despite grading analytically as the best defensive third baseman, Ke'Bryan Hayes was unable to unseat Nolan Arenado as the National League Gold Glove winner at third base, as Rawlings announced Arenado won a 10th straight year Tuesday.
Hayes and Arenado were joined by Ryan McMahon of the Rockies as the third finalist for the award. Hayes graded better defensively, as he led all players with 24 defensive runs saved in 2022, led all third basemen with 18 Outs Above Average and had a .972 fielding percentage, which was the best among qualified National League third basemen.
25% of the final results are determined by the SABR defensive Index, which had Hayes as the top defender:
The @Pirates' Ke'Bryan Hayes led all NL defenders in the #SABR Defensive Index rankings for the 2022 season. Four of the top 5 SDI leaders won @RawlingsSports Gold Glove Awards. Here are the full positional rankings: https://t.co/ivcRCcMSLO pic.twitter.com/7m5lyxjnZE
— SABR (@sabr) November 1, 2022
However, Arenado also graded very well in those categories (19 DRS, 15 OAA, .968 fielding percentage), not giving Hayes enough of an edge to make up for the coach's vote. It is the 10th straight year Arenado won the award.
No other Pirates were nominated for a Gold Glove.
