For the third year in a row, Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons was a unanimous selection as the best defensive player at his position in the major leagues.
Simmons, who turned 26 in September, has not only won the prestigious award in each of his three full seasons in the majors, he’s been named atop the ballots of all 12 panel members who vote. The San Francisco Giants’ Brandon Crawford was second on every ballot this year.
Simmons is also one of three finalists for the National League shortstop Gold Glove Award, which will be announced Nov. 10. Simmons has won Gold Gloves each of the past two seasons and also won a Platinum Glove Award as the best defensive player in the NL regardless of position.
While Gold Glove awards are presented to the top defender at each position in each league, the Fielding Bible Award is given to just one player at each position regardless of league.
Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward, a former Braves teammate of Simmons’, was among the other three repeat winners of Fielding Blble awards. Heyward, in his first season with St.Louis, won for the third time in four years.
Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel won his second consecutive award, and Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt won his second in three years.
The other six Fielding Bible Awards went to first-time winners: Giants catcher Buster Posey, Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, Pirates left fielder Starling Marte, Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, and Diamondbacks multi-position player Ender Inciarte.
It was the second year that the Fielding Bible panel has given an award to a player for multi-position fielding prowess..
