Braves Simmons, Heyward win prestigious defensive awards

Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons and right fielder Jason Heyward were named Fielding Bible Award winners as the best defensive players in the major leagues at their respective positions Friday.

Simmons, Heyward and Royals left fielder Alex Gordon were the only unanimous picks among the 10 winners, selected by a 12-man panel of writers, researchers, broadcasters and statisticians including sabermetric experts.

It was the second Fielding Bible Award apiece for Simmons and Heyward, who are also among finalists for National League Gold Gloves to be presented later in the offseason. Each is a heavy favorite to win his second Gold Glove.

Heyward and Gordon were joined in the Fielding Bible Award outfield by Mets center fielder Juan Lagares and Royals center fielder/right fielder Lorenzo Cain, the first winner in the new multi-position category. The Braves and Royals were the only teams with more than one winner.

In the infield, Fielding Bible awards also went to Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia and Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson. Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy and Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel rounded out the list of 10 award winners.