Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons, right fielder Jason Heyward and left fielder Justin Upton are each among the three National League Gold Glove finalists at their respective positions announced Thursday by Rawlings, which conducts the balloting among coaches.
Simmons and Heyward are strong favorites to win what would be the second Gold Glove for each. The Justin Upton inclusion among finalists came as surprise to many observers.
The other NL shortstop finalists are Zack Cozart (Reds) and Adeiny Hechavarria (Marlins). Heyward is joined among right-field finalists by Gerarado Parra (Diamondbacks) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins). In left, the finalists include Upton, Starling Marte (Pirates) and Christian Yelich (Marlins).
In his first full season in 2014, Simmons won a Gold Glove and the prestigious Platinum Glove as the overall best defender in the NL. Heyward won a Gold Glove two years ago and this season led the majors in Defensive Runs Saved with 32. Simmons tied Mets center fielder Juan Lagares for second in DRS this season with 28, after leading in 2013.
