The eleventh annual Fielding Bible awards were announced Monday, with Dustin Pedroia (second base) and Mookie Betts (right field) both winning for the Red Sox.
The awards, which are similar to the Gold Glove awards but voted on by 12 panelists for the Bill James Handbook, are given to one player per position for their fielding prowess. Unlike the Gold Gloves, only one player per position wins, as opposed to one player per position in each league. The Red Sox were the only American League team with two winners, with the Cubs (Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez) the only other team in the majors with two.
This is Pedroia’s fourth Fielding Bible distinction. He edged out Ian Kinsler in a 114-104 vote. Pedroia is also a four-time Gold Glove winner.
The announcement of the award-winners noted that Betts’ 32 defensive runs saved led Major League Baseball. Adam Eaton of the White Sox finished second in the vote to Betts.
The Gold Glove winners will be announced on Nov. 8. The full list of Fielding Bible winners is as follows:
First Base: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs
Second Base: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
Third Base: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
Shortstop: Andrelton Simmons, Los Angeles Angels
Left Field: Starling Marte, Pittsburgh Pirates
Center Field: Kevin Pillar, Toronto Blue Jays
Right Field: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
Catcher: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros
Multi-Position: Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs