Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler was named the recipient of the Rawlings American League Gold Glove Award on Sunday evening, marking his second consecutive selection as the top defensive catcher in the league. With this honor, Dingler becomes just the fourth catcher in franchise history to earn back-to-back Gold Gloves.
Joining Tigers Franchise Legends
Dingler put together an elite defensive campaign, recording +17 in Fielding Run Value, +15 Defensive Runs Saved, and +9 in Framing Runs. In addition, he registered +11 Blocks Above Average and caught five runners trying to steal above average. Alongside his defensive performance, Dingler delivered 27 home runs, a 107 wRC+, and 5 fWAR, placing him eighth overall in value among AL position players. He had maintained a 136 wRC+ through July 31 before experiencing a drop in offensive production over the final two months of the season.
By winning the award for a second straight year, Dingler joins exclusive franchise company alongside former Tigers catchers Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, Lance Parrish, and Bill Freehan. Rodríguez earned Gold Gloves with Detroit in 2004, 2006, and 2007. Parrish claimed three consecutive awards from 1983 to 1985, while Freehan won five straight Gold Gloves between 1965 and 1969.
Additional Finalists and Minor League Honors
Detroit utility player Zach McKinstry was also recognized as a finalist for the AL Gold Glove utility position, though Ezequiel Duran of the Texas Rangers ultimately won the award.
In the minor league system, Triple-A second baseman Max Anderson secured a Minor League Gold Glove Award. Anderson is the organization’s first minor league recipient since Jace Jung earned the distinction in 2023. Anderson showed defensive improvement at second base throughout the season, strengthening his case for a regular role with Detroit next year as Gleyber Torres heads to free agency following an injury-plagued season.
