Andy Pagés, center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is embroiled in one of the tightest contests for the Gold Glove Award in the National League of 2026. He trails the leader by just a tenth of a point in the critical defensive metric of Major League Baseball.
According to data from the SABR Defensive Index published by Pelota Cubana USA, updated as of July 12 — the date of the All-Star Game — Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs led the position with an SDI of 10.6, while the Cuban was hot on his heels with a score of 10.5.
The gap between these two and the rest of the National League center fielders is vast. Jacob Young of the Washington Nationals ranks as the third candidate with only 3.9 points in the metric, highlighting the dominance both players have exerted over their competition.
Pagés' performance gains even more significance when compared across the entire MLB. In the latest update, only Cody Bellinger, left fielder for the Yankees, and Matt Chapman, third baseman for the Giants, surpassed him, both with a score of 10.7. This placed the Havana native among the top five defenders in the Major Leagues, regardless of position.
As noted by Pelota Cubana USA, "The defense of PCA and Pagés has been so elite that only Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman surpass them in the entire MLB. One of them will miss out on the Gold Glove despite being a Top-5 in the SABR Defensive Index of the Big Show."
Pagés' Defensive Contributions: A Closer Look
SDI isn't the sole metric in Pagés' favor. Midway through the season, he led National League center fielders in Defensive Runs Saved with 17, ahead of Crow-Armstrong, who had 12.
The Gold Glove selection process combines the SDI—which accounts for 25% of the evaluation—with votes from managers and coaches, determining the remaining 75%. This means that while the advanced defensive metric favors both candidates, it's not solely decisive.
Crow-Armstrong enters this competition as the reigning champion, having won the 2025 Gold Glove in the same position. He became the youngest center fielder in Cubs history to earn the award and only the second since Bob Dernier in 1984.
Pagés' Stellar 2026 Season
Pagés' defensive candidacy is part of an outstanding 2026 season across the board. He started the year leading the MLB with a .413 batting average after 12 games, earned the National League Player of the Week award in April after hitting .583 with two home runs and seven RBIs, and on May 7, he hit three home runs in a single game against the Houston Astros.
In July, he was selected for the All-Star Game for the first time, entering with a .269 average, 16 home runs, and 62 RBIs in 88 games. By the end of the month, he had accumulated 18 home runs and a fWAR of 3.3, ranking him as the third most valuable center fielder in the entire MLB.
If both players maintain their performance through the end of the season, one of these elite defenders will miss out on the prestigious defensive accolade, making this race one of the most intriguing storylines of the year in Major League Baseball.
Insight into Pagés' Gold Glove Pursuit
What is the SABR Defensive Index (SDI)?
The SABR Defensive Index (SDI) is an advanced metric used to evaluate a player's defensive performance, contributing to the Gold Glove Award selection process.
How does the Gold Glove selection process work?
The Gold Glove selection involves a combination of the SABR Defensive Index, which accounts for 25% of the decision, and votes from managers and coaches, which make up the remaining 75%.
Who are the top contenders for the 2026 National League center field Gold Glove?
Andy Pagés of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs are the leading contenders for the 2026 National League center field Gold Glove.