Making the Gold Glove cases for Rays Finalists Chandler Simpson and Taylor Walls

The finalists for the 2026 Gold Glove Awards are live. For the Tampa Bay Rays, Taylor Walls receives the finalist honor at shortstop, while Chandler Simpson gets it for his efforts in left field. 

Both players seek their first Gold Gloves in their careers. Naturally, the speculation that follows is: what do their chances look like? 

Let’s take a look at each of them and see how they stack up with their fellow finalists. 

Taylor Walls vs. Andres Gimenez and Bobby Witts Jr. 

Just from the name value alone, we know Walls is up against some tough competition. Witt has won the last two AL Gold Gloves as shortstop, and for good reason. Looking at the metrics, more than the names hold weight. 

He finished the season with a -2 fielding run value, which put him in the 35th percentile. His OAA was -3, which put him in the 22nd percentile. 

Meanwhile, these same metrics say that Witt and Gimenez are the two best shortstops in the American League. Witt has a slight edge in both categories for the top spot. 

It’s not looking too great for Walls based on the Baseball Savant stats, but he has a major saving grace. He led all shortstops in defensive runs saved (DRS), and it wasn’t even close. 

He finished with a +21 DRS. Second place was Masyn Winn with a +10 DRS. Witt’s was 8, and Gimenez’s was +2. 

The odds are likely stacked against Walls, but he has at least a major stat working in his favor. 

Chandler Simpson vs. Wyatt Langford and Cody Bellinger

The Rays had one of the best defensive outfielders in the game in 2026, and Simpson was a huge part of that. He goes toe-to-toe with his fellow finalists. 

He may be known for his speed above all, but it's played a factor in his solid defense this season.

Bellinger’s fielding run value of 8 and his +21 DRS have those stats locked up in his favor. Simpson and Langford are tied with a fielding run value of 3. However, he had the best range with an 8 OAA. 

The Yankees outfielder had the edge, but Simpson certainly has a strong case.

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