Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried won the 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove Award for National League pitchers a third consecutive season. Fried finished ahead of Los Angeles Dodgers starter Tyler Anderson, and Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers for the honor.
The award is handed out to the best defender at each position among three finalists, who were announced in both the American League and National Leagues in late October. Voting has changed since the award was first handed out in 1957, but the premise remains the same, how much value the winner brings to their position.
Both managers and coaches vote, with advanced metrics also having a say in the final decision. With that said, managers and coaches accounts for 75% of the vote, with defensive metrics making up the other 25%.
Per FanGraphs, Burnes logged 4 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in 202 innings, which was second to Anderson’s 5 in 178.2 innings. Meanwhile, Fried ranked in third in the category with 3 DRS across 185.1 innings. For both putouts and assists, Burnes was responsible for 49 total outs this season, the best among the three NL pitcher finalists.
If Philadelphia Phillies lefty Ranger Suárez qualified in innings, his 9 DRS would be a comfortable lead among all starting pitchers.
Although Anderson fell short of winning a Gold Glove Award, he did enjoy the best season of his career and one that included a first All-Star Game selection.
Tyler Anderson appreciative of 2022 season
At the time of signing a one-year contract with the Dodgers, Anderson made it clear he would accept any role and was solely focused on helping the team win a World Series.
Anderson maintained that stance even with beginning the season in the bullpen and when heading into the postseason as there was some question over whether or not he would be part of the rotation.
Although the Dodgers were eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series, Anderson noted he enjoyed his experience with the team.
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