Blue Jays win American League Team Gold Glove

The Toronto Blue Jays may have come up empty in the individual Gold Glove races, but their defense still earned some major hardware. Toronto has been named the American League Team Gold Glove winner, while the Chicago Cubs took home the National League honor.

The award recognizes the best defensive team in each league, and the Blue Jays made a strong case throughout the 2026 MLB season. Toronto led the American League with five Gold Glove finalists, tying the Cubs for the most in the majors.

None of those finalists ended up winning, though.

When the individual awards were revealed on Nov. 1, pitcher Jose Soriano lost out to Tanner Bibee of the Cleveland Guardians, and catcher Brandon Valenzuela was edged by Dillon Dingler of the Detroit Tigers.

At first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. fell short against Christian Walker of the Houston Astros, while shortstop Andres Gimenez lost to Taylor Walls of the Tampa Bay Rays. In right field, Nathan Lukes was beaten out by Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox.

The Team Gold Glove is a nice consolation prize, as several Blue Jays turned in standout seasons with the glove. Gimenez, who won three straight Gold Gloves at second base from 2022 to 2024, made a smooth transition to shortstop, posting 19 Outs Above Average to tie Masyn Winn for second among shortstops.

Lukes recorded 11 Defensive Runs Saved without committing an error in right field, and Statcast rated his arm as the most valuable among American League outfielders. Valenzuela, meanwhile, ranked among the top five catchers in Fielding Run Value, adding nine Defensive Runs Saved and eight runs from pitch framing. Guerrero also enjoyed what many considered the best defensive season of his career.

Unfortunately for Toronto, the strong defense was not enough to carry the team. The Blue Jays finished below .500 and missed the playoffs, with an inconsistent offense largely to blame.

That is why improving the lineup will be a top priority this offseason. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has already identified Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena as logical targets for Toronto.

If the Blue Jays can add some punch to the lineup, their elite defense could help them get back into contention in 2027.