The Chicago Cubs have 6 finalists for Gold Glove award

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Cariola | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 3:43 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do this offseason to fix their roster, which failed to get them past the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.

The failures of the pitching staff showed during the series, as the Cubs and manager Craig Counsell turned to a bullpen game in Game 5, which hopefully will lead to them finding someone to pitch behind Matthew Boyd.

The one thing that didn’t fail the Cubs this season was their defense. One of the best in Major League Baseball, the Cubs have six finalists for the Gold Glove award, with two previous winners.

The Chicago Cubs have six finalists for the Gold Glove award

Chicago Cubs’ failed offense needs major retooling 6 Sep 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2), center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4), left fielder Ian Happ (8) and shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) watch from the bench during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

In a division (the National League Central) that features two of the top teams in baseball for defense, the Cubs have the most players to finish as a finalist for the Gold Glove award , with starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, left fielder Ian Happ, second baseman Nico Hoerner, rookie third baseman Matt Shaw, centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, and catcher Carson Kelly all receiving the honor.

Your 2025 @RawlingsSports Gold Glove Finalists. pic.twitter.com/bV64rOY2w6

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 15, 2025

Happ is a three-time winner (2022-2024), while Hoerner has one (2023) under his belt. Boyd, Crow-Armstrong, Shaw, and Kelly have never won the award before in their careers.

The Cubs should build on their defense moving forward

Chicago Cubs infield question marks heading into the playoffs 4 Sep 18, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (6) throws to first to get Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (not pictured) out in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Cubs could explore signing and trading for players to boost their defense and prevent runs, especially with the pitching staff they currently have, as defense is quickly becoming a barometer for teams to be successful.

With the Cubs’ unwillingness to spend big, signing players like Jose Iglesias, who is a defensive first player, but has a good bat, could be an option for the Cubs this offseason.

Sep 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Jose Iglesias (7) celebrates with catcher Freddy Fermin (54) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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