Carlos Correa: “The moment finally came”

The Golden Glove that the Puerto Rican won Carlos Correa for his defensive executions in the 2021 season of the Big leaguesApart from arriving at a good time for him, it has been important for Puerto Rico because it has kept alive a streak that dates back to 1988 in which players from the Island have won at least one each year.

Personally, Correa achieves his first Glove de Oto just as he enters the free agency market. Not in vain the Santa-Isabel told ESPN on Sunday that he had been waiting for that recognition since he arrived in the Major Leagues six years ago.

“The moment finally came. I’ve been trying to win that award since I’ve been in the majors, “Correa said during the Golden Gloves naming ceremony for the two leagues.

Correa led the AL in defensive runs saved with 21. He was third-best in fielding percentage with .981. He was also third in assists with 384 and chances with 578. He made just 11 errors all year.

The shortstop was joined as Golden Gloves winners on the Astros by Cuban first baseman Yulieski Gurriel, who was also an American League batting champion. Correa and Gurriel made multiple plays as a 6-4 combination.

Correa acknowledged the help he received from Gurriel.

“Having Yuli at first base makes the job a lot easier for the infield players. As a shortstop I would throw the ball to first base and I knew he was going to catch it somehow, ”acknowledged Correa, who is known for his strong arm.

Correa was one of five Puerto Ricans nominated for the award and the only one to carry the Golden Glove. He combines that award with the Rookie of the Year award he received in 2016.

The Golden Glove was received by Correa in the same season that seems like his best offensive year in the Major Leagues, both in production and in games played. He hit .279 with 26 home runs and 92 RBIs in 148 games played.

Correa is heading into free agency with a solid year on defense and offense and is anticipated to receive close to $ 300 million in contract. The Astros offered him $ 160 million for five seasons this week.

Meanwhile, according to The Associated Press, a record five players from St. Louis won Gold Gloves in the National League. It was first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, second baseman Tommy Edman, third baseman Nolan Arenado, center fielder Harrison Bader and left patrolman Tyler O’Neill who were recognized as the best defenders in their respective positions.

Arenado, of Puerto Rican blood, won his ninth Gold Glove and the first since it was traded last winter from Colorado. Goldschmidt earned his fourth trophy and his first since 2017 with Arizona. O’Neill earned the designation for the second consecutive season.

Chicago White Sox starter Dallas Keuchel won his fifth Gold Glove and San Francisco shortstop Brandon Crawford won his fourth.

Atlanta pitcher Max Fried, who won last week in the final game of the World Series, added his second straight trophy. Adam Duvall, traded from Miami to the Braves last July, earned the designation in right field.

Pittsburgh’s Jacob Stallings received the designation as a receiver.

Oakland’s Matt Chapman won the AL anteroom, and teammate Sean Murphy won as a receiver. Toronto second baseman Marcus Semien achieved recognition after signing with the Blue Jays and changing positions.

Kansas City center fielder Michael A. Taylor and left patrolman Andrew Benintendi were recognized for the first time. Right fielder Joey Gallo, who was traded from Texas to the Yankees last July, achieved his second consecutive Gold Glove.

Voting is done by the managers and up to six coaches from each team, and they cannot vote for the players in their ninth.