This season, Victor Scott II of the St. Louis Cardinals has delivered an impressive defensive performance in centerfield, yet he has been overlooked as a top Victor Scott II Gold Glove contender. While Scott and teammate Masyn Winn hope to earn their first Rawlings Gold Glove awards, predictions favor other National League players for these honors.
Competition in the Gold Glove Race for Cardinals’ Young Stars
A panel of MLB.com writers recently forecasted Atlanta Braves shortstop Nick Allen and Chicago Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong as leading candidates to win the Gold Glove at their positions. Allen boasts nine runs prevented and an outs above average (OAA) of 12, slightly edging out Masyn Winn, who has eight runs prevented and an OAA of 10. Both players have committed just two errors, but Winn’s fielding percentage of .992 is marginally higher than Allen’s .991.
Winn could become the first Cardinals shortstop to win the honor since Edgar Renteria in 2003, joining a prestigious list that includes Ozzie Smith, who holds 13 Gold Gloves from 1980 to 1992. Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong tops NL centerfielders with nine runs prevented and an OAA of 10, compared to Scott’s eight runs prevented and an OAA of nine. Crow-Armstrong also has a significant advantage in playing time, logging 100 more innings and 221 putouts without an error this season.
Historical Context for Cardinals’ Gold Glove Winners
Scott’s challenge in overtaking Crow-Armstrong reflects a broader trend for Cardinals centerfielders. Harrison Bader was the last to win a Gold Glove in 2021, while outfielders Jim Edmonds, Willie McGee, and Curt Flood each won multiple awards before the 2011 adjustment that began recognizing individual outfield positions. This highlights the difficulty Scott faces in breaking through despite solid defensive metrics this season.
Implications for the Cardinals’ Defensive Recognition
The potential Gold Glove wins for Winn or Scott would mark significant milestones for the Cardinals, reinforcing the strength of the team’s developing core in the infield and outfield. While current projections favor Allen and Crow-Armstrong, Scott’s performance indicates he remains a notable presence in this defensive competition. The Cardinals’ search for defensive accolades continues to build on a legacy established by past greats.