Bellinger Wins American League Platinum Glove
The Yankees outfielder takes the junior circuit's top defensive honor, the second Yankee to earn the award.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Baseball
Cody Bellinger was awarded the American League Platinum Glove as the league's top defensive player. The Platinum Glove is chosen by fan vote from among each league's Gold Glove winners.
Why it matters
The award recognizes Bellinger's defensive season after he logged 130 games in the outfield in 2026. It also marks the second time a Yankee has won the Platinum Glove, following Jose Trevino in 2022.
Bellinger logged 130 outfield games (123 in left field) in 2026, with a .989 outfield fielding percentage and eight assists. He ranked third in MLB with 21 defensive runs saved and in the 91st percentile in outs above average at six.
The players
Cody Bellinger
Bellinger is a veteran outfielder who has built a reputation as a strong defender across his major league career.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Crow-Armstrong is an outfielder who was awarded the National League Platinum Glove in the same cycle.
The details
Bellinger was previously named a Gold Glove winner, which made him eligible for the Platinum Glove. The honor was announced Friday night, the week of November 7, 2026, and Pete Crow-Armstrong was awarded the National League Platinum Glove.
Timeline
Friday night, week of November 7, 2026: Bellinger is awarded the American League Platinum Glove.
2026: Bellinger plays 130 games in the outfield, including six at first base.
July 2026: Bellinger wins All-Star Game MVP in Philadelphia.
2022: Jose Trevino becomes the last Yankee to win the Platinum Glove.
Season Trajectory
Bellinger's award makes him the second Yankee to earn the Platinum Glove, following Jose Trevino's 2022 honor, which reinforces the team's recent defensive recognition. The result also places Bellinger alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong as one of the two top defenders across both leagues this cycle.
The Platinum Glove marks Bellinger as the top defensive outfielder in the American League for fantasy and roster purposes in 2026. Fans tracking defensive value can use his 21 defensive runs saved as a benchmark when comparing outfielders.
The takeaway
Bellinger's award shows how defensive metrics such as runs saved and outs above average can translate into league-wide recognition. Readers following outfield play can use these numbers to evaluate defensive contributions beyond traditional stats.
Further reading
Explore more Baseball coverage for context on the league's defensive awards.
