Meidroth Misses Out on AL Gold Glove

The White Sox second baseman finished as a finalist behind Seattle's Cole Young for the American League honor.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Baseball

Chase Meidroth of the Chicago White Sox was an AL Gold Glove finalist at second base, but Seattle Mariners infielder Cole Young won the award, Rawlings announced Sunday night. Michael Massey of the Kansas City Royals was also a finalist at the position.

Why it matters

The finalist result reflects Meidroth's breakout 2026 season, in which he hit 16 home runs and 31 doubles while posting strong offensive numbers. It signals his growing standing among the league's top defensive second basemen.

Meidroth slashed .276/.350/.415 in 154 games in 2026, with +10 Outs Above Average per Baseball Savant but +0 Defensive Runs Saved. Young's defensive profile differed, with -6 OAA and +16 DRS, leaving the Gold Glove margin unexplained by the available metrics.

The players

Chase Meidroth

Chase Meidroth is a second baseman for the Chicago White Sox who came up through the Boston Red Sox system after being drafted out of the University of San Diego.

Cole Young

Cole Young is a second baseman for the Seattle Mariners who won the 2026 American League Gold Glove at the position.

Rawlings

Rawlings is a sporting goods manufacturer that administers the Rawlings Gold Glove Award and announces its annual winners.

The details

Rawlings revealed the AL Gold Glove finalists Sunday night, and Young won the second base award over Meidroth and Massey. Meidroth, a fourth-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2022, was traded to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet deal.

2022 MLB Draft: Boston selected Meidroth in the fourth round.
2025 season: Meidroth was called up early and hit .253/.329/.320.
2026 season: Meidroth broke out with 16 home runs and 31 doubles.
Sunday night: Rawlings announced Young as the AL Gold Glove winner at second base.

Season Trajectory

Meidroth's finalist showing fits a broader pattern in which Rawlings voters have recognized American League second basemen on both offensive and defensive grounds. His placement among the top three suggests the White Sox infielder is establishing himself as a fixture in the conversation for elite defenders at the position.

Meidroth's 16 home runs and 31 doubles make him a strong option for fantasy rosters at second base in 2027. Fantasy managers tracking the position should weigh his offensive output alongside his defensive recognition.

The takeaway

Meidroth's finalist finish shows that a strong offensive season can put a second baseman in the Gold Glove conversation even without a top defensive metric. Readers following the White Sox should watch whether his fielding numbers improve enough to win the award in future seasons.