Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto wins 2nd career Gold Glove Award

Phillies star J.T. Realmuto gets recognized with prestigious hardware.

For the second time in his career, Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has won the Glove Glove Award.

Announced before Tuesday evening’s Game 3 of the World Series, the popular annual awards recognize the top defensive players at each position. Competing against fellow finalists Tomás Nido of the New York Mets and Travis d’Arnaud of the Atlanta Braves, Realmuto was just that at then some as manager Rob Thomson’s seemingly everyday catcher. The 31-year-old led all catchers with 1,131 2/3 innings caught and only two passed balls.

Realmuto’s 11 defensive runs saved ranked most among National League catchers — besting future Hall of Fame catcher Yadier Molina’s nine defensive runs saved. Meanwhile, Realmuto’s 44 percent caught-stealing rate led all qualified catchers in Major League Baseball. The Oklahoma native earned his first career Gold Glove Award in 2019, when he likewise led MLB with a 47 percent caught-stealing rate.

In an on-field interview with ESPN, Realmuto expressed his excitement for  being announced as a 2022 Gold Glove Award recipient:

“The first one was pretty exciting for me, because it was something you always dreamed about. For me, I dreamt growing up being an infield Gold Glove winner. When I changed to catcher, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Catchers’ Gold Gloves for some reason mean more to me. They are both extremely special and I’m just honored to be able to win this thing.”

Other 2022 National League Gold Glove Award winners included Christian Walker (1B, Diamondbacks); Brendan Rodgers (2B, Rockies); Dansby Swanson (SS, Braves); Nolan Arenado (3B, Cardinals); Max Fried (P, Braves); Ian Happ (LF, Cubs); Trent Grisham (CF, Padres); Mookie Betts (RF, Dodgers); and Brendan Donovan (Utility, Cardinals).

Realmuto (2019, 2022) is the only Phillies player to win a Gold Glove since shortstop Jimmy Rollins in 2012. He is one of just three catchers in franchise history to have earned the honor, joining Mike Lieberthal (1999), and Bob Boone (1978, 1979).