Juan Lagares a finalist for National League Gold Glove award
Mets centerfielder Juan Lagares comes down with the catch on a fly ball by Washington Nationals' Denard Span during the seventh inning. Credit: AP / Nick Wass
Juan Lagares' brilliance in centerfield for the Mets this season earned him some recognition on Thursday -- though this could be just the start.
For the first time in his career, Lagares was named a finalist for the National League Gold Glove award in centerfield, joining the Nationals' Denard Span and the Reds' Billy Hamilton.
Winners will be announced on Nov. 4.
The award is given based mostly on a vote of coaches and managers, though it also factors in advanced defensive metrics, which generally paint Lagares in a favorable light.
For instance, Lagares ranked second among all outfielders in defensive runs saved. He also had six outfield assists, though that total was somewhat stunted because opposing players were wary of challenging his powerful arm.
If he wins, Lagares would become only the third Mets outfielder to win the award, putting him in the same company as Tommie Agee (1970) and Carlos Beltran (2006-2008).
