Four Reds were named finalists for Gold Glove awards in the National League. When the winners were announced tonight, only one Cincinnati player came out on top.

Congratulations to Tucker Barnhart, the 2017 National League Gold Glove award winner for catchers.

This is the first career Gold Glove for Barnhart, though he did win a minor league Gold Glove award back in 2011. Tucker gunned down more would-be base-stealers than any other catcher, and he also ranked as the best defensive catcher in either league by most of the advanced metrics. The last Reds catcher to win a Gold Glove? Johnny Bench, who won his tenth and final award back in 1977.

Bench had some kind words for Tucker tonight:

The other three Reds finalists for Gold Gloves are more disappointed tonight. Joey Votto lost out to Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt at first base, while Adam Duvall lost to Miami’s Marcell Ozuna in left field. Meanwhile, Billy Hamilton — who appeared to have his best shot at finally winning that elusive Gold Glove — lost again to Ender Inciarte in center field.

15 Responses

  1. kmartin

    Well deserved. I am happy for Tucker. I really enjoy watching him play.

  2. Sandman

    So…is this the end of Mesoraco as a starter in Cincinnati or in Cincinnati period?

    • Sandman

      I mean, after all, how do you justify benching a gold glove winner even relegating him to split duty.

  3. cfd3000

    Congratulations to Tucker Barnhart! Well deserved.

  4. TR

    Congratulations to Tucker Barnhart. Well deserved in a key position.

  5. TomN

    Love that Tucker won. He deserved it. He had a great defensive year and came on offensively. I am really bummed for BH and AD especially. Both those guys play excellent defensive baseball. BH not winning for the 4th consecutive year is simply a crime against humanity. Duvall has been a great surprise in many ways, but especially defensively. In my mind, both of them deserved the GG. Votto – I think Goldschmidt is extremely tough defensively and I can understand why he won.

  6. james garrett

    Well they got one right but wiffed on Adam and especially Billy.No way Billy isn’t the best in center and Ozuna is really a centerfielder to begin with that plays left.Hard to figure sometimes because Molina is great and hasn’t fallen off much but Tucker stepped up big time while working with a well not so good group of pitchers.

  7. Ethan L

    Excellent. I think we might have a catcher controversy. How do we balance Tucker with Mes? I say Tucker is my #1 and Mes is my backup.

    • scottya

      This may be just what the Dr ordered for Mez. Quite a combo if mez can return at least close to how he has hit at his best.

  8. JB WV

    Great for Tuck! Well deserved and kudos from the best ever. Brass has to think about training Mes at another position. Took some reps in left a couple years ago, and could possibly spell Joey at first. Otherwise trade him when he reclaims some value.

  9. joshtrum

    I think TB benefits from a couple days off a week, having someone with the former power in Mes to allow that may not add the defense but adds some premium pop at the C position. TB deserves the gold glove. Now Votto for MVP

  10. scottya

    Congratulations to Tucker Barnhart!. He has really come a long way. Great move by the front office to sign him and add an extra year of control.

  11. Ed Koverman

    Good for tucker can’t believe billy was past over

  12. Ed Koverman

    Tucker didn’t look good against lefties having mez may not be a bad thing I mean we can’t trade him