The Cubs on Sunday exercised their $16.5 million option on first baseman Anthony Rizzo, preventing the three-time Gold Glove winner from hitting the open market.
Rizzo claimed his third National League Gold Glove award Sunday, given to the best defensive player at his position. White Sox second baseman Yolmer Sanchez won his first AL Gold Glove.
Rizzo, 30, batted .293/.405/.520 with an OPS of .924, 27 home runs and 94 RBI.
Sanchez, 27, who transitioned from third base to second base when Yoan Moncada was moved to third in spring training, finished with nine errors after committing three in his first five games and led all second baseman in defensive runs saved and ultimate zone rating.
Sanchez batted .252/.318/.321 with two homers and 43 RBI over 149 games in what could be his last season with the Sox, who might not tender him a contract. The Sox are expected to promote top second base prospect Nick Madrigal early next season. Sanchez is the first Sox second baseman since Nellie Fox in 1960 to win the honor.
The Cubs have had a Gold Glove winner in each of the last four seasons. Right fielder Jason Heyward, who was nominated this season, won in 2016 and ’17 and Rizzo won in 2016 and ’18.
Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito was also nominated.
.png?w=600)
