Cleveland's Tanner Bibee Wins First Gold Glove

Tanner Bibee added a Gold Glove to his collection on Sunday night after being named the American League pitcher winner for 2026. The award recognizes fielding excellence and marks the first such honor of the 27-year-old right-hander's career. In club history, only Shane Bieber has previously won the award for a Guardians pitcher, doing so in 2022.

Bibee's selection was driven by specific defensive metrics from the regular season. He recorded 18 assists, a figure that placed him third in the American League. He was also tied for third in pick-offs with four. His 11 putouts further contributed to the selection committee's decision.

Despite the fielding accolade, Bibee's statistical record for the year showed a mix of results. He finished with a win-loss record of 7-15 and an earned run average of 4.36. The pitcher recorded 148 strikeouts during the season. He did not pitch for Cleveland in the American League Championship Series.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Bibee's role in the starting rotation during the end-of-season media availability held two weeks prior. Vogt noted that Bibee took the mound every five to six days and provided length. "I think he led our team in innings," Vogt said. "He was our rock in that rotation, and I don't see that role changing in '27."

Vogt described Bibee as a big part of the team's future plans. "He's going to be a big part of our team and a big part of our rotation moving forward," the manager said.

Another Guardians player, outfielder Steven Kwan, was also a nominee for the Gold Glove in centerfield. Kwan did not win the award, which went to Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox. This is the first season since Kwan entered Major League Baseball that he did not win the fielding award.