Counting down the top 10 plays from Andres Gimenez and Steven Kwan's Gold Glove seasons
Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez and Steven Kwan both took home Gold Gloves for the 2023 season. And in both cases, it was their second consecutive such honor.
Gimenez led all AL second basemen with 23 Defensive Runs Saved and 18 Outs Above Average. And considering the new rules that banned infield shifts, his range at second base has never been more valuable. Roberto Alomar Jr. (1999-2001) is the only other second baseman in franchise history with multiple Gold Gloves.
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Kwan led all major league left fielders with 16 DRS and nine OOA and joined Kenny Lofton (1993-96) and Grady Sizemore (2007-08) as the only Cleveland outfielders with multiple Gold Gloves.
Both had their fair share of highlight-reel plays in 2023. After sifting through all of them, here's a countdown of the top 10 plays during the 2023 Gold Glove season for Gimenez and Kwan.
No. 10: Steven Kwan crashes into the wall and makes the grab
This one might have hurt a little bit.
No. 9: Andres Gimenez throws a dart to home plate to get the runner
This play isn't as flashy as the others, but it's one of the most impressive considering the throw had to be right on the money.
No. 8: Steven Kwan ranges into foul ground with a sliding catch
No. 7: Andres Gimenez makes a leaping catch
No. 6: Steven Kwan hangs on as he hits the wall
This catch probably didn't feel great, either.
No. 5: Andres Gimenez needed only his glove for this one
Who needs a throwing hand?
No. 4: Steven Kwan robs Jose Altuve of a hit in extras
No. 3: Andres Gimenez made a diving stop to his right, and Josh Naylor was pumped
Josh Naylor might have enjoyed this play more than Gimenez.
No. 2: Steven Kwan takes away extra bases from Tim Anderson
Tim Anderson had some rough moments with the Guardians in 2023. One of them involved Jose Ramirez's right fist. This one was due to Kwan's glove.
And No. 1: Andres Gimenez pulls off the no-look, behind-the-back flip
There was no doubt here.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians Steven Kwan, Andres Gimenez top plays from 2023
