NEW YORK (DA) — Ceddanne Rafaela missed out on the 2026 American League Platinum Glove as New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger received the award, prompting criticism from fans who pointed to Rafaela’s stronger numbers in several defensive measures.
The Curaçao-born Boston Red Sox center fielder recorded 16 Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value of 16. Bellinger finished with 6 Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value of 8.
Rafaela also had 21 Defensive Runs Saved. His defensive Wins Above Replacement stood at 2.7, compared with Bellinger’s 1.7.
Some supporters questioned the selection on social media, arguing that those comparisons favored Rafaela.
The Platinum Glove recognizes one defender in each league from among the Gold Glove winners. The selection combines fan voting with the SABR Defensive Index, rather than being determined by any single defensive statistic.
Rafaela had already earned his second consecutive American League Gold Glove in center field earlier this month.
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong won the National League Platinum Glove.