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Royals had 4 AL Gold Glove finalist infielders, but even Witt fell short in vote
  • Four Royals infielders were 2026 AL Gold Glove finalists, but none won Sunday.
  • Bobby Witt Jr. lost to Taylor Walls after seeking a third straight Gold Glove.
  • Pasquantino, Massey and Loftin remain in search of their first Gold Gloves.

Bobby Witt Jr. was among four Kansas City Royals players who were selected as finalists for 2026 American League Rawlings Gold Glove Awards.

Witt, 26, joined teammates Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Nick Loftin in the group of KC finalists. They were strong defensively as the Royals finished 69-93 this season.

On Sunday evening, however, none of the four Royals players took home an award at his respective position.

Witt, 26, was bested by Tampa Bay Rays standout Taylor Walls. Meanwhile, Pasquantino finished behind Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker, Massey fell behind Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young and Loftin came in second to Caleb Durbin of the Boston Red Sox.

Witt was a two-time reigning Gold Glove recipient. He was looking to become the first AL shortstop since J.J. Hardy (2012-14) to win the award three consecutive times. Hardy did so with the Baltimore Orioles.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. tags out Boston’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa on May 19, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. tags out Boston’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa on May 19, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Dominick Williams/file

This season, Witt made 140 starts at the position. He posted a .981 fielding percentage with 326 assists while recording 10 errors — fourth fewest among AL shortstops.

Pasquantino had impressive marks, as well. He turned 93 double plays — fifth among AL first basemen.

Massey recorded 11 outs above average at second base. And Loftin held his own at third after filling in for 2025 Gold Glover Maikel Garcia. His five runs prevented matched Durbin and Minnesota Twins infielder Brooks Lee among AL third basemen.

Wearing the Kansas City Royals' new "Forever Fountains" City Connect uniform, second baseman Michael Massey (19) watches a play in the first inning against the Houston Astros on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Royals second baseman Michael Massey gets set in the field during a game against the Houston Astros on June 12, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Emily Curiel

Pasquantino, Massey and Loftin are still looking for their first Gold Gloves.

Witt could earn an award in coming weeks. He is likely to become a finalist for a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger and garner MVP votes.

The Royals were hoping to have their entire infield win a Gold Glove. A few weeks ago, they achieved a Major League Baseball rarity with four infielders recognized as AL Gold Glove finalists.

This story was originally published November 1, 2026 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Royals had 4 AL Gold Glove finalist infielders, but even Witt fell short in vote."

Jaylon Thompson

The Kansas City Star

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