Delmarva Shorebirds Alum Highlighted as Gold Glove Finalists

By Cole Haglund

October 28, 2024

Salisbury, MD: On October 15, 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the finalists for this year’s Rawling’s Gold Glove Award winners. Among the finalists were former Shorebirds and current Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and Left Fielder Colton Cowser. In addition, former Shorebird and current Arizona Diamondbacks First Baseman

Ryan Mountcastle: Ryan Mountcastle has made waves in the MLB with his powerful bat and solid defensive skills, earning him a well-deserved nomination as a finalist for the 2024 Gold Glove Award. Ryan was drafted by the Orioles in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in 2020 becoming a cornerstone of the Orioles' lineup.

During his season with the Shorebirds, Mountcastle displayed impressive offensive skills, hitting for an average around .300 and demonstrating his power potential with a 10 Home Runs and 51 RBI. His ability to drive in runs and consistently get on base made him a key player in the lineup, drawing attention from scouts and fans alike.

Defensively, Mountcastle was a reliable presence all around the Shorebirds infield. His fielding percentage stood impressively at .995, reflecting his reliability and efficiency on the dirt and his solid fielding and quick reflexes contributed to his reputation as a well-rounded player. This combination of offensive and defensive capabilities solidified his status as one of the top prospects in the Orioles’ organization.

This season with the Orioles, Mountcastle recorded over 1,200 putouts, backing his involvement in defensive plays and his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Beyond his defensive skills, Mountcastle also contributed offensively, hitting .285 with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs. This well-rounded performance has made him an invaluable asset to the Orioles, helping to solidify their position in the playoff race.

Colton Cowser: Colton Cowser made a significant impact in his rookie season with the Baltimore Orioles, and his defensive prowess has earned him a spot as a finalist for the 2024 Gold Glove Award. Cowser was drafted by the Orioles in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft, bringing with him high expectations.

In his time with the Shorebirds, Cowser demonstrated a strong offensive presence, boasting a batting average over .300. His ability to hit for average and get on base made him a crucial part of the lineup. Defensively his solid fielding skills and speed allowed him to cover ground effectively, making him a reliable defender.

Throughout the 2024 season with the O’s, Cowser has demonstrated exceptional range and agility in the outfield. His fielding percentage of .994 highlights his consistency and reliability, making him one of the top defensive outfielders in the league. With over 150 putouts and numerous highlight-reel catches, Cowser has proven adept at turning difficult plays into routine outs, contributing significantly to the Orioles' defensive success.

Offensively, Cowser has also made an impact, hitting .270 with 20 home runs and 75 RBIs. His ability to contribute both at the plate and in the field has made him a crucial part of the Orioles' lineup, helping the team compete for the postseason.

Christian Walker: Christian Walker was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Walker played for the Delmarva Shorebirds at the beginning of the 2013 season. After several years in the Orioles’ organization, he eventually found his home in Arizona. Christian Walker has established himself as one of the premier defensive first basemen in Major League Baseball, earning a well-deserved spot as a finalist for the 2024 Gold Glove Award.

During his time with the Shorebirds, Walker displayed impressive offensive skills, posting a batting average around .300 and demonstrating his power potential with 3 home runs and 20 RBI’s. His strong performances at the plate, combined with his defensive talent, quickly made him a player to watch in the Orioles’ farm system.

Throughout the 2024 season with the D-Backs, Walker has showcased remarkable consistency and agility at first base. With an impressive fielding percentage of .996, he has been a reliable presence in the infield, recording over 1,200 putouts and demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations with ease. His quick reflexes and strong arm have enabled him to make critical plays that have turned games in the Diamondbacks’ favor.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Walker has also contributed offensively, boasting a batting average of .280, along with 28 Home Runs and 85 RBI. His dual-threat capability as both a fielder and a hitter has solidified his role as a key player in Arizona's lineup.

Mike Yastrzemski: Mike Yastrzemski, a dynamic outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, has emerged as a finalist for the 2024 Gold Glove Award. Yastrzemski’s selection reflects his exceptional skills and contributions to the San Francisco Giants. Yastrzemski began the 2014 season with the Delmarva Shorebirds, where he led the league with 10 triples and slashed .306/.365/.554 (5th in the league) with 10 home runs and 44 RBIs.

In 2024, Yastrzemski excelled defensively, possessing a fielding percentage of .995. His ability to track down fly balls, combined with his strong throwing arm, has resulted in over 150 putouts and several game-saving catches. His speed and awareness on the field have made him a standout defender, showcasing his commitment to excellence in all aspects of the game.

Offensively, Yastrzemski also made his mark with the Giants, hitting .275 with 23 home runs and 78 RBIs. His contributions at the plate, paired with his defensive prowess, make him a key player for the Giants as they strive for postseason success.

RAWLINGS GOLD GLOVE AWARD:

Stayed tuned for Tuesday morning November 3rd, winners are set to be unveiled on ESPN's “Baseball Tonight” at 8:30 p.m. ET. Both leagues have three finalists at each position, including the utility spot, which was awarded for the first time in 2022.