[Official] KBO Announces 79 Candidates for the 2026 Golden Glove! KT, Samsung, and LG Each Have the Most with 10; Hanwha Fields Candidates at 'Every Position'

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The top stars who will heat up the 2026 KBO League season officially begin their race for the "Golden Glove."

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) officially announced a list of 79 candidates for the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Golden Glove" on the 17th. Only 10 players, those who delivered the most outstanding performance at their respective positions this season, will be honored with Choi Jong (수상).

By team, the KT Wiz, Samsung Lions, and LG Twins each fielded 10 candidates, tying for the highest number on the list. Notably, the Hanwha Eagles drew attention by demonstrating the strength to produce candidates evenly across all positions, from pitchers to outfielders and designated hitters.

By position, the pitcher category had the most candidates with 25, followed by the outfielder category with 21. The catcher and shortstop categories each listed 7 candidates, while the second baseman category had 6, and the first baseman and third baseman categories each had 5. The designated hitter category registered 3 candidates, completing a total candidate pool of 79.

Eligibility for Golden Glove candidacy was determined according to strict criteria. Pitchers must meet one of the following standards: completing the required number of innings, achieving at least 10 wins, recording 30 saves, or securing at least 30 holds. Catchers and fielders must have played in defensive appearances totaling at least 720 innings (number of team games × 5 innings) at their respective positions to qualify. Designated hitters must have played at least 297 plate appearances as a designated hitter, which is two-thirds of the required number of plate appearances, to be listed.

Title holders who ranked first in individual categories during the regular season were automatically registered as candidates for their respective positions, regardless of whether they met the eligibility requirements. For title holders who played multiple positions and did not meet the defensive innings threshold, they were designated as candidates for the position where they logged the most defensive innings. In cases requiring a comparison between defensive innings and designated hitter plate appearances, they were designated as candidates for the position with the higher ratio relative to the standard.

Voting to determine the winner will begin on the 17th, the day of the announcement, targeting media personnel who covered the KBO League this season. The KBO has adjusted the voting period to the Junior Playoffs, rather than after the conclusion of the Korea Series, to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly based solely on their regular season performance.

Meanwhile, the ultimate winner of the 2026 KBO Golden Glove will be revealed at the awards ceremony held at the Seoul Lotte Hotel World on December 8.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original