Arenado wins 5th Golden Glove prize

NEW YORK — Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado won his fifth consecutive Gold Glove Award on Tuesday night, while Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton headlined a group of six first-time winners.

The prizes for defensive excellence were announced by Rawlings for the 60th time.

Arenado, Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward and Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon were each honored for the fifth time, most among this year’s winners.

Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu won his second Gold Glove, joining Arenado in a banner year for the National League West. Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke won for the fourth time in a row, and teammate Paul Goldschmidt took his third award at first base. Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford won for the third consecutive year at shortstop.

The World Series-winning Astros and NL champion Dodgers were both shut out. Houston pitcher and former Arkansas Razorback Dallas Keuchel had won the last three years, but was beaten out this time by Blue Jays righty Marcus Stroman, who snagged his first Gold Glove.

“This is one of the main awards I always wanted to win,” Stroman said in an interview on ESPN. “I’m ecstatic. This is huge for me.”

Buxton and Twins second baseman Brian Dozier were also among the first-time winners. The group also includes Los Angeles Angels catcher Martin Maldonado, who ended a four-year reign by Royals backstop Salvador Perez. Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart and Miami Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna also won for the first time.

“This is a special moment,” Buxton said.

Kansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer received his fourth Gold Glove, while Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons and Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria each won their third. Simmons hadn’t won since 2014, and Longoria got his first since 2010.

Boston right fielder Mookie Betts and Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte each won for the second time.

Five teams had a pair of winners: the Angels, Diamondbacks, Rockies, Royals and Twins.

Arenado became the first infielder to win five consecutive Gold Gloves at the start of his career.

“Obviously, five, it’s a pretty special number,” he said. “It means a lot. … Right now I want to try to win as many as I can while I’m healthy.”

Barnhart beat out two big stars in fellow finalists Buster Posey and Yadier Molina, becoming the first Cincinnati catcher to win since Hall of Famer Johnny Bench in 1977.

Molina won eight years in a row in the National League before Posey was picked last season.

“I am taken aback by it, to be honest with you,” Barnhart said. “Buster and Yadi are obviously two of the best guys in baseball.”