Written By Mauricio Segura // Photo: Golden Bay Times Graphics Dept.
OCT 15, 2025
When the “best glove” awards came calling this week, the Athletics had two names ringing loud: Luis Severino and Tyler Soderstrom. On October 15, Major League Baseball, in concert with Rawlings, revealed the finalists for the 2025 Gold Glove Awards, and both the A’s right-hander and their young left fielder made the cut. It’s a nod to defense, grit, and some surprising stories behind the gloves.
Severino, now 31, has quietly built one of the cleaner defensive seasons among pitchers in the American League. He managed to go the whole season without a single error, a feat in itself for someone whose job is predominantly on the mound. He also ranked second among AL pitchers in assists with 24 and posted six Defensive Runs Saved, also second among his peers. On the surface, those aren’t headline numbers for a pitcher; many fans focus on strikeouts, wins, or ERA. But defense is a quiet art, and Severino’s steady glove work adds another dimension to his value. Over 29 starts, he logged 162.2 innings, struck out 124 batters, and walked 50. And while his ERA (4.54) and win-loss record (8–11) were middling, what gives him an edge for a Gold Glove push is his spotless defensive season.
On the other side of the diamond, Tyler Soderstrom’s journey is a little more dramatic and perhaps more surprising. A former catcher and first baseman, Soderstrom made his MLB debut in 2023. But in 2025, the A’s deployed him in left field, adapting his path to let his athleticism show. He ended the season with 25 home runs, 155 hits, a .276 batting average, 93 RBIs, and 75 runs scored in 158 games. That’s the offense side, but in terms of defense, Soderstrom also turned heads. His SABR Defensive Index is 3.4 for left field, ranking him among the top defenders at that position across the AL. To put that in perspective, it places him behind stalwarts like Steven Kwan and Wyatt Langford but ahead of many big names. He recorded good marks in defensive runs saved and in run-value metrics, being cited as tied for fourth in both categories among AL outfielders. That’s especially impressive given that left field wasn’t his original home.
To provide context, the Gold Glove finalists were drawn from a pool of top defenders in each position. Voting involves both MLB managers and coaches, accounting for seventy-five percent, and a sabermetric component, making up the remaining twenty-five percent, via SABR’s defensive index. On the American League side, the other pitcher finalists are Jacob deGrom of the Rangers and Max Fried of the Yankees, while the other left field finalists are Steven Kwan of Cleveland and Wyatt Langford of Texas.
The A’s haven’t had much Gold Glove glory in recent seasons. The last time two players from the club were in contention was in 2021, when Matt Chapman and Sean Murphy won awards at their positions. A’s history has produced only one pitcher to win a Gold Glove, Mike Norris, who did it in 1980 and 1981, and several outfielders, but never someone who transitioned to the outfield as recently as Soderstrom. For both players, it’s a moment that highlights the franchise’s balance between experience and youth.
So why does this matter? At a glance, defense is less flashy than slugging or strikeout totals. But in tight games, those barehanded plays, smooth glove transfers, and accurate throws are what swing outcomes. For a franchise undergoing transitions and relocation talk, having two standout defenders is a signal that this roster isn’t just built for offense or youth; it cares about the finer margins too.
Severino brings veteran steadiness. He’s had a long career, and now in a new chapter with the Athletics, his defensive polish helps anchor his contribution. Soderstrom brings upside and adaptability. Watching a player shift to the outfield and still make serious Gold Glove noise is rare. When the winners are announced on November 2 on ESPN, fans will see if either, in a stacking of votes, metric support, and reputation, claim the award outright. Regardless of the result, Oakland fans can take pride in two strong defenders earning national recognition. It’s a bright moment in a season of change.
