# Simpson Wins Gold Glove Finalist

> Chandler Simpson earns AL Gold Glove finalist nod after 180 defensive improvements.
- Title: Simpson Wins Gold Glove Finalist · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Chandler Simpson earns AL Gold Glove finalist nod after 180 defensive improvements. Chandler Simpson, Rays' left fielder, becomes 2026 AL Gold Glove Award…
- Keywords: chandler simpson, rays, al gold glove, left field, defensive improvement, 2026 al gold glove, cody bellinger, wyatt langford, kyle cash, corey dickerson, sports, Simpson
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/chandler-simpson-discusses-being-2026-al-gold-glove-award-finalist
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chandler simpson, rays, al gold glove, left field, defensive improvement, 2026 al gold glove, cody bellinger, wyatt langford, kyle cash, corey dickerson, sports
## Simpson tagged on Instagram
Chandler Simpson saw he was tagged on Instagram after being named an American League Gold Glove Award finalist.
## Simpson's defensive leap
Simpson improved from minus-5 outs above average in 2025 to plus-8 in 2026.
## Defensive runs saved
Simpson recorded plus-8 defensive runs saved in 2026, up from minus-9 in 2025.
## Simpson's quote
Simpson said he put in the work and that results came of it.

> It means a lot, especially after things I needed to work on from last year going into the offseason and then coming into this year, that was a real focal point of my development as a player as a whole. I’m glad I was able to make big strides at the end of this year
## Coach Dickerson's role
First-base coach Corey Dickerson helped Simpson improve his defense.
## Simpson's thank you
Simpson thanked Dickerson for his guidance and knowledge.

> He’s been such a great help. I know I put in the work, but just his guidance and knowledge and everything that he’s put forth into me, I appreciate him a lot, for sure.
## Rays' defensive success
Tampa Bay's defense is key to their AL Championship Series success.
## Key takeaway

Chandler Simpson, Rays' left fielder, becomes 2026 AL Gold Glove Award finalist after improving defensive metrics from minus-5 to plus-8 in 2025.