Carlos Santana, Willi Castro Named Gold Glove Finalists

The Twins’ first baseman will try to make MLB history.

Rawlings announced the 2024 Gold Glove finalists this morning in a graphic format that only be described as “stupidly organized.” Never fear though, your friendly neighborhood Twins blog has the relevant information for you. First baseman Carlos Santana and utility man Willi Castro have both been named Gold Glove finalists.

Santana is trying to make history as the oldest player in MLB history to win their first Gold Glove and he has a great chance to do so. Santana led all first baseman in Outs Above Average with 14, doubling the Rangers’ Nate Lowe who finished second in the AL. He also lead the AL in Defensive Runs Saved with eight.

Castro doesn’t have the same statistical argument, but his versatility made him invaluable to the Twins in 2024. The Twins’ two best players are injury prone and at premium defensive positions. Willi was called upon to replace both for long stretches this season and did so admirably. He also became the first player in MLB history to play at least 25 games at five different positions, critical in Rocco Baldelli’s mix-and-match managerial style.

Santana will be a free agent this offseason while Castro is controllable for one more season via arbitration. With the Twins’ still cash strapped and looking for new ownership, Santana will likely be headed elsewhere in 2025. Castro’s versatility has been essential to the Twins’ success the past two seasons, but his deserved All-Star selection and a potential Gold Glove could push his arbitration salary above what the Twins can afford for a utility player if they want to improve the team on a limited budget.