On Sunday night, Javier Sanoja became the ninth different player in Miami Marlins history to be named a National League Gold Glove winner. What made it unique was he did so as a utility player, becoming the franchise’s first Gold Glover with that designation. Miguel Rojas (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Jared Triolo (Pittsburgh Pirates) were the two other finalists for the award.
“Chiquito,” as the team calls him, posted zero outs above average (OAA) in 2025, but plus-seven defensive runs saved (DRS). His glovework rated best at second base (5 DRS/1 OAA) and third base (4 DRS/1 OAA). He committed only three errors in 118 games.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Sanoja was one of 10 major leaguers to appear at seven positions during the 2025 season. He also became the fifth Marlin to play seven or more positions in a season, with right field and catcher being the only spots he didn’t man (yes, he pitched as well, and a lot). The utility Gold Glove was created in 2022 so that players exactly like him don’t fall through the cracks.
Prior to Sanoja, catcher Charles Johnson (1995-97), first baseman Derrek Lee (2003), second baseman Luis Castillo (2003-05), third baseman Mike Lowell (2005), pitcher Mark Buehrle (2012), left fielder Christian Yelich (2014), second baseman Dee Strange-Gordon (2015) and left fielder Marcell Ozuna (2017) won Gold Gloves for the Fish. Outfielder Adam Duvall was honored in 2021, but he finished that season with the Atlanta Braves. Sanoja and Johnson are the only Marlins to win their awards as rookies, and Yelich is the only one who was younger than Sanoja at the time of receiving his award.
Xavier Edwards (second base) and Kyle Stowers (left field) were also finalists at their respective positions. Those awards went to Chicago Cubs teammates Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ instead.
Gold Glove Award winners were also announced on the minor league side, with left-hander Robby Snelling winning the award for best defensive pitcher. Snelling converted all 17 of his defensive chances for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. With a quick delivery from the stretch and deceptive pickoff move, 15 of 22 runners were caught attempting to steal against him this season (68.2 CS%).
This marks back-to-back seasons that a Marlins prospect has won a Gold Glove—Joe Mack was the MiLB award winner at catcher in 2024.
“I am very honored to be presented with this award,” said Snelling via a Pensacola Blue Wahoos press release. “The focus on filling up the zone throughout the entire season, coupled with the trust of my defense behind me, gave me the utmost confidence walking out onto the mound every week. I’m looking forward to competing in 2026 with my teammates again!”
Expected to make his MLB debut at some point next season, Snelling will be a welcome addition to a Marlins pitching that allowed 191 steals last season, by far the highest total in the league.