3 key takeaways from the Royals entire infield receiving Gold Glove nominations

The Kansas City Royals were greeted with a nice surprise during the Rawlings Gold Glove finalists' announcements. Four Royals players were nominated for Gold Glove awards this season; all in the infield.

Vinnie Pasquantino at first base, Michael Massey at second base, Nick Loftin at third base, and, of course, Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop. It's unlikely that all four will actually win the award, but it indicates a few nice surprises about the organization as a whole.

3 takeaways from the Royals' Gold Glove nominations

1. The Royals' minor-league instruction is top-notch

This one may not be a huge shock to Royals fans, but it's still good to point out. All four of their Gold Glove finalists were drafted and developed by the organization. Witt (2019) and Loftin (2020) were both first-round picks, Massey (2019) was a fourth-round pick, and Pasquantino (2019) was an 11th-round selection. Not only do they have these four, but the reigning Gold Glove winner at third, Maikel Garcia, was signed as an international free agent in 2016.

The Royals have had other impressive infield defenders in the past, too. Nicky Lopez, a 2016 Royals draftee, has been a multi-time Gold Glove finalist. Eric Hosmer also won four Gold Gloves in his tenure with the organization. It should be a great relief that the fundamentals are being taught in the minor leagues.

2. The Royals might have the best infield coach in the game

Kansas City's infield coach Jose Alguacil deserves massive praise for his work with the Royals' infielders. A former infielder in his own right over seven minor-league seasons in the 1990s, Alguacil joined the Royals before the 2023 season and made an immediate impact.

In Witt's rookie season, he had a Fielding Run Value of -8, putting him in the 7th percentile. In 2023, after getting tutelage from Alguacil, the Royals' shortstop posted a 10 FRV (92nd percentile) — an incredible turnaround. While KC develops well-rounded defenders in the minors, Alguacil gets them to the elite level once they arrive in the majors.

3. The Royals infield is set over the long haul

The Royals are set up for the future in the infield very well. Witt and Garcia have long-term deals, Pasquantino and Massey are under team control through 2028, and Nick Loftin has another four years of team control.

Having five elite defenders around the infield, none of whom are slouches on offense either, is an incredible building block. Add to that group rookie backstop Carter Jensen behind the plate, and a true core is starting to form for the Royals.

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