The Solution: Duran's Seven-Position Gold Glove
The 27-year-old utility player earned the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove after appearing in 153 games across seven defensive positions.
By Jonathan Reed ·
Texas Rangers infielder and outfielder Ezequiel Duran earned 17 outs above average in 2026, a figure that tied for the sixth-highest total in Major League Baseball. The defensive metric helped secure his selection as a winner of the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award.
Duran, 27, started and finished games at every position except pitcher and catcher during the season. He split his career-high 153 appearances among seven different assignments. His time at the positions included 57 games at third base, 53 at shortstop, 37 at second base, 21 in left field, 18 in center field, 14 in right field, and three at first base.
At shortstop, Duran recorded 11 outs above average. That total ranked fourth in the American League among players at the position. He made only 49 starts at shortstop during the campaign. Fans have referred to Duran as "The Solution" because he maintains a high level of play across multiple roles.
Duran is the first Ranger to win the utility Gold Glove since Rawlings created that category in 2022. The award brings the total number of Rangers players to hold a Gold Glove to 19. The team has had five winners over the last four seasons. Current or recent recipients include Marcus Semien, who won in 2025, and Adolis García, Nathaniel Lowe, and Jonah Heim, who all won in 2023.
Three other Texas players were finalists for the 2026 awards but did not win. Right-handed pitcher Jacob deGrom, left fielder Wyatt Langford, and center fielder Evan Carter each fell short in their respective categories. The Rangers have now claimed Gold Glove awards at eight of the 10 current positions.
Rawlings will present the Gold Glove Awards at a ceremony in New York City on Friday, Nov. 6. Duran will join the other recipients for the event.
