Pirates Infielder Wins Prestigious Defensive MLB Award

Mar 5, 2025; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third base Jared Triolo (19) attempts to tag out Toronto Blue Jays infielder Michael Stefanic (16) as he slides safe during the fifth inning at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

On May 11, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates electrified their fanbase with an X post celebrating a defensive standout: “Today, Pittsburgh Pirates are proud to recognize Jared Triolo for his defensive performances throughout the 2024 season, which earned him his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award! Congratulations on your golden achievement last season, Tri!” Paired with a montage of jaw-dropping plays, the announcement has Bucs fans raving about Triolo’s elite glove and his vital role in Pittsburgh’s defensive identity. For Pirates supporters, this moment highlights why the 26-year-old utility man is a linchpin for the team’s future.

Triolo’s 2024 campaign was a defensive showcase, earning him the National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award for utility players. Beating out finalists like Brendan Donovan and Kiké Hernández, he proved his worth across five positions—third base, second base, shortstop, first base, and even right field—committing just three errors in over 1,000 innings. His versatility was unmatched, seamlessly filling in for an injured Ke’Bryan Hayes at third and holding down second base with poise. Triolo’s seven Defensive Runs Saved ranked among the team’s best, and his .992 fielding percentage stood out league-wide.

At second base, Triolo’s .995 fielding percentage tied for the NL’s best among players with significant innings, while his .985 at third led the league. His highlight reel includes a diving catch in his first-ever inning in right field against Arizona, preserving a tie game and earning praise from manager Derek Shelton as “game-changing.” Whether turning double plays or robbing hits with acrobatic dives, Triolo’s instincts and athleticism made him a fan favorite, with supporters on X buzzing about his bubble-blowing swagger mid-play.

In 2025, Triolo’s role remains dynamic, with Nick Gonzales likely at second and Gold Glove winners Hayes and Isiah Kiner-Falefa fortifying the infield. His ability to excel anywhere—boasting stellar defensive metrics across multiple positions—ensures he’ll see the field often. Triolo himself emphasized the team’s defensive strength, noting that three potential Gold Glove infielders could anchor Pittsburgh’s push in the NL Central. His glove-first mindset, paired with a developing bat, makes him a perfect fit for a Pirates squad prioritizing run prevention.

For fans, Triolo’s Gold Glove is a point of pride, marking him as the second straight Pirate to win the award after Hayes in 2023 and the 21st in franchise history alongside icons like Roberto Clemente. The celebration on X reflects a growing optimism in Pittsburgh: with Triolo’s golden glove leading the way, the Bucs’ defense could be the key to a breakout 2025 season. As the team prepares for a critical series, fans are ready to see “Tri” keep dazzling with his glove.