Brewers come out empty handed from 2025 Gold Glove Award voting

When Brice Turang and Sal Frelick were nominated for Gold Glove awards at second base and right field, respectively, it represented a chance for the Milwaukee Brewers to have their first-ever repeat pair of winners.

Unfortunately, it was evident at the time of the nomination announcements that neither had much chance of defending their title. Nico Hoerner (2B) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF) put on defensive clinics in 2025, and were rightfully awarded the Gold Glove at their respective positions.

It's a disappointing finish on a disappointing defensive campaign for the Crew — they compiled 31 DRS, placing them 11th in MLB, their lowest ranking this decade. Still, Turang and Frelick should be proud of the work they did with the glove; they both came remarkably close to being the third repeat Gold Glove winners in Brewers history (George Scott 1972-76, Cecil Cooper 1979-80).

Sal Frelick, Brice Turang fall short of winning back-to-back Gold Gloves

Turang, who holds the only Platinum Glove in franchise history, couldn't replicate his stellar 2024 performance this year. He earned -2 Outs Above Average, zero Fielding Run Value, and seven Defensive Runs Saved.

Those are solid metrics, but compared to Hoerner (14 OAA, 12 FRV, 17 DRS), Turang looked pedestrian at second base this year. That's really more of a testament to the Chicago Cubs' keystone stopper than it is an indictment of Turang, who remains one of the best all-around players in the sport.

For what it's worth, Turang will have a chance to give Hoerner a taste of his own medicine in short order, as both are also finalists for the Silver Slugger award at second base this year.

As for Frelick, the Crew's right fielder was excellent yet again in 2025 — he just couldn't stack up to Fernando Tatis Jr. The San Diego Padres' star (eight OAA, nine FRV, 15 DRS) was better than Frelick (six OAA, seven FRV, nine DRS) in each of the primary three defensive counting stats, meaning there just wasn't much ground for him to stand on in the voting process.

Still, despite receiving no hardware, the Brewers remain one of the better defensive groups in baseball. Their outfield, in particular, remains excellent, ranking 10th in the league in DRS in 2025. Assigning Christian Yelich more at-bats at designated hitter while getting better health from Jackson Chourio should only increase that standing next year.

Overall, defense remains a strength of the organization. Turang and Frelick simply fell victim to two of the stronger defensive seasons in recent memory.