Cole Young’s Gold Glove win must set a standard for rest of Mariners defense

Zachary Rymer writes that Cole Young's American League Gold Glove victory at second base should establish a standard for the Seattle Mariners following a dismal defensive campaign. Young joined Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners to win the honor at age 22 or younger, defeating finalists Michael Massey and Chase Meidroth. Rymer highlights Young's dramatic turnaround after losing his starting job in 2025, culminating in a +16 Defensive Runs Saved mark in 2026.

The article notes that the rest of Seattle's roster combined for -39 DRS and a franchise-worst -58 Outs Above Average. Rymer argues that president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto must target defensive improvements this offseason. Furthermore, the writer contends that Dan Wilson's managerial replacement must enforce defensive accountability across regular starters who struggled defensively in 2026.