Washington Nationals left fielder Daylen Lile was named a Gold Glove finalist on Wednesday after becoming one of the most-improved defenders in baseball last season.
Lile, 23, finished the 2026 campaign with two outs above average and eight defensive runs saved, according to Statcast and FanGraphs. In 2025, he was a below-average outfielder with -8 outs above average and -14 defensive runs saved.
The improvement in defensive runs saved ranked fifth among all defenders in MLB.
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No Nationals outfielder has ever received a Gold Glove. Only two players — Ryan Zimmerman at third base in 2009 and Adam LaRoche at first base in 2012 — have received the honor since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005.
Other NL Gold Glove finalists for left field include Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers and Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs rank among the most honored clubs with four finalists. Chicago center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, shortstop Dansby Swanson and third baseman Alex Bregman are also up for the honor.
Gold Glove winners will be announced on Nov. 1.
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