Anthony Rizzo and Jason Heyward will get Gold Gloves after Cubs defense wins championship

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Cubs already showed that defense wins championships with a legendary performance that will put them alongside the ’85 Bears and Jordan’s Bulls in Chicago sports history.

As the magazine covers, promotional opportunities and national TV appearances pile up after the franchise’s first World Series title since 1908, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and right fielder Jason Heyward earned Gold Glove Awards on Tuesday when Rawlings revealed this year’s winners.

Rizzo – a stabilizing force for a young infield with a flair for making the catch in the stands or on top of the tarp – became the third first baseman in franchise history to win a Gold Glove, joining Mark Grace (1992, 1993, 1995, 1996) and Derrek Lee (2005 and 2007).

A deep Cubs team that led the majors in defensive efficiency also placed Addison Russell and Jake Arrieta as National League finalists, with San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke winning those Gold Gloves.

That spectacular defense helped turn Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks into Cy Young Award finalists. Around the Cubs, the Gold Gloves didn’t even focus on: an MVP frontrunner who can play all over the infield and the outfield (Kris Bryant); the game’s premier super-utility guy (Ben Zobrist); and an NL Championship Series co-MVP with highlight-reel athleticism and off-the-charts instincts (Javier Baez).

“Our defense this year absolutely took a lot of pressure off (everyone),” Heyward said. “Our pitchers (are) aggressive in the strike zone – and that gives them that confidence throughout the year to go out there and try and make their best pitches and not shy away from hitters. That’s just huge for us.”

While Heyward struggled offensively during Year 1 of that $184 million megadeal, he organized a pivotal team meeting during the rain delay in that thrilling Game 7 win over the Cleveland Indians and absolutely lived up to his defensive reputation by winning his fourth Gold Glove in the last five seasons. Andre Dawson (1987 and 1988) and Bob Dernier (1984) are the only other Cubs outfielders who have won this award.

“All around, this has been pretty damn good,” Heyward said. “When we’re in a tight spot, man, I feel like so many times this year we came away with a big play. And all of our guys take a lot of pride in that.”

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