White Sox's Adam Eaton Named A Gold Glove Finalist

(CBS) White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton has been named a Gold Glove finalist, Rawlings announced Thursday.

He was joined as a finalist in right field by Mookie Betts of the Red Sox and George Springer of the Astros.

The 27-year-old Eaton led all MLB outfielders with 18 assists this season and ranked second behind Betts with 22 defensive runs saved.

He's looking to become the first White Sox player to win a Gold Glove since pitcher Jake Peavy in 2012, the team's first position player to win one since third baseman Robin Ventura in 1998 and the first outfielder in franchise history to win one since Tommie Agee in 1966.

Eaton was a Glove Glove finalist as a center fielder in 2014.

"It's nice to be recognized by people for what you accomplish," Eaton said in August of being in the Gold Glove race. "With so many great players in this game, it's nice to be singled out for something special you do. I take a lot of pride in being looked at as a good defender. At the same time, it's a part of your job to give effort every day and help your team win."

In years past, Eaton put himself in harm's way often by violently and ambitiously running into outfield walls. He scaled that back in 2016, staying healthy and playing 157 games.

"Now, he doesn't run into the wall if the ball is 20 feet into the stands," former manager Ventura said in August. "He is better a identifying balls he has a shot at instead of going all out at balls you can't get to."

Gold Glove winners will be announced Nov. 8.