Dingler posted +6 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) among AL catchers. He also ranked among the best in blocking runs and throwing out base-stealers. After debuting in 2024, he seized the starting job in 2025 and logged significant playing time behind the plate. The longer a catcher logs meaningful innings, the more weight his defensive performance carries in the voting process.
Beyond raw catch-and-throw metrics, Dingler has shown strong blocking and game-calling traits (which are harder to quantify but visible to coaches and managers). His elite percentile in Blocks Above Average gives him a strong edge in one of the “harder to replicate” catcher-defense skills of preventing wild pitches and passed balls.
Putting it all together, Dingler checks the major boxes for a Gold Glove catcher, exhibiting elite blocking, excellent arm strength and high-visibility defensive work. He has a very legitimate chance of winning the award, especially given the narrative of the Tigers needing a defensive backbone behind the plate.
