Nathan Lukes is an AL Gold Glove finalist in right field, and the Blue Jays outfielder faces a tough opponent in Wilyer Abreu.

Lukes stepped into right field when Addison Barger's injuries wiped out his season. The 32-year-old made the most of it with his glove.

He finished with 11 Defensive Runs Saved in right, fourth-most in the American League.

His seven Fielding Run Value tied for second among MLB right fielders. He didn't commit a single error in right field all season.

The arm stood out, too. He racked up 10 outfield assists overall, and only two right fielders in baseball had more.

That came in a season that started with vertigo and included a month on the shelf with a hamstring injury.

Wilyer Abreu's 28 Defensive Runs Saved make him the favourite

Abreu is the clear favourite. The Red Sox right fielder posted the most Defensive Runs Saved in baseball at any position.

No player had reached 25 since Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2023. Abreu also won the AL Gold Glove in right field in 2024 and 2025.

Houston's Cam Smith rounds out the group with 5 DRS over 1,261.2 innings.

So does Lukes have a case? A small one, built on reliability.

Abreu committed nine errors, the most among MLB right fielders. Lukes made zero.

He also threw out runners at a better rate. His nine assists in right came over 786.2 innings, putting him on pace for 15 over Abreu's workload.

Abreu will probably win, and he deserves it. But Lukes was one of Toronto's quiet bright spots, and his defence should keep him in the lineup somewhere in 2027.

He's the goalkeeper who never lets in a soft goal. He might not make the highlight reels, but coaches love him.

With Barger returning and outfield bats on Toronto's shopping list, his role may shrink. The Gold Glove nod is a reminder of why John Schneider kept writing his name on the lineup card.