Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos named Gold Glove finalists

Following his first full season playing right field, Bryce Harper was named as a National League finalist for a 2015 Gold Glove Award. Rawlings made the announcement earlier today with the winners set to be revealed on ESPN on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Beyond his eye-popping numbers at the plate, Harper routinely impressed with highlight-reel sliding catches in right field. His cannon of a right arm produced eight outfield assists, tied for sixth-best among major league outfielders. That arm, combined with Harper's instincts and abilities to cut balls off, continually prevented extra bases and runs throughout the year.

Harper's seven defensive runs saved ranked fourth, according to FanGraphs. The 23-year-old also finished fourth in SABR Defensive Index (4.9).

Harper's competition for the Gold Glove includes the Mets' Curtis Granderson and last year's winner, Jason Heyward of the Cardinals.

For the fourth straight year, the Nationals have two players as finalists. Like Harper, Wilson Ramos received the honor for the first time. He tied for the major league lead with Toronto's Russell Martin by throwing out 44 percent (24 of 54) potential base stealers.

Ramos tied for first with San Francisco's Buster Posey in defensive runs saved (nine), according to FanGraphs and ranked second, behind Posey, with an 8.6 SABR defensive index.

Ramos avoided the disabled list throughout the season and was a behind the plate for a career-high 1,078 1/3 innings this year. Ramos, who also caught Jordan Zimmermann's no-hitter on the final day of 2014, was Max Scherzer's batterymate for both of the ace's no-hitters this season, making him the first to catch three no-nos in a 162-game span.

St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina, a seven-time Gold Glove winner, and Posey are Ramos' competition to land the Gold Gove.