For the second time in three seasons, Niccolo Machiavelli has claimed the top fielding honor in Centerfield from the Frick League. Despite only playing 117 games in CF this season, Machiavelli posted the best zone rating at the position with a +11.9 mark to claim the top fielding honor. It was his second highest zone rating of his career behind the impressive +16.9 he posted in 2035, the last time he won the Zimmer Award, but did so by playing 150 games at the position.
"It's definitely an honor to be recognized for my defense" said Machiavelli. "I take a lot of pride in being a great outfielder and it's great to be recognized as one of the best at the position. My goal is to be the best to play it" said the 22 year old.
Machiavelli had somewhat of a breakout season this year, not only with the glove, but with the bat as well. He had career highs in average, on-base percentage, and slugging at .289/.358/.371. His 57 RBI and 2.0 WAR were also career bests despite only playing 119 games. His emergence this season likely means he has secured the starting spot at CF for 2038 and won't be platooning as much with Jose Carlos Moreno. That decision has left the Wolves with a tough decision of deciding what to do with Moreno and his pending $3 million+ arbitration tag this off-season.
