Daniel Schneemann, who made his MLB debut in 2024 and then followed it with a breakout campaign in 2025 for the Cleveland Guardians, has earned a nomination for the Gold Glove award in the American League. He would be the first former BYU baseball player to win the award.
He joins Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays and Mauricio Dubón of the Houston Astros in the utility category, introduced in 2022. This role highlights their defensive versatility and value beyond being just a one-position player.
In the 2025 season, Schneemann appeared in games at every single position except for pitcher, catcher, and first base. Even his defensive metrics over the year underscore his major impact on a team that made the playoffs: +8 OAA (outs above average) to go with +8 DRS (defensive runs saved), according to MLB.com.
These numbers may not jump off the page for some fans, but within the context of Schneemann playing a different assignment every other night, they reflect an incredibly strong and capable defensive output.
His ability to fill in wherever and whenever needed helped Cleveland through injuries and lineup changes all season long. Not to mention, this is a Guardians squad that is well-represented for the Gold Glove award, featuring four different players named as finalists.
Not only is this a personal milestone for Schneemann, but a meaningful moment for BYU Baseball as well. Along with fellow former Cougar Justin Sterner, both players are stepping up in just their second years in The Show.
Schneemann’s recognition as a Gold Glove finalist reinforces BYU athletics’ growing reputation as a place where players can develop into impacting the highest levels of their sport.
The winners of the Gold Glove will be announced on Nov. 2, on ESPN.