Detroit ― It was May 25 when Dillon Dingler really cemented his status as the Tigers’ starting catcher.
That day, Dingler was in the starting lineup to catch for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, even though Jake Rogers had recently returned from the injured last, and Rogers had long been written in stone as Skubal’s catcher. That Dillon was getting the call was the strongest signal to date that the torch was being passed.
Skubal went nine innings that day against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing two hits for the first complete game and the first shutout of his major-league career. Next time out, Dingler caught Skubal again, and the lefty again allowed two hits and no runs, this time over seven innings.
All along, Skubal ― who had Rogers for his catcher for all 31 regular-season starts, when he won the first of his American League Cy Young Awards ― was quick to give Dingler his flowers.
“We were on the same page,” Skubal said earlier this season. “Great target.”
Great target, and great year. Dingler’s first full season in the majors was one to remember, and it drew official recognition Sunday night when he was awarded the Gold Glove Award for AL catchers.
Dingler becomes the first Tiger to win a Gold Glove since second baseman Ian Kinsler won in 2016. He’s the first Tigers catcher to win a Gold Glove since Pudge Rodriguez won three from 2004-07. He’s the fourth Tigers catcher ever to win a Gold Glove, joining Rodriguez, Lance Parrish (three) and Bill Freehan (five).
He’s the 17th different Tigers player ever to win a Gold Glove, which have been handed out since 1957.
Dingler beat out Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk and Boston’s Carlos Narvaez for the AL catching award.
Rogers was a finalist for a Gold Glove in 2024.
“It was an awesome journey,” Dingler said Sunday night during the ESPN unveiling of the Gold Gloves. “My situation came from an injury, which you never want to see, obviously. Jake’s a great catcher.
“I got a little bit of playing time, I got a little comfortable and was able to perform a little bit.
“And kind of just ran with it.”
Dingler, 27, a second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2020, was Rogers’ backup in 2024, but emerged as the starter when Rogers went down with an injury early in the season. He didn’t just fill in. He thrived, and never gave up the job, thanks in large part to spectacular defense. He showcased one of the best arms for a catcher in the big leagues, throwing out 26 would-be base stealers. He was one of the best pitch-framers in the game.
Dingler also was one of the game’s best blockers, and one of two AL starting catchers not to allowed a passed ball all season. He joined Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, who ended up committing one in the postseason.
The last Tigers primary catcher to finish a season with zero passed balls was John Flaherty in 2025.
Dingler finished the regular season with a 3.1 WAR, tops among Tigers position players. He was a true two-way player, finishing with 13 home runs, 57 RBIs and a .752 OPS.
Dingler also had a huge home run in the Wild Card Series win over Cleveland. It was his only hit in the series.
“He does everything right,” Parrish, who now works as a Tigers front-office adviser, said this summer. “He’s a young, up-and-comer, and he’s hungry. I love watching him.”
Next up in the awards cycle are the Silver Sluggers, which go to the best offensive player at each position and will be announced Thursday. Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and utility man Zach McKinstry are finalists for a Silver Slugger.
The manager of the year award, for which AJ Hinch should be a top-three finalists, will be announced Nov. 11, and both leagues’ Cy Young winners will be announced Nov. 12. Skubal, who was caught 25 times by Dingler in 2025 to six for Rogers, is the heavy favorite to go back-to-back.
The comeback player of the year award will be announced Nov. 13, and Javy Baez is expected to receive consideration.
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