Mookie Betts was drafted as a second baseman in 2011 and didn’t switch to the outfield until 2014. On Tuesday, he was named the American League Gold Glove winner in right field.
The 24-year-old Betts is the youngest Red Sox player to win a Gold Glove since 23-year-old Fred Lynn in 1975.
Betts committed one error all season and had 14 assists. His 32 defensive runs saved were the most of any player in the majors. He also started 157 games and led all right fielders with 346 putouts.
Center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and second baseman Dustin Pedroia were finalists at their positions. But the Gold Gloves went to Tampa Bay’s Kevin Kiermaier and Detroit’s Ian Kinsler.
Betts is the first Red Sox outfielder to win a Gold Glove since Shane Victorino in 2013. Bradley is a two-time finalist.
Betts also is a finalist for American League Most Valuable Player. That will be announced on Nov. 17.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.