Rockies 3B Arenado makes history with fourth-straight Gold Glove

We may take for granted the highlight reel that is Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, so much so that the phrase “Nolan being Nolan” describes the almost nonchalant way he fields the position.

But the Rockies star can now be described as historically talented in terms of defending the hot corner, becoming just the second player in Major League history to win a Gold Glove in each of his first four seasons.

Joining Ichiro Suzuki, who earned his four-straight with the Seattle Mariners, Arenado becomes the first National League player to achieve the streak and the first NL third baseman to win four in a row since Scott Rolen did so from 2000 to 2004.

Arenado also bested outfielder Larry Walker’s streak of three, and now trails the Rockies great — who was awarded the Gold Glove five times — in total times honored with the award by just one.

With a defensive WAR of 2.31, Arenado ranked eighth in the MLB in 2016 — first among all third basemen. In 490 chances, Arenado had 378 assists, 39 double plays, and 20 defensive runs saved.

Arenado also ranked second in the NL in fielding percentage (.973) and zone rating (.824), according to a team release.

Rockies second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and right fielder Carlos Gonzalez were among those in consideration for the award as well but fell short to San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik and Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward.

Atlanta Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte, Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford and catcher Buster Posey, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke round out the NL winners.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.