Molina, Kiermaier awarded Platinum Gloves as top defenders

A pair of leather-flashing heavyweights claimed baseball's highest defensive honors.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier were named Rawlings Platinum Glove Award winners, acknowledging the top defensive players in their respective leagues.

Following an injury-riddled 2014 that limited him to a career-low 110 games, Molina bounced back and claimed his record fourth Platinum Glove in the last five years.

Molina threw out 26 of 63 (41 percent) potential base stealers last season, while accounting for seven defensive runs saved, the third best mark among catchers in the majors. The 33-year-old is just the third catcher in history to win at least eight Glove Gold awards.

(Videos courtesy: MLB.com)

Kiermaier won both his first Gold Glove and Platinum Glove this season following a phenomenal defensive showing. The 25-year-old led the majors with 42 defensive runs saved, while finishing fourth with 15 outfield assists.