The Integral Role of Defense in Baseball

Defense in baseball often takes a back seat to the excitement of towering home runs and blistering fastballs. However, elite defensive players bring immense value to their teams, demonstrating that a reliable glove can elevate a player's career, making their offensive contributions all the more significant. Conversely, poor defensive skills can severely diminish a player’s overall worth, regardless of how well they perform at the plate. In this article, we spotlight the best and worst defensive players at each position in the 2025 MLB season, utilizing metrics such as Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), Outs Above Average (OAA), and Fielding Run Value (FRV) to gauge their performances.

Best Defensive Players by Position

Catchers

Best: Patrick Bailey (San Francisco Giants) - Metrics: 795.0 Innings, 14 DRS, 27.3% Caught Stealing, +18 Framing Runs.Since his MLB debut, Bailey has established himself as a top defender, winning his first Gold Glove and leading in pitch framing.

Worst: Agustín Ramírez (Miami Marlins) - Metrics: 430.2 Innings, -11 DRS, 7.6% Caught Stealing, -2 Framing Runs.Struggling defensively with the highest number of passed balls, Ramírez is likely moving towards full-time DH duties.</h3>

First Basemen

Best: Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves) - Metrics: 1,124.2 Innings, 15 DRS, 7 OAA, 5 FRV, 115 Assists.With back-to-back Gold Gloves under his belt, Olson remains a defensive pillar at first base.

Worst: Michael Toglia (Colorado Rockies) - Metrics: 705.0 Innings, -3 DRS, -10 OAA, 0 FRV, 46 Assists.A significant drop from last season, Toglia's performance raises concerns about his defensive capabilities.</h3>

Second Basemen

Best: Nico Hoerner (Chicago Cubs) - Metrics: 1,042.2 Innings, 16 DRS, 12 OAA, 9 FRV, .994 Fielding Percentage.Often overshadowed by his teammate, Hoerner's defensive skills warrant serious Gold Glove consideration.

Worst: Brandon Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays) - Metrics: 795.2 Innings, -14 DRS, -14 OAA, 10 FRV.Lowe has not only ranked poorly defensively but also risks becoming a trade liability.</h3>

Third Basemen

Best: Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pittsburgh Pirates/Cincinnati Reds) - Metrics: 1,020.2 Innings, 16 DRS, 17 OAA, 13 FRV.Hayes has proven elite at the position, snapping Nolan Arenado’s Gold Glove streak in 2023.

Worst: Yoán Moncada (Los Angeles Angels) - Metrics: 429.0 Innings, -11 DRS, -8 OAA, -6 FRV.Despite offensive contributions, Moncada's defense continues to burden his overall value.</h3>

Shortstops

Best: Masyn Winn (St. Louis Cardinals) - Metrics: 984.2 Innings, 5 DRS, 21 OAA, 16 FRV.A promising cornerstone for the Cardinals with a stellar fielding percentage.

Worst: Bo Bichette (Toronto Blue Jays) - Metrics: 1,012.2 Innings, -11 DRS, -10 OAA, -8 FRV.Underwhelming performance has raised questions about his future as a shortstop.</h3>

Outfielders

Best: Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Cubs) - Metrics: 1,104.2 Innings, 19 DRS, 19 OAA, 20 FRV.Leading the majors in defensive metrics, Crow-Armstrong is cementing his place as a top-tier player.

Worst: Jo Adell (Los Angeles Angels) - Metrics: 711.0 Innings, -13 DRS, -8 OAA, -7 FRV.Adell's struggles in center field have jeopardized his promising bat's value.</h3>

Pitchers

Best: Spencer Schwellenbach - Metrics: 6 DRS, 21 Assists, 3 DP Started.Despite injuries, Schwellenbach's defensive contributions rank high among pitchers.

Worst: Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh Pirates) - Metrics: -5 DRS, 5 Assists, 0 DP Started.Keller's defensive numbers indicate significant room for improvement as a pitcher.</h3>

Conclusion

The impact of defense is undeniable in baseball, with each player's contribution adding value to their respective teams. Recognizing the best and worst performers highlights the importance of these unsung heroes on the field.