All fans are amazed by the home runs, high batting averages, dominant pitchers, and things of that nature, but sometimes forget how important defense could be (ask the Nationals). In this piece we will see the best defensive players by position. What do we mean by best defensive players? Well, the players that make the highlight reel with their range, arm, and catches. Being error-less is just not enough at times.
Pitcher: Mark Buehrle
The key for a pitcher to be great defensively is where they finish after their follow through and Mark Buehrle seems to have mastered his position with great defensive plays.
Catcher: Yadier Molina
Nobody has dethroned Molina as the best defensive catcher. He is very active behind the plate and can throw out baserunners at a very good rate.
First Base: Joey Votto
How often do you see first baseman make plays like the ones Joey Votto makes? Not very often. Votto is very smooth at his position and can make plays that will have you saying “woooow”.
Second Base: Dustin Pedroia
It was tough to not chose Brandon Phillips on this one, but I really enjoy how hard Pedroia plays the game and the great defensive plays he makes. The play he made against the Cardinals last season in the World Series was amazing, but look at this other great play he made in Baltimore.
Third Base: Manny Machado
Yes, he is still out with that awful knee injury he had last season, but the Orioles have missed him at third base as Jonathan Schoop has already had some key errors for the Orioles this season. I believe Machado will come back healthy and continue to make his defensive highlights, look at that arm!
Shortstop: Andrelton Simmons
There’s really not much to say about Andrelton Simmons, all you have to do is watch. He has everything a defensive shortstop needs. There is a reason why he won the platinum glove last season and it appears that he continues to get better.
Right Field: Gerardo Parra
Parra plays most of his games in spacious Chase Field which we all benefit from as he can show us his speed and arm in the outfield. He was tied for the lead in DRS last season with 41, an incredible amount.
Center Field: Juan Lagares
Even though Mike Trout and Carlos Gomez play CF I had to go with Juan Lagares. He possess an amazing arm that’s probably better than any center fielder right now and he also makes incredible catches in the outfield. He is an up and coming player that should get more attention with time.
Left Fielder: Alex Gordon
Gordon has become the face of his team and the best defensive player of his team also. He now has won 3 consecutive gold gloves and with good reason, he is the best left fielder in the league.
