Stability and dependability can be found all over the diamond
3.) Second base
- Key players: Nico Hoerner, Vidal Bruján
Assuming Hoerner is still here, he will be one of the best defenders on the team. He posted an 8.9 Def, 4 DRS and had the fourth-highest OAA (10) among second basemen last year. It was not as good as his Gold Glove 12 DRS and 13 OAA season in 2023, but still very good. He has proven to be an excellent middle infield defender at both second and short throughout his career, making him a valuable asset. His defense has helped him average a 4.3 fWAR over the past three seasons. The question is if he will be healthy as he is recovering from a flexor tendon surgery and/or if will he be moved.
4.) Left field
- Key players: Ian Happ
Ian Happ won his third consecutive Gold Glove in 2024, posting a team-best 12.2 UZR (second best UZR among all outfielders in baseball), 8 DRS and 11 assists. The value of defense in left might not be at the level it is on the infield or in center, but his ability to play the position counts for something. Hard to argue with three Gold Gloves, a career 28 DRS and 34.8 UZR in left field. Especially when he records clutch outfield assists.
5.) Right field
- Key players: Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, Vidal Bruján
Getting Kyle Tucker was a big addition to the team both offensively and defensively. With Seiya Suzuki likely being the primary DH, Tucker will man right most of the time. Tucker is a career 39 DRS, 7.8 UZR and 6 OAA fielder in right field. He won a Gold Glove in 2022 for his efforts. The interesting thing about Suzuki is that despite a -3 OAA last year in right, he still sported 2.3 UZR, 3 DRS out there and a team-best 3.9 ARM (outfield arm runs above average) playing in both left (10 innings) and right. The routine plays seemed to plague him on several occasions. It's also worth noting that Bruján has a 3.7 UZR and 7 DRS in right in his career.