Evaluating the defensive highs and lows on a projected Cubs starting lineup

Potential reins supreme as we round out our defensive rankings

6.) First base

• Key players: Michael Busch

Michael Busch made some notable strides defensively last season while learning a new position on the fly. He quietly finished with an OAA of 2, 5 DRS and 1.6 UZR. Not mind-blowing but good. The range will not be crazy but he showed he can hold his own over there. He made some really eye-popping plays including an Anthony Rizzo-like catch which was one of the plays of the year. If he can even just maintain the level of defense he had in 2024, then that's an above-average fielding first baseman.

7.) Catcher

• Key players: Miguel Amaya, Carson Kelly

The catcher position was a source of woe for much of last season. Miguel Amaya made some strides in the second half and finished with 5 DRS behind the dish. Though, he sported a Statcast Fielding Run Value (FRV) of -4 and Framing (FRM) of -4.1. They added Kelly, who last year sported a 4 FRV and 2.2 FRM (12 FRV in his career). He was most notably in the top 10 in throwing runners out, something the Cubs have really struggled with in recent years. Kelly likely won't win a Gold Glove, but he has value behind the plate.

8.) Third Base

• Key players: Matt Shaw, Vidal Bruján

Right now there is a lot of unknown at third. It was overall rough last year at the hot corner. Top prospect Matt Shaw has yet to play an inning in the Majors, while there could be more depth added before Opening Day. So this is in flux. There is serious potential with Shaw on many levels but hopefully, as a defender, he will at least be adequate. Right now the insurance is Bruján, who sports a career -3.5 UZR and -3 DRS in 92.2 innings at third. Time will tell with this one.