Chicago Cubs: Ranking each position's defensive strength

The Chicago Cubs are valuing run prevention in 2023, using a combination of upside pitching and elite defenders. Over the past few years, the Cubs organization has collected young arms to work on developing and the offseason has seen the addition of notable defenders. Here we will rank each position on the field in terms of its defensive strength.

Obviously, the projected 26-man Opening Day roster could look slightly different after Spring Training is over compared to now, but we will go with who is on the current 40-man and likely to make it. Most of what is in question are the position depth, with most starters being locks.

9.) 3B

Key players: Christopher Morel, Patrick Wisdom, Zach McKinstry, Edwin Rios, Nick Madrigal?

There is a lot of unknown at third and is easily seen as the team's "black hole". Morel last season had some inconsistency at third, ultimately sporting a -3 DRS (defensive runs saved), -14.8 UZR/150 (Ultimate Zone Rating runs above average per 150 defensive games) per FanGraphs, and committed four errors. Wisdom sported a -6 DRS after fielding much more efficiently in 2021. Morel is very young and can improve, we just do not know to what extent he will. The Cubs also made a surprising move Friday by signing former Dodger Edwin Rios, but his defensive metrics at third are not mind-blowing, a career -3 DRS and -25.1 URZ/150. Who gets how much playing time at third is so up in the air right now.

8.) 1B

Key players: Eric Hosmer, Trey Mancini, Patrick Wisdom, Edwin Rios, Matt Mervis

Whether or not Mervis makes the Opening Day roster, it can be speculated that Hosmer and Wisdom will play a decent amount of time at first. Rios can also play first as well, while Mancini will spend much time at DH. If Hosmer indeed gets decent playing time, then it will be interesting to see how he does defensively. He won four Gold Gloves from 2013-2017, however, his defensive metrics over the past few years have not reflected as well. Last season he sported a -5 DRS and -7.9 UZR/150. He has not had a positive DRS or UZR/150 since 2020. Wisdom sports a career 0 DRS and -13.9 UZR/150 at first, so nothing overly spectacular.

7.) Right field

Key players: Seiya Suzuki

The primary guy in right is going to be Suzuki as long as he is healthy. Last season we saw what a good arm he has; he was in the 82th percentile in arm strength in 2022 per baseballsavant. With that said, the route running and actual tracking of the ball needs some work. He posted a -4 DRS and was only in the 10 percentile in Outfielder Jump. Suzuki has some work to do in the field but has the tools to be a good defender. Manning right field at Wrigley is certainly not easy, especially for a rookie. We can maybe see Nelson Velázquez get a little time there if he makes the 26-man roster.

6.) Pitcher

Last season the Cubs pitching staff was right in the middle (14th) in baseball in staff DRS (-1). Adrian Sampson was the leader among starting pitchers (minimum 100 IP) in DRS (3) followed by Marcus Stroman (2). Do not expect Greg Maddux-like Gold Glove-caliber defense at the pitcher's mound, but not Jon Lester's throw-to-first bad either.

5.) Center Field

Key players: Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ, Christopher Morel

Bellinger will be slated to play the majority of centerfield for the Cubs. He sports a career of 14 DRS and 2.0 UZR/150. Cumulatively as an outfielder (left, center, right), he boasts a career of 34 DRS and 4.0 UZR/150. Last season he was solid in center field, with 0 DRS, 67th percentile Outfield Jump and 0.8 UZR/150, so nothing great but not below average. He has had seasons with more impressive defensive metrics but he can still hold his own out there. Morel can also play some time out there if he is not playing in the infield.

4.) Catcher

Key players: Yan Gomes, Tucker Barnhart

Both of these veteran catchers are known for their defense over their offense. Gomes worked very well with the Cubs pitching staff in 2022 and sports a career of 46 DRS and 19 rGFP (Good Fielding Plays Run Saved above average). Barnhart is a two-time Gold Glove winner and boasts a career 12 DRS and 28 rGFP. Last season was really tough for Barnhart, as he sported a career-worst -8 DRS. If he is healthier in 2023 and playing more like his usual self, he will be a positive force behind the plate.