The Chicago Cubs have been recognized for their outstanding defensive performance by winning the National League team Gold Glove Award. This achievement reflects their commitment to excellence on the field, highlighted by individual accolades for center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, second baseman Nico Hoerner, and left fielder Ian Happ, who each received Gold Glove Awards for their positions. Additionally, left-hander Matthew Boyd, catcher Carson Kelly, and third baseman Matt Shaw were named finalists for their defensive prowess.
The Cubs’ victory marks the second time they have received this team award since its inception by Rawlings in 2020. Each year, a team from the National League Central has claimed the honor, underlining the competitive nature of the division. The award not only recognizes individual talent but also emphasizes the team’s collective effort in achieving a high defensive standard.
Team Success through Individual Excellence
Despite not earning finalist recognition, shortstop Dansby Swanson and first baseman Michael Busch also displayed exceptional defensive skills throughout the season. Hoerner emphasized the collaborative nature of their success, stating, “That Padres (wild-card) series was really the best example of that, just the ability to win close games and steal runs and hits from the opposing team.” He continued, “We all benefit from each other in a high standard and a sense of identity within that.”
To determine the winner of the team Gold Glove Award, Rawlings employs the SABR Defensive Index (SDI), a sabermetric model developed by the Society of American Baseball Research. This index utilizes various defensive metrics derived from batted ball location data and play-by-play accounts. The SDI combines information from MLBAM’s Statcast, Sports Information Solutions, and Stats Perform, alongside traditional statistics and advanced analytics.
The Cubs excelled this season with a remarkable total of 37 Outs Above Average (OAA), leading all of Major League Baseball. They also finished second in Fielding Run Value, with a total of 41, just behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who posted 45.
Defensive Excellence Inspires Confidence
Happ, who secured his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award, praised the team’s cohesive defensive unit. “All across the field, we were pretty exceptional,” he noted. He added that the strong defense instilled confidence in the team’s pitchers. “It gives those guys a lot of confidence to go out and throw strikes and know that if the ball is put in play, the defense behind them is really solid.”
The Cubs’ recognition as the National League Gold Glove Award winner underscores a season marked by defensive mastery. Their achievements not only highlight individual talent but also reflect a unified team effort that has resonated throughout the league. As they look ahead, the Cubs continue to establish a reputation for excellence in defense, setting a high standard for future seasons.
