The Chicago Cubs officially secured the 2025 Rawlings Team Gold Glove Award for the National League, a testament to their dedication to defense that powered their 92-win season and run to the NLDS.
As left fielder Ian Happ summarized: “We’ll keep fighting and prove that our defense isn’t just a key to our success, but our strength to go even further.”
Defensive Domination by the Numbers
The Cubs’ defense was unequivocally the best in the NL in 2025, outperforming their rivals across all major defensive metrics:
| Metric | Cubs Value | NL Rank | MLB Rank |
| Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) | 84 | 1st (by 17 DRS) | 2nd (behind Texas Rangers, 89) |
| Outs Above Average (OAA) | 36 | 1st | 1st |
| Fielding Run Value | 40 | 1st | 1st |
The team’s consistency was remarkable, as the Cubs were the only team to register positive Runs Saved at eight of nine defensive positions. This collective excellence also earned them the inaugural 2025 Fielding Bible Team of the Year Award.
Individual Gold Glove Winners
The Cubs led the National League with three individual Gold Glove winners, highlighting the elite talent anchoring their defense:
- Nico Hoerner (2B): Won his second career Gold Glove. He led all MLB second basemen with 17 DRS and 14 Outs Above Average.
- Ian Happ (LF): Won his fourth consecutive Gold Glove. He ranked third in defensive metrics among left fielders.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Won his first career Gold Glove. The rising star tied for the MLB lead with 24 OAA and led all outfielders with 427 putouts.
The team also had three other finalists in Matt Shaw (3B), Matthew Boyd (P), and Carson Kelly (C), showcasing their exceptional defensive depth.
Next Step for the Braves: Searching for Defensive Shortstop
The Atlanta Braves, with newly minted Gold Glover Matt Olson at first base, are prioritizing defense in their search for a new shortstop.
Based on the latest Gold Glove results, the free agent shortstop who is most known for his defense and would be a perfect fit next to Ozzie Albies is Ha-Seong Kim.
While the 2025 Gold Glove Award for NL Shortstop went to Masyn Winn of the Cardinals (Source 1.6), and Mookie Betts (Dodgers) was a finalist and led MLB with 17 DRS at the position (Source 3.1), Ha-Seong Kim is a proven, available defensive star:
- 2023 NL Gold Glove Winner (Utility): Kim previously established his elite defensive prowess by winning the Gold Glove at the utility position in 2023 (Source 2.4).
- Defensive Metrics: He boasts strong career Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) totals at multiple positions (19 DRS at SS, 10 at 2B, 8 at 3B, per Source 2.6).
- Availability: Kim played for the Braves briefly in 2025 after being claimed off waivers (Source 1.2), but is currently a free agent after declining his player option (Source 2.5).
Kim’s versatility, combined with his established Gold Glove pedigree, makes him the premier defensive-minded free agent shortstop who could instantly solidify the Braves’ infield next to Olson and Albies.
Would you like me to find the latest news and contract speculation surrounding Ha-Seong Kim as he enters the free agent market?
