The Chicago Cubs showcased an exceptional defensive performance in the 2023 Major League Baseball season, culminating in their recognition with the National League team Gold Glove Award. This award highlights the team’s outstanding fielding capabilities, with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, second baseman Nico Hoerner, and left fielder Ian Happ each receiving individual Gold Glove Awards. Additionally, left-hander Matthew Boyd, catcher Carson Kelly, and third baseman Matt Shaw were named finalists, underscoring the team’s overall defensive depth.
This honor, presented by Rawlings, marks the Cubs’ second team Gold Glove Award since the accolade’s inception in 2020. The Cubs previously won this award in its inaugural year, and each year since, a team from the National League Central Division has claimed the title. The Cubs’ achievement reflects their commitment to defensive excellence, a cornerstone of their success this season.
Hoerner, celebrating his recognition, emphasized the collective effort that contributed to the team’s defensive prowess. “That Padres (wild-card) series, I think, was really the best example of that, just the ability to win close games and steal runs and hits from the opposing team and from all parts of our defense,” he stated. Hoerner acknowledged that while only three players won awards, it was a testament to the high standards and supportive environment fostered within the team.
Defensive Metrics Drive Recognition
To determine the winner of the team award, Rawlings employs a sabermetric model developed by the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), known as the SABR Defensive Index (SDI). This metric incorporates two defensive statistics based on batted ball location data and play-by-play accounts. The SDI combines information from MLBAM’s Statcast, data from Sports Information Solutions, and traditional statistics, providing a comprehensive view of defensive performance.
The Cubs excelled in this analysis, posting an impressive 37 Outs Above Average (OAA), leading all of Major League Baseball. In terms of Fielding Run Value, the Cubs finished second with a total of 41 runs, just behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who recorded 45 runs.
Happ, who received his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award, reflected on how this defensive excellence bolstered the entire team. “All across the field, we were pretty exceptional,” he remarked. “The confidence that gives our pitchers — they were the most competitive team in the zone, just as far as strike throwing. 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’ defensive capabilities not only set them apart in the league but also provided a reliable foundation for their pitching staff. As they celebrate this recognition, the team looks forward to continuing their strong performance and building on this success in future seasons.
