The Chicago Cubs have been recognized for their outstanding defensive capabilities by winning the National League team Gold Glove Award. This honor highlights the Cubs’ remarkable performance throughout the Major League Baseball (MLB) season, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Three Cubs players—Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ—secured individual Gold Glove Awards, while additional players, including left-hander Matthew Boyd, catcher Carson Kelly, and third baseman Matt Shaw, were named finalists. Although shortstop Dansby Swanson and first baseman Michael Busch did not receive finalist recognition, they were recognized for their defensive skills at their respective positions.
The Cubs’ defensive achievements earned them the team Gold Glove Award, created by Rawlings in 2020. This marks the second time the Cubs have received this accolade, having also won it in the award’s inaugural year. Notably, a team from the National League Central has claimed the award every year since its inception.
Defensive Excellence Reflected in Statistics
The Gold Glove Award for the Cubs is a testament to their collective efforts on the field. According to Hoerner, “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 emphasized the group’s contribution, stating, “We all benefit from each other in a high standard and a sense of identity within that.”
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 combines traditional statistics with advanced data analysis, utilizing information from MLBAM’s Statcast, Sports Information Solutions, and Stats Perform, along with play-by-play accounts.
The Cubs excelled with a total of 37 Outs Above Average (OAA), leading MLB in this category. Additionally, they finished second in Fielding Run Value with a total of 41, just behind the Toronto Blue Jays, who recorded 45.
Team Chemistry and Pitching Confidence
Happ, who won his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award, remarked on the team’s exceptional defensive performance. He noted that the strong defense instilled confidence in their pitchers, stating, “They were the most competitive team in the zone, just as far as strike throwing. And I think 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 cohesion not only contributed to their individual accolades but also created a formidable presence on the field. Their ability to make crucial plays under pressure has been vital to their overall success this season.
As the Cubs celebrate this recognition, they look forward to building on their defensive legacy in the future, aiming to maintain their high standards on the field.
