The New York Yankees were the best defensive team in the 2022 season.
The evidence backs that up.
New York finished with a record 129 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), the highest output since the stat is counted.
That is extremely impressive, and the gap with the second-placed team was substantial.
If you want another top defensive metric, we have Outs Above Average, or OAA.
The Yanks were fifth in OAA with 21, behind the Arizona Diamondbacks (41), San Diego Padres (30), Houston Astros (29), and the St. Louis Cardinals (25).
That means they were second in the American League.
Just about every defensive stat will tell you that defense is the Yankees’ strongest suit.
The Yankees Had Several Nominees And Even Snubs
That obviously reflected on the finalists for the Gold Glove Awards, announced on Thursday afternoon.
“Congratulations to our 5 @RawlingsSports Gold Glove finalists: Jose Trevino, Anthony Rizzo, Jameson Taillon, DJ LeMahieu, & Andrew Benintendi!” the team tweeted.
Congratulations to our 5 @RawlingsSports Gold Glove finalists: Jose Trevino, Anthony Rizzo, Jameson Taillon, DJ LeMahieu, & Andrew Benintendi! ? pic.twitter.com/CudGh0hR9G
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 20, 2022
Trevino was MLB’s elite framer, as he constantly stole strikes from batters and put his pitchers in a great position to succeed.
Anthony Rizzo didn’t have the best statistical season, but fielders feel very comfortable making any type of throw across the infield to him because he catchers everything and offers trustworthiness there.
Jameson Taillon was excellent as a fielding pitcher, while DJ LeMahieu covered several infield positions without losing efficiency.
Last but not least, Andrew Benintendi is looking to repeat as the Gold Glove winner in left field for the American League.
If Harrison Bader had been healthy all year, he would surely have been nominated for center field, and third baseman Josh Donaldson deserved to be among the candidates at third base.
Overall, it was an impressive defensive effort by the Yanks this year.
NEXT: Yankees Manager Comments On Potential Josh Donaldson Move
