Defensive runs saved is a statistic that rates a player relative to the average defender at that position. A positive DRS indicates how far above average a defender has performed, while a negative DRS indicates how far below average a defender has performed.
In 2021 when the Cardinals won the first of two , they recorded a total of 86 defensive runs saved. They became the first team in MLB history to win five individual Gold Gloves with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, second baseman Tommy Edman, third baseman Nolan Arenado, left fielder Tyler O’Neill and center fielder Harrison Bader each bringing home hardware.
But in 2023, the Cardinals recorded -7 defensive runs saved.
Defensive runs saved, 2023
FIRST BASE
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Cardinals first basemen: 1
MLB best: 8, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants
MLB worst: -10, Minnesota Twins and KC Royals
SECOND BASE
Cardinals second basemen: -4
MLB best: 22, Cleveland Guardians
MLB worst: -12, Boston Red Sox
SHORTSTOP
Cardinals shortstops: 0
MLB best: 20, Chicago Cubs
MLB worst: -21, San Francisco Giants
THIRD BASE
Cardinals third basemen: -1
MLB best: 25, Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB worst: -22, Detroit Tigers
LEFT FIELD
Cardinals left fielders: -11
MLB best: 16, Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB worst: -14, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies
CENTER FIELD
Cardinals center fielders: -2
MLB best: 36, Toronto Blue Jays
MLB worst: -28, Oakland Athletics
RIGHT FIELD
Cardinals right fielders: -6
MLB best: 32, San Diego Padres
MLB worst: -17, Chicago White Sox
CATCHER
Cardinals catchers: -11
MLB best: 14, Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB worst: -19, Washington Nationals
CATCHER FRAMING RUNS
Cardinals catchers: -9
MLB best: 19, San Francisco Giants
MLB worst: -22, Houston Astros
Source:
Catcher framing runs courtesy of
The Cardinals typically stellar defense took a step backward in 2023. Improving that side of things was a focus this winter and spring.