Star outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks dominating a significant MLB statistic, ranking first among all players.
Masyn Winn Shines as Top Defensive Shortstop in Major League Baseball
Masyn Winn, the shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, is making waves in the baseball world as the best defensive player in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2025. His exceptional skills on the field have earned him a leading position in the league's defensive rankings.
Winn leads all MLB players in Outs Above Average (OAA) with a staggering 22, a significant defensive metric that measures plays made above an average fielder. This edge over his peers is evident, with Bobby Witt Jr., the next closest shortstop, three outs behind him[2].
Fangraphs defensive statistics corroborate Winn's excellence, indicating his superior fielding range and playmaking ability[5]. His arm strength, accuracy, instincts, and overall defensive skillset have earned him high praise from his peers and teammates, including Gold Glove winner Brendan Donovan, who considers him potentially the best defender they have ever seen[1][2].
Winn's defensive prowess has not gone unnoticed, as he is a leading candidate for the Gold Glove Award at shortstop in the National League. In fact, his historic defensive performance among St. Louis shortstops increases the likelihood of him becoming the first Cardinal shortstop since Edgar Renteria in 2003 to win the Gold Glove[2].
Moreover, Winn's chances of winning the Platinum Glove Award, which goes to the best overall defensive player in each league, are strong, given his elite defense and significant lead in advanced metrics[1].
Offensively, Winn contributes a solid but less spectacular bat, with a .260 average, 9 home runs, and 46 RBIs. His competent baserunning and overall value are reflected in a 3.5 WAR, ranking him 20th among qualified players in 2025[3][4].
In the past two years (2023 and 2024), the Cardinals missed the postseason due in part to their lackluster defensive efforts. However, with Winn's exceptional performance, the team might have a chance to turn things around[1].
Winn's defensive skills are not just impressive; they are record-breaking. He consistently throws balls across the infield above 90 miles per hour, with his fastest throw this year clocked at 93.9 MPH[1]. His arm speed ranks in the 89th percentile, and he ranks first in defensive efficiency according to FanGraphs[1].
In conclusion, Masyn Winn's exceptional defensive statistics, expert endorsements, and league-leading advanced defensive metrics make him the top defensive shortstop in MLB in 2025, with very strong chances to win both the Gold Glove and possibly the Platinum Glove Awards this year[1][2][5].
References: [1] St. Louis Post-Dispatch [2] MLB.com [3] Baseball Savant [4] Fangraphs [5] The Athletic
Masyn Winn's exceptional defensive skills, as shown by his leading position in the Major League Baseball (MLB) defensive rankings and Outs Above Average (OAA) of 22, have positioned him as the top defensive shortstop in the league this year. The St. Louis Cardinals shortstop's expertise has earned him high praise, with some considering him potentially the best defender they have ever seen, and he is a leading candidate for both the Gold Glove Award at shortstop in the National League and the Platinum Glove Award, given his elite defense and significant lead in advanced metrics.
