The Best Projected Defensive Infield and Outfield

In the upcoming Fielding Bible—Volume IV, set to release on March 1, 2015, we provide both positional leader and trailerboards as well as team breakdowns of our Defensive Runs Saved projections. Here is a preview.

It may be surprising to think about because of the struggles that this team has been through in the past few years, but the team that is projected to have the best infield defense in 2015 is the Colorado Rockies:

The two players that are driving the Rockies' projection are Nolan Arenado and DJ LeMahieu. Both are projected to be the best defensive players in baseball at their position in 2015. For Arenado, that is not that surprising. He has ranked second and third in Defensive Runs Saved at third base in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and has finished runner up in the Fielding Bible Awards both years that he has been in the major leagues. It is not hard to imagine him meeting or exceeding the 19 Runs Saved he is projected for in 2015.

For LeMahieu, while his projected Runs Saved total of 13 makes sense given his level of play since entering the league, it is a bit surprising to see him showing up ahead of defensive stalwarts like Dustin Pedroia (winner of three of the last four Fielding Bible Awards at second base) and Ian Kinsler. However, LeMahieu has always shown great defensive abilities, and now that he has established himself as a full-time player, he has put himself in a position to gain more recognition.

Much less surprising than the best infield, the Kansas City Royals are projected to have the best outfield in 2015:

The Royals have the unique pleasure of employing the best left fielder and two of the best center fielders in game. Alex Gordon has won the last three Fielding Bible Awards in left field, and his 26 Defensive Runs Saved in 2014 is the highest total that we have recorded at the position since we starting keeping track of DRS in 2003. His metrics are strong across the board, from his range to his throwing arm to his ability to make special plays and avoid mistakes. There's just no one better.

In center field, we could potentially be talking about either Lorenzo Cain or Jarrod Dyson in similar terms, except that they split time with each other. Or, more accurately, Cain splits time between center field and right field, as he moves over when Dyson gets the occasional start or comes in late in games. The leading center fielder in 2014 was Juan Lagares with 26 DRS. Together, Cain and Dyson had 27 DRS. They are both outstanding defenders.

The 2015 Defensive Projections, our latest shift research, Expected Stolen Base Success rates, Strike Zone Plus/Minus, and much more will be available in The Fielding Bible—Volume IV, which will be released on March 1, 2015 and is available for pre-order now.