The Best Defensive Position Ever Played in Baseball: Shortstop

The debate over which is the best defensive position in baseball often centers around shortstop. Historically, players who roamed this space between second and third base were able to orchestrate extra outs and create game-changing moments with their defensive prowess. Early in the game, infielders would stand precisely at the three-bag area, a position that required more physical strength than mental acuity. However, the shortstop position has always been a place where brilliant minds could demonstrate extraordinary defensive skills, making it one of the most coveted and discussed defensive spots in baseball history.

Recent sabermetric analysis supports the notion that shortstop is a paramount defensive position. According to a sabermetrics article published by Fangraphs, shortstops typically add 7.5 runs per season compared to other positions. Ozzie Smith, Art Fletcher, Bobby Wallace, and Mark Belanger are among the top defenders of all time, according to dWAR (Defensive Wins Above Replacement) metrics. These analytics highlight the immense value and shooting guard-like ability of shortstops in the field.

The All-Time Defenders of Baseball

Ozzie Smith leads in dWAR with an impressive 44.2. However, when accounting for game volume, Mark Belanger outperforms with an average of 0.020 dWAR per game compared to Smith's 0.017 dWAR per game. Complicating the issue further, Andrelton Simmons, who has maintained an average of 0.023 dWAR per game, was sidelined due to injuries and the pandemic after his age 32 season, making his career achievements all the more remarkable.

The Impact of Physical Demands on Catchers

The mental and physical demands of the catcher position make it inherently more challenging than other defensive positions. Catchers play a pivotal role not just defensively, but also in setting the tone for the team’s offensive and defensive strategy. However, the physical toll of this position often results in shorter careers and fewer on-field opportunities, accounting for the low representation of catchers among the top defenders. Ivan Rodriguez, with a career WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 75.1, is still considered one of the greatest catchers of all time, despite his relatively low ranking among pure defensive categories.

Analyzing the All-Time Defensive Team

According to Michael R. Burch's all-time defensive team, Johnny Bench leads in catchers with a total WAR of 75.1, despite being undervalued as a defensive player. His brilliance and innovation, such as using a hinged glove and catching with one hand, have marked him as a baseball genius. His teams also achieved significant success, winning four pennants and two consecutive World Series.

In the field positions, Brooks Robinson stands out, holding the third position in dWAR with 39.1. His exceptional defensive skills and consistency overshadow the contributions of other top players, leading many to argue that he was the greatest defender of all time if one evaluates all positions equally. Other notable players include Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente, and others who didn't reach Robinson's level but were still highly skilled.

This examination of the best defensive positions in baseball not only highlights the unique contributions of shortstops like Ozzie Smith and Mark Belanger but also underscores the broader defensive landscape that includes catchers like Ivan Rodriguez and incredible players from other positions who have left indelible marks on the game.