MLB writer gives nod to SF Giants backstop as top defender in baseball

Mike Petriello of MLB.Com put together a list of the top-10 defenders in baseball. It is no surprise to see SF Giants backstop Patrick Bailey on the list, but Petriello gave him the nod as the No. 1 defender.

MLB writer gives nod to SF Giants backstop as top defender in baseball

Petriello left Fernando Tatís Jr. off his list, which drew a lot of criticism from San Diego Padres fans. Tatís Jr is a two-time Gold Glove winner in right field, and also has two Platinum Glove Awards to his name as well.

This includes taking home the award in 2025. The Platinum Glove Award is based on a fan vote among Gold Glove winners. The recipient is often one of the best defensive players in baseball, but the winner can often be a reflection of which fanbase supports its players the most during the voting process.

Tatís Jr. was among the best defensive players in baseball last year. However, Bailey or Pete-Crow Armstrong would likely have been a better choice for the Platinum Glove Award.

Aside from this, Bailey took home just about every defensive award this offseason. This includes winning his second Gold Glove Award in three seasons. He did not take home the award in his rookie year in 2023, but put together a strong case despite not making his major league debut until the middle of May.

In addition to the Gold Glove Award, Bailey earned the Fielding Bible Award at catcher, as well as Sports Info Solution's Defensive Player of the year.

In 2025, Bailey led all catchers with 19 Defensive Runs Daved (DRS) and all position players with 31 Fielding Run Value (FRV). Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays and Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox were second in FRV with 22 FRV apiece.

Bailey excels at pitch framing. With the introduction of the challenge system in 2026, there are some questions about how his framing will translate. He also has an excellent arm with a quick pop time, and has improved on his blocking over the past couple of seasons.

While Bailey's bat leaves something to be desired, he has quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in baseball. Mike Petriello's list is yet another confirmation of that.