Pair of SF Giants defensive stalwarts take home Fielding Bible Awards for 2024

The SF Giants have a trio of players named as finalists for the Gold Glove Award at their respective positions. Patrick Bailey and Matt Chapman have a shot at taking home the award at catcher and third base, respectively. On top of that, they each received a Fielding Bible Award on Thursday.

Pair of SF Giants defensive stalwarts take home Fielding Bible Awards for 2024

The Fielding Bible Awards is presented by Sports Info Solutions and recognizes the best defensive player at each position while using statistical analysis as part of the evaluation process. Unlike the Gold Glove Awards that are distributed through the AL and NL, the Fielding Bible Award is handed out to only one player at each position.

The Cleveland Guardians were the only other team to have two recipients like the Giants. Andrés Giménez and Tanner Bibee were recognized at second base and pitcher, respectively.

The Fielding Bible Awards do factor in Defensive Runs Saved as a part of its analysis. As a result, there are not too many surprises when the winners were announced.

For example, Bailey led all catchers with +20 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners was second with +17 DRS followed by Freddy Fermin of the Kansas City Royals with +16 DRS. Based on this metric, he was the best defensive catcher from an objective standpoint.

However, the young Giants backstop led all catchers in nearly all defensive metrics that are valued by today's front offices. He is an excellent pitch framer and manages the running game well despite a pitching staff that does a poor job of holding runners on.

On the other hand, Matt Chapman took home his third Fielding Bible Award. The veteran infielder led all third basemen by a comfortable margin with +17 DRS. Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies and Ke'Bryan Hayes of the Pittsburgh Pirates were second with +10 DRS.

Similar to Bailey, the other defensive metrics agree that Chapman is one of the best at his position. Of course, the eye test will tell you the same thing as he made the difficult plays look routine while showing off an excellent arm.

The Gold Glove Awards will be announced in November. There is a good chance that both Bailey and Chapman continue adding to their résumé after excellent seasons at their respective positions.