The Chicago Cubs have been recognized for their outstanding defensive performance in the 2023 Major League Baseball season by winning the National League team Gold Glove Award. This accolade, established by Rawlings in 2020, highlights exceptional defensive play across the league. The Cubs’ achievement reflects their commitment to excellence in the field, with three key players—Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ—each earning individual Gold Glove Awards.
While Matthew Boyd, Carson Kelly, and Matt Shaw were finalists for their positions, other players like shortstop Dansby Swanson and first baseman Michael Busch also demonstrated remarkable defensive skills throughout the season, contributing to the team’s overall success. This marks the second time the Cubs have received the team award, having previously won it in its inaugural year. Notably, a team from the National League Central has secured the award each season since its inception.
Hoerner emphasized the collective effort behind the award, stating, “That Padres (wild-card) series, I think, was really the best example of that, just the ability to win close games and steal runs and hits from the opposing team and from all parts of our defense.” He acknowledged that while only three players received individual accolades, the entire team played a crucial role in achieving a high standard of defensive play.
To determine the winner of the Gold Glove team award, Rawlings employs a sabermetric model developed by the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), known as the SABR Defensive Index (SDI). This metric utilizes advanced analytics, including data from MLBAM’s Statcast, Sports Information Solutions, and Stats Perform, along with traditional statistics. The Cubs led Major League Baseball with a total of 37 Outs Above Average (OAA) and ranked second in Fielding Run Value, finishing with 41 runs, just behind the Toronto Blue Jays at 45.
Happ, who received his fourth consecutive Gold Glove Award, noted the significant impact of strong defense on the pitching staff’s performance. “All across the field, we were pretty exceptional,” he remarked. “And I think the confidence that gives our pitchers — they were the most competitive team in the zone, just as far as strike throwing.” The confidence built through solid defensive play allows pitchers to focus on their game, knowing they have reliable support behind them.
The Cubs’ dedication to defensive excellence not only earned them individual honors but also solidified their reputation as a formidable team in the league. As they continue to build on this foundation, fans can expect to see more impressive performances in the future, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and skill in achieving success on the field.
