Over the past weeks, we’ve been busy preparing for our second annual assessment of all 30 MLB teams to evaluate their potential for strong defensive performance this season.
By the weekend, we will have completed half of this series, with the remaining 15 teams being reviewed next week. You can check out all articles here.
With this in mind, let’s summarize the teams that ended up in the Top 5 for Defensive Runs Saved last season and their outlook for 2026.
Texas Rangers
Last year’s rank: 1st
The Rangers have lost two key defensive players—Marcus Semien was traded to the Mets and Adolis García signed with the Phillies. There’s also likely to be some regression for Corey Seager, whose 16 Runs Saved last season far exceeded his second-best season by 10. Additionally, there will be a decline in right field as Brandon Nimmo replaces García.
Nonetheless, the defense remains solid, as Wyatt Langford ranks second among left fielders in Runs Saved over the past two seasons, along with a strong catching duo in Danny Jansen and Kyle Higashioka. The lineup will likely have minimal weaknesses.
Mark’s prediction: They’re more likely to finish in the Top 10 than the Top 5.
Chicago Cubs
Last year’s rank: 2nd
The Cubs are largely maintaining their primary defensive lineup from 2025. Alex Bregman will replace Matt Shaw at third base, and while Shaw had slightly better statistics, the difference is likely minimal. Right field is less certain with Seiya Suzuki returning, who has a career -4 Runs Saved in 342 games, as opposed to Kyle Tucker.
Despite this, the Cubs should remain a top defensive team. Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Ian Happ are all former Gold Glove winners, with Hoerner and Swanson also having received a Fielding Bible Award. It wouldn’t be surprising to see PCA among the top contenders for Defensive Player of the Year. The other regulars do not present any weaknesses.
Mark’s prediction: They could very likely finish second again in 2026.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Last year’s rank: 3rd
In recent years, the Dodgers have excelled at enhancing good players through effective defensive positioning. Last season, this accounted for 45 of their 67 Runs Saved, indicating that their success comes more from strategy than sheer talent.
Defensively, the team is strong in the middle. Mookie Betts won a Fielding Bible Award at shortstop last season, while Hye-Seong Kim provides solid backup, having 9 Runs Saved in 45 games at second base. New acquisition Kyle Tucker has a strong history in right field.
Toronto Blue Jays
Last year’s rank: 4th
Fans of last year’s postseason were likely impressed by the Blue Jays’ defense. They boast three former Fielding Bible Award winners: center fielder Daulton Varsho, shortstop Andrés Giménez, and second baseman Ernie Clement. They also feature one of the top catchers in terms of Defensive Runs Saved, Alejandro Kirk, alongside an improved first baseman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Their backup center fielder, Myles Straw, had a strong case for a Gold Glove last season.
Additionally, they introduced left fielder Jesús Sánchez, who has a solid defensive background, and third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, who previously won an NPB Fielding Bible Award at first base.
Atlanta Braves
Last year’s rank: 5th
The Braves have the top defensive first baseman in Matt Olson, who is consistently available. Center fielder Michael Harris is also solid and has recorded up to 11 Runs Saved in a season. They’ve added corner outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, who has shown reliability in right field, although he will likely play left. Second baseman Ozzie Albies and third baseman Austin Riley have good records but their recent statistics have been less impressive.
The key concern lies with Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field, where he has underperformed with -11 Runs Saved last season. There may also be a decrease in performance at shortstop as Mauricio Dubon takes over for standout Nick Allen, with Dubon having limited experience at that position.
Mark’s prediction: They may drop slightly from Top 5 to Top 10, although they have potential to return to the Top 5 if their veterans perform well.
