Top Defensive Honors Announced: Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr. Capture Platinum Glove Awards

MLB officially revealed the winners of the 2025 Platinum Glove Awards today. The accolade honors the most outstanding defensive players in each league (regardless of position) along with the best defensive teams in each league.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was named the American League Platinum Glove winner, while the National League honor went to San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. This marks Tatis’s second Platinum Glove award and his second time receiving it in the past three years.

The Texas Rangers secured the American League Gold Glove team award, while the Chicago Cubs were recognized as the National League’s best defensive team.

Witt, who successfully defended his Gold Glove this year, leads the league alongside Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in Statcast’s "Outs Above Average" metric (+24), highlighting his exceptional range as a shortstop. Since 2023, Witt has accumulated a league-leading +54 OAA.

Tatis tied for first in the National League outfield "Defensive Runs Saved" rankings this season with Crow-Armstrong (+15). Since transitioning from shortstop to right field in 2023, he has led NL outfielders with a +42 DRS, making this position switch a key factor in earning two Gold Gloves within three years.

On the team front, although the Rangers did not maintain their signature strong offense last season, their defense stood out. The team led the league with a +89 DRS, and second baseman Marcus Semien earned his second individual Gold Glove as a vital contributor.

The Cubs topped Major League Baseball with a team total of +36 OAA and posted a +84 DRS, second only to the Rangers. This northern team’s defensive strength was also reflected in individual awards—three Cubs players won Gold Gloves in 2025, tying a franchise record: second baseman Nico Hoerner, left fielder Ian Happ, and center fielder Crow-Armstrong.