Patrick Bailey Named Baseball’s Top Defender - And It’s Hard to Argue
When it comes to defense in Major League Baseball, few players have made a bigger impact behind the plate than San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey. And now, he’s getting the recognition to match. In a recent ranking of the top 10 defenders in the game, Bailey landed at No. 1 - a nod that speaks volumes about just how dominant he’s been on the field.
Let’s break it down.
The Crown Jewel of Giants Defense
Bailey has been racking up defensive accolades at a pace that’s hard to ignore. In 2025 alone, he took home his second Gold Glove Award in just three seasons - a feat made even more impressive considering he didn’t debut until mid-May of his rookie year in 2023.
That year, he still made a strong case for the award despite the late start. Since then, he’s only gotten better.
This offseason, Bailey completed a clean sweep of the major defensive honors for a catcher. Along with the Gold Glove, he earned the Fielding Bible Award and was named Sports Info Solutions’ Defensive Player of the Year. That’s not just a good year - that’s elite company.
The Metrics Back It Up
Bailey’s defensive value isn’t just about the eye test - the numbers tell the same story. In 2025, he led all catchers with 19 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), a stat that measures how many runs a player saves with his glove compared to an average defender.
But he didn’t just dominate among catchers - he led all position players with a 31 Fielding Run Value (FRV), putting him ahead of the pack by a wide margin. The next closest?
Alejandro Kirk and Ceddanne Rafaela, who each posted 22 FRV.
That kind of separation speaks to just how complete Bailey’s defensive game has become. Whether it’s pitch framing, blocking, or throwing out runners, he checks every box.
A Glove That Changes Games
Bailey’s framing skills are a big part of his defensive toolkit. He consistently steals strikes for his pitchers, turning borderline calls into outs - a subtle but game-changing skill.
With MLB introducing the challenge system in 2026, there’s some intrigue around how elite framers like Bailey will adapt. But considering his overall defensive profile, there’s every reason to believe he’ll remain a force behind the plate.
His arm is another standout trait. With a lightning-quick pop time and pinpoint accuracy, Bailey has kept opposing runners in check all season. Add in his improved blocking - an area where he’s made visible strides - and you’ve got a catcher who controls the game in every phase.
The Platinum Glove Debate
One name notably absent from the top-10 list was Fernando Tatís Jr., which raised some eyebrows - especially among Padres fans. Tatís is a two-time Gold Glove winner in right field and has two Platinum Gloves to his name, including one in 2025. That award, however, is fan-voted among Gold Glove winners, and while it often goes to a deserving player, it can sometimes reflect the passion of a fanbase more than pure defensive metrics.
Tatís had a strong defensive season, no doubt. But when you stack up the numbers, Bailey - or even someone like Pete Crow-Armstrong - arguably had a more complete defensive campaign in 2025.
Defense First, Bat Later
Bailey’s offense is still a work in progress, and there’s no sugarcoating that. But in today’s game, where elite defense behind the plate is becoming increasingly rare, his glove more than makes up for any shortcomings at the plate.
He’s not just a solid defender - he’s a game-changer. A tone-setter.
A catcher who makes pitchers better and turns defense into a weapon.
Mike Petriello’s ranking simply puts a spotlight on what those around the game already know: Patrick Bailey is the best defender in baseball right now. And for the Giants, that’s a foundation worth building around.