How the Astros Defense Still Shined in 2025

Two Astros Nominated for Gold Gloves

The Astros announced this month that right fielder Cam Smith and utility man Mauricio Dubón are finalists for the 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove Award at their respective positions. This marks the third straight season Dubon has earned a nomination for the prestigious defensive award at the utility spot.

Dubón has been one of the most versatile players in baseball, with starts at every single position except catcher. The Honduran made 37 starts at second base, along with 24 starts at shortstop, as well as third base (15), left field (15), and center field (10). He also made two starts in right field and even one start at first base. 

Dubón became the first player in team history to start at seven different positions for consecutive seasons. The 2022 World Series champion ranked third in the AL with 19 outs above average. He’s been a critical piece and a fan favorite in Houston for his unique personality and versatility. 

Dubón truly found a home in Houston after a 2022 trade from the San Francisco Giants. He has noted in the past how he was treated much better with the Astros and how the vibes are a much better fit for him. 

The Rookie Outperforms

This would have been a huge surprise to expect at the beginning of the year, but Cam Smith made it happen. The star rookie is nominated for the 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove in right field. The 14th overall pick in 2024 by the Chicago Cubs, Smith was traded to the Astros on Dec. 13 in the Kyle Tucker trade. 

Less than a year after playing college baseball at Florida State, Smith earned a spot in the Opening Day lineup with a stellar spring training performance and took over right field. The former career third baseman transitioned to a completely different position in the outfield at the major league level.

It could’ve been an experiment, and it was understandable if he wasn’t able to make the switch effectively, but none of that was the case. Smith quickly made right field at Daikin Park his new home. The transition was really smooth. This came as a pleasant surprise to the Astros, as Smith continued to make great plays in right field and looked like an effective major league outfielder with a strong arm and big frame that could cover a lot of ground. 

Though it didn’t always look natural early, Smith became reliable in right field. All that impressive work has now resulted in a Gold Glove nomination for the rookie in his first year at a new position. Smith ranked first in zone rating at .900 and tied third for assists (6) among AL right fielders. He was also second in fielding percentage at .992. 

ESPN will announce the winners on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. CST.

Astros’ Defense was a Bright Spot

Houston relied on three-time Gold Glover Christian Walker at first base this season. While he wasn’t nominated, it was clear the Astros had the best defensive first baseman in the game, capable of snagging anything thrown his way. 

When Carlos Correa was traded back to the Astros, he made the switch to third base to replace the injured Isaac Paredes. He made the move look seamless and became an elite defender at the hot corner, making tough catches and using that rocket arm of his across the infield. 

While Jake Meyers missed 58 games this season, his glove in center field has been terrific for the Astros. Meyers has made some great catches and covered ground with ease. Many believe he will win a Gold Glove soon. 

Additionally, the Astros added utility man Ramón Urías at the trade deadline from the Baltimore Orioles, who won a Gold Glove in 2022 at third base. Urías made an instant defensive impact all over the infield and has made it arguably the most versatile defense in baseball. Outfielder Jesús Sánchez also showed flashes of brilliance with some leaping catches at the wall to rob a couple of home runs. 

Overall, the Astros ranked sixth in baseball in defensive efficiency and eighth in fielding percentage, according to Baseball Reference. That is good for third in the American League for both categories.