Seattle Mariners third baseman Ben Williamson gets ready to field a ball during a game against the Texas Rangers on June 29 at Globe Life Field. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners Rookie Infielder Ranks Near Top of Defensive Leaderboards

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Teren Kowatsch | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Seattle Mariners have placed a heavy emphasis on defense the last several seasons. The Mariners built their entire team's identity around pitching, and have tried to construct a roster that can support the staff.

That approach has been recognized. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh won the Platinum Glove award for his contributions in 2024 and utility player Dylan Moore won a Gold Glove award for his defense at multiple positions.

One of Seattle's rookie infielders is quietly putting together his own Gold Glove-caliber season.

Ben Williamson has been the Mariners' starting third baseman for the vast majority of games since he was called up to the big leagues April 13. The 2023 second-round draft pick's glove was considered the strongest part of his game, and that assessment has rang true so far.

Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) posted a graphic on "X" on Friday showing the major league leaders in defensive runs saved (DRS). At the top of the majors is Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes with 13. Second place on that list was Williamson with nine.

Defensive Runs Saved Leaders - Third Baseman pic.twitter.com/aLthvYNc7H
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) July 18, 2025

Williamson is the highest-ranked American League third baseman in DRS this season. The next-highest AL defender at the position, the Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement, has six. Williamson has one out above average this season, which ranks in the 77th percentile in the majors, according to Baseball Savant.

Williamson has suited up in 74 games this season, including 68 starts at third. He's played a total of 608.1 innings at the hot corner entering Saturday. He has a .982 fielding percentage with three errors in 168 total chances. He's helped turn eight double plays, and has been responsible for some web-gem grabs.