The Top 3 Platinum Glove Candidates for 2025

When searching for the best defensive catcher in the sport, look no further than San Francisco, as Giants catcher Patrick Bailey takes this crown with ease. There is a strong case that Bailey has been the game’s best catcher for a few seasons now, and he’s taken his defensive abilities to new heights in 2025.

This year, Bailey’s fielding run value has jumped from 28 to 31, a number that is far and above the second-place mark of 22 (more on that guy in a moment). Naturally, this number puts him in the 100th percentile, a much-deserved recognition for a player of his defensive caliber.

Fielding run value is far from the only metric in which Bailey shines defensively. He ranks first in Baseball Savant’s framing runs, once again placing well above the second-place contender. Bailey has registered 25 framing runs this season, while Alejandro Kirk ranks second with 15.

Bailey’s defensive prowess continues when looking toward his arm, which ranks near the top of the sport. He currently ranks third in throwing runs, with his 1.86-second average pop time putting him in the 99th percentile. Thanks to that strong arm, he ranks in the 97th percentile in caught stealing above average.

With 19 DRS (defensive runs saved) to his name, Bailey is once again well above his competition in this field. In fact, he’s the only catcher in baseball with more than 13 DRS.

The only part of Bailey’s defensive game where he’s not near the very top of the league is in blocking. However, he’s still a fairly good blocker, as his five blocks above average put him in the league’s 80th percentile.

Seeing the numbers, Bailey doesn’t have much competition for the title of best defensive catcher in baseball. It’s not just that he’s elite across the board. He’s not even in the same ballpark as his competition at the position.

If Bailey were to win the Platinum Glove Award, he’d be the third catcher in the last four years to do so. However, with the other two catchers being in the American League, Bailey would be the first catcher to take home the award in the National League since Yadier Molina in 2015.

With this season being a historically great defensive season for Bailey, he makes a legitimate case to be called the best defender in the sport.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS – Kansas City Royals (AL)

Dominating in the batter’s box has helped Bobby Witt Jr. earn a reputation as one of the best players in baseball. Yet, he’s also one of the most well-rounded players you’ll find in the sport, and his defense is arguably the most slept-on aspect of his game.

Despite his meager two DRS this season, the Statcast fielding metrics love Witt’s glove.

Witt currently ranks first in baseball with 24 OAA. Along with Ke’Bryan Hayes and Masyn Winn, Witt is one of just three infielders to register an OAA of at least 20 during the 2025 campaign.

Witt ranks third in baseball in Statcast’s runs prevented, but he’s once again the top infielder on the leaderboard. He’s also registered an above-average arm, as his arm strength currently ranks in the 73rd percentile.

With Witt possessing a fairly strong and accurate arm, he’s able to make tougher throws across the diamond that the average shortstop can’t always make. In fact, a few plays he’s made this season likely wouldn’t have even drawn throws from other shortstops around the league.

Where Witt truly shines is in his athletic abilities at shortstop, with his speed allowing him to cover more ground than nearly every other shortstop in the sport. Being one of the fastest players in the game, he has less trouble tracking down balls hit into the gaps around him.

The Kansas City Royals have the second-best fielding percentage in the AL, and Witt’s defense is a big reason why. Having a shortstop this valuable helps the team get out of tough innings, making the pitchers around him better in the process.

Overall, Bobby Witt Jr. has displayed all the tools necessary to be considered the top defensive infielder in the sport. With his defensive showing being this impressive, it’s difficult not to throw his name into consideration for the Platinum Glove Award.

Ceddanne Rafaela, CF/2B – Boston Red Sox (AL)

Last season, Ceddanne Rafaela was tasked with the difficult challenge of playing multiple positions, becoming a true utilityman for the Red Sox in his first full MLB campaign. Rafaela handled the challenge with grace, and he’s since been rewarded with an everyday role in center field (though he has still filled in at second on occasion). He’s not only succeeded, but he’s thrived.

Given his performance in center field, Rafaela has a legitimate claim to the title of “best defensive outfielder in baseball,” as he leads the way in nearly every single category. Rafaela has posted 22 OAA this season, which is tied with Masyn Winn for second in the sport.

Rafaela’s high OAA is largely due to his 92nd percentile sprint speed, which allows him to track balls down deep into the left or right field gaps.

Despite coming in at just 5-foot-10, Rafaela possesses a cannon for an arm. His arm value comes in at the 86th percentile, with his 93.5-mph arm strength registering in the 96th. This is incredibly valuable for a center fielder, as he has no problem gunning down runners as they try to advance on deep fly balls.

Rafaela is one of two outfielders to register an OAA above 20, joining Pete Crow-Armstrong in this exclusive club. The next closest American League center fielder is Denzel Clarke, who comes in at an OAA of 13.

Another area Rafaela has succeeded in is his jump. He regularly posts elite reaction times in the outfield, allowing him to be explosive in his first few steps. Covering nearly 40 feet of ground on his average jump, Rafaela produces a true “no-fly zone” in the Fenway Park outfield.

Being a center fielder is no easy task, but Rafaela has handled the challenge with ease. Covering tons of ground to his right and to his left, he’s truly been one of baseball’s best defenders in 2025. Rafaela has a legitimate chance to take home a Platinum Glove Award as a result of these defensive skills.

Who Has the Best Chance to Win the Awards?

Taking all of the numbers into consideration, there’s no doubt in my mind that Patrick Bailey is most worthy of the Platinum Glove Award. If there were only one award, he would be most deserving.

The gap between Bailey’s defense and the defensive skills showcased by other catchers around the league is massive. He’s not just better than the rest of the league, but he’s in a league of his own defensively. Virtually no catcher comes close to his framing skills, pop time, and overall game-calling abilities. Given this, Bailey is my clear pick for the NL’s Platinum Glove Award.

As for the American League Platinum Glove Award winner, the choice is a little tougher. The gap between the few best fielders in the AL is closer than in the NL. However, to me, Bobby Witt Jr. makes the most sense for this award.

With Witt posting the highest OAA in the sport and leading baseball in most other defensive categories, he immediately sticks out as the clear choice. This is especially impressive considering how valuable a good defensive shortstop is. With Witt’s career already off to such a promising start, this award would be another addition to an already crowded trophy case.