It’s that time of year again — when slick gloves, jaw-dropping dives, and perfect throws get the love they deserve. Here’s a look at the NL’s best defenders who turned defense into art in 2025 (via MLB.com).
1. Patrick Bailey (C, San Francisco Giants)
San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey (14) gestures while rousing the bases after hitting a walk off grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the tenth inning at Oracle Park. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Bailey was an absolute wall behind the plate for the Giants. His framing, blocking, and cannon arm made life miserable for baserunners all season long.
2. Matt Olson (1B, Atlanta Braves)
Atlanta Braves first base Matt Olson (28) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Truist Park. Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Another year, another Gold Glove for Olson. He makes scooping bad throws look easy and never seems rattled, no matter how hot the shot down the line.
3. Nico Hoerner (2B, Chicago Cubs)
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Hoerner’s range and instincts at second base are unreal. He’s the kind of player who’s always in the right spot — like he has a GPS for ground balls.
4. Masyn Winn (SS, St. Louis Cardinals)
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) walks back to the dugout after striking out against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The kid’s the real deal. Winn brought flash and flair to the Cardinals’ infield, making plays that had fans (and probably his pitchers) shaking their heads in disbelief.
5. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B, Pittsburgh Pirates/Cincinnati Reds)
The Pittsburgh Pirates Ke’Bryan Hayes is greeted by his teammates after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins PNC Park. Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
Hayes, who moved from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati in July, owns the hot corner — plain and simple. His glove is as smooth as it gets, and he makes charging bunts and snagging liners look effortless.
6. Ian Happ (LF, Chicago Cubs)
Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning during game five of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Happ just keeps doing his thing on the left. He’s got great reads off the bat and turns tough chances into routine outs with ease.
7. Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF, Chicago Cubs)
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Welcome to the Gold Glove club, PCA! The rookie center fielder covered more ground than a lawnmower this season — nothing fell in on his watch.
8. Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF, San Diego Padres)
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates his solo home run with teammates in the dugout against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Rate Field. Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Tatis in right field? Turns out, it’s a perfect fit. His athleticism, arm strength, and pure swagger made him one of the most electric defenders in baseball.
9. Logan Webb (P, San Francisco Giants)
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) throws against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning at Oracle Park. Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Webb didn’t just pitch like an ace — he fielded like one too. Whether it was snagging comebackers or fielding bunts, he made it all look smooth and easy.
10. Javier Sanoja (Utility, Miami Marlins)
Miami Marlins second baseman Javier Sanoja (46) reacts after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sanoja proved he can handle just about any spot on the diamond with confidence and style. His versatility and slick glove made him the ultimate defensive weapon for Miami.
Conclusion
The 2025 NL Gold Glove crew had it all — range, instincts, and highlight-worthy moments all season long. Defense might not always grab the headlines, but these guys made sure it did this year.