In baseball statistics , defensive runs saved ( DRS ) measures the number of runs a player saved or cost his team on defense relative to an average player. Any positive number is above average, and the best fielders typically have a DRS figure of 15 to 20 for a season. The statistic was developed by Baseball Info Solutions and the data used in calculating it first became available for Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2003.
12-434: Fielding percentage is the statistic that has traditionally been used to measure defensive ability, but it fails to account for a fielder's defensive range . Fielders who can cover a large area on defense are able to make plays that most players would not have the chance to make. DRS was created to take range into account when measuring a player's defensive ability. In calculating DRS, points are either added or subtracted to
24-461: A "point" equates to. The table below shows a comparison between the top 10 shortstops in terms of fielding percentage and the top 10 shortstops in terms of defensive runs saved from 2002 to 2019 in MLB. The table shows that only two players appear on both lists (Simmons and Hardy), exemplifying that there is a difference in what the two statistics measure. Note that DRS statistics are only available from
36-441: A ball surrenders a hit instead of having an opportunity to make an out or an error . Conversely, a highly skilled fielder might have a comparatively low fielding percentage by virtue of reaching, and potentially missing, a greater number of balls. In order to qualify for the league lead in fielding percentage, an infielder or outfielder must appear at the specific position in at least two-thirds of his team's games (games in
48-456: A fielder's rating depending on whether or not they make a play on a ball that is hit towards them. For example, if a ball hit to the center fielder is expected to be caught 30 percent of the time, the fielder will lose .3 points if he does not catch it, or will gain .7 points if he does catch it. Each player's total points are later adjusted based on league averages, both with regards to average defensive performance, and with regards to how many runs
60-400: Is calculated by the sum of putouts and assists , divided by the number of total chances (putouts + assists + errors ). While a high fielding percentage is regarded as a sign of defensive skill, it is also possible for a player of lesser defensive skill to have a high fielding percentage, as it does not reflect or take into account a player's defensive range ; a player who cannot get to
72-1045: The Tampa Bay Rays . The Orioles set team fielding records in the modern era, with the fewest errors in a 162-game season (54) and highest team fielding percentage (.991). The Orioles finished preseason spring training with a 19–9 win–loss record, the best record in the Grapefruit League. This excludes four tie games, which did not count toward the standings. Infielders Outfielders Coaches Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BB = Walks; AVG = Batting average; SLG = Slugging average Source: [1] Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts Source: [2] The following players represented
84-548: The 2003 MLB season through the present. Thus, players of earlier eras who were noted for the defensive skills—such as third baseman Brooks Robinson and shortstop Ozzie Smith —were not evaluated in this manner. Also note that there is some variation in DRS as presented on baseball reference sites—for example, Baseball-Reference.com credits Adrián Beltré with a DRS figure of 201 for his career, while FanGraphs credits him with 200. The below figures are sourced from FanGraphs. Through
96-732: The Orioles in the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game The following players received Gold Glove Awards for the 2013 MLB season The following player received the American League Platinum Glove Award for the 2013 MLB season The following players received Silver Slugger Awards for the 2013 MLB season 1st baseman Chris Davis won the American League home run championship (53) and RBI championship (138), and set franchise records for home runs and extra-base hits (96). The Orioles set
108-406: The end of the 2021 MLB season , the highest DRS recorded in a single season was by shortstop Andrelton Simmons , who had a DRS of 41 in 2017, while the lowest DRS recorded in a single season at one position was by center fielder Matt Kemp , who had a DRS of -33 in 2010. Through the end of the 2023 MLB season, the highest cumulative DRS for a career is 201, by shortstop Andrelton Simmons , while
120-426: The lowest DRS for a career is -165 by shortstop Derek Jeter . Note that the totals for both Beltré and Jeter only reflect 2003 onward, even though both players began their MLB careers earlier. Fielding percentage In baseball statistics , fielding percentage , also known as fielding average , is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball. It
132-407: The outfield are not separated by position). A catcher must appear in at least half his team's games. A pitcher must pitch at least one inning for each of his team's scheduled games (however, a pitcher with fewer innings may qualify if they have more total chances and a higher average). In order to qualify for major league career records for fielding average, a player must appear in 1,000 games at
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#1732783626436144-489: The position; pitchers must have at least 1,500 innings. The MLB record for team fielding percentage is currently held by the 2013 Baltimore Orioles , with a .99104 fielding percentage. 2013 Baltimore Orioles The 2013 Baltimore Orioles season was the 113th season in franchise history, the 60th in Baltimore , and the 22nd at Oriole Park at Camden Yards . The Orioles began the 2013 season on April 2 against
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