Greatest MLB Defensive Players of All Time

Major League Baseball has had plenty of great defensive players. These are the best glovemen at every position in baseball history.

TTO has done more to hurt defense than Daniel Murphy ever could on his worst day. That’s short for Three True Outcomes, also known as walks, strikeouts and home runs.

In the 2019 season, 35 percent of all plate appearances ended in one of the three, a recent trend that meant even fewer balls in the field of play, which meant fewer chances for a highlight-reel play that could make the hairs on our arms stand at attention. For true seamheads, this was absolutely rotten news.

So before defense becomes extinct altogether and it’s too late, let’s pay homage to the best glovemen at each position in baseball history. Remember, kids, head up and glove down.

Catcher: Johnny Bench

Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989. Lenny Ignelzi / AP Photo

Career: 1967-83 (17 seasons)

Teams: Cincinnati Reds

dWAR: 19.7

Caught stealing percentage: .435

Gold Glove Awards: 10 (1968-77)

Note: All stats are through the 2019 MLB season. The criteria were a combination of Gold Glove Awards (since 1957) and metrics such as Defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR), Total Zone Runs (an estimate of runs saved in the field) and Range Factor per nine innings with an assist from YouTube on occasion.

Bottom Line: Johnny Bench

Johnny Bench and Campy Campaneris in 1972 World Series

Johnny Bench won two World Series with the Cincinnati Reds. AP Photo

Does ex-teammate-turned-mortal enemy Pete Rose agree with us here? Don’t bet on it.

Yet it’s hard to deny Johnny Bench’s combination of strength, athleticism, smarts and leadership behind the plate. Let’s also not forget how the “Little General” revolutionized the position with his hinged glove and one-handed technique.

The two-time Most Valuable Player was a natural, the first catcher to be awarded a Gold Glove in his rookie season.

Honorable Mention Catcher: Roy Campanella

Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella makes a play against the New York Yankees in 1956. AP Photo

Career: 1948-57 (10 seasons)

Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers

dWAR: 8.5

Caught stealing percentage: .574

Gold Glove Awards: None

Bottom Line: Roy Campanella

Roy Campanella was a three-time MVP. AP Photo

“Campy” had no weaknesses other than the assorted hurts that went with the position.

“The Cat” was nearly as quick as he was strong — no catcher had a higher caught stealing percentage in MLB history — and his ability to call games and handle pitchers was widely known.

If not for a tragic auto accident that ended his career prematurely, the three-time Most Valuable Player likely would have become the first black manager in the major leagues.

Honorable Mention Catcher: Ivan Rodriguez

Ivan Rodriguez had one of the strongest arms behind the plate in baseball history. John Todd / AP Photo

Career: 1991-2011 (21 seasons)

Teams: Texas Rangers (1991-2002, 2009), Florida Marlins (2003), Detroit Tigers (2004-08), New York Yankees (2008), Houston Astros (2009), Washington (2010-11)

dWAR: 29.6

Caught stealing percentage: .457

Gold Glove Awards: 13 (1992-2001, 2004, 2006-07)

Bottom Line: Ivan Rodriguez

Ivan Rodriguez was a 14-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017. John Dunn / AP Photo

Known as “Pudge” because of his size and attitude, he’s the all-time leader in Gold Gloves and swag at the position.

The son of an amateur catcher could single-handedly shut down run games.

No player did so at a higher rate in the free-agent era.

First Base: Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez was as good as it gets at first base. Wilbur Funches / AP Photo

Career: 1974-90 (17 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1974-83), New York Mets (1983-89), Cleveland Indians (1990)

dWAR: 1.3

Total Zone Runs at the position: 120

Gold Glove Awards: 11 (1978-88)

Bottom Line: Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez was nicknamed “Mex.” Ray Stubblebine / AP Photo

No first baseman won more Gold Gloves (11) in his career.

And none led the league in Total Zone Runs more times (eight).

He deserves to be in the Hall of Defense at the very least.

Honorable Mention First Base: Vic Power

Minnesota Twins first baseman Vic Power and his 3-year-old son Eddie warm up for a father-son game in Minneapolis in 1962. Gene Herrick

Career: 1954-65 (12 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics (1954-1958), Cleveland Indians (1958-61) Minnesota Twins (1962-64), Los Angeles-California Angels (1964), Philadelphia Phillies (1964-65)

dWAR: -0.8

Total Zone Runs at the position: 62

Gold Glove Awards: 7 (1960-66)

Bottom Line: Vic Power

Vic Power (No. 7) made only 97 errors in 1,655 games. AP Photo

The Puerto Rican flash was ahead of his time, what with his sweeping glove motions and one-handed technique, which were no-no’s in his day.

Truth is, few ever played the field with more flair and confidence. He could have won two more Gold Gloves if they had been awarded, in which case he would rank second in American League history.

Honorable Mention First Base: Bill White

Bill White was an eight-time All-Star. sigg20 / Twitter

Career: 1956-69 (13 seasons)

Teams: New York/San Francisco Giants (1956, 1958), St. Louis Cardinals (1959-1965, 1969), Philadelphia Phillies (1966-68)

dWAR: -3.8

Total Zone Runs at the position: 55

Gold Glove Awards: 7 (1960-66)

Bottom line: His dWar number is skewed by misspent time in center field. Only Keith Hernandez won more Gold Gloves among National Leaguers at his best position.

And Bill White almost certainly would have one more (1956) if the award had been in existence.

He was the league leader in Total Zone Runs five times.

Bottom Line: Bill White

Bill White had a .992 career fielding percentage. sigg20 / Twitter

Bottom line: His dWar number is skewed by misspent time in center field. Only Keith Hernandez won more Gold Gloves among National Leaguers at his best position.

And Bill White almost certainly would have one more (1956) if the award had been in existence.

He was the league leader in Total Zone Runs five times.

Second Base: Bill Mazeroski

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957. Walter Stein / AP Photo

Career: 1956-1972 (17 seasons)

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates

dWAR: 24.0

Total Zone Runs at the position: 148

Gold Glove Awards: 8 (1958, 1960-61, 1963-67)

Bottom Line: Bill Mazeroski

Bill Mazeroski was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series winner. Harry Harris / AP Photo

Some call him the Babe Ruth of defense. No argument here. “The Glove” is the MLB career leader in Total Zone Runs and double plays at the position — and it would take a search party to find the next in line.

Indeed, he turned the double play into an art form, sort of like a Mikhail Baryshnikovski in cleats.

Now here’s the stat that you never hear: Over 12 seasons, Maz played 1,722 complete games (86 percent), the kind of durability (overuse?) that almost certainly lessened his performance.

Honorable Mention Second Base: Bobby Knoop

California Angels infielder Bobby Knoop was one of the Angels’ first recognizable figures, earning the club’s MVP award four times in its inaugural decade in the 1960s. George Brich / AP Photo

Career: 1964-72 (nine seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles-California Angeles (1964-69), Chicago White Sox (69–70) Kansas City Royals (1971-72)

dWAR: 10.0

Total Zone Runs at the position: 66

Gold Glove Awards: 3 (1966-68)

Bottom Line: Bobby Knoop

Bobby Knoop played in 1,121 career games. Brian Holland/?Kansas City Municipal Stadium Tribute Page / Facebook

Bobby Knoop and Bill Mazeroski are the only second basemen to lead the league in Total Zone Runs, Range Factor per nine innings and double plays turned as many as four times each.

And he pulled it off in only eight seasons as a regular. A career .630 OPS dwarfed his excellence in the field.

Honorable Mention Second Base: Frank White

Kansas City Royals second sacker Frank White fires to first against the New York Yankees in 1977. AP Photo

Career: 1973-90 (18 seasons)

Teams: Kansas City Royals

dWAR: 21.9

Total Zone Runs at the position: 126

Gold Glove Awards: 8 (1977-82, 1986-87)

Bottom Line: Frank White

Frank White started 2,051 games at second base for the Kansas City Royals. BigHairPlasGras / Twitter

Bottom line: Roberto Alomar and his record 10 Gold Gloves originally were in this spot, but this Royals lifer got the final nod because of his impressive career metrics.

“Smooth” ranks second in TZR and 11th in Range Factor per nine innings at the position.

Frank White also is 10th in double plays turned.

Third Base: Brooks Robinson

Baltimore Oriole third baseman Brooks Robinson dives to stop sharp grounder against the New York Yankees in 1967. AP Photo

Career: 1955-77 (23 seasons)

Teams: Baltimore Orioles

dWAR: 39.1

Total Zone Runs at the position: 293

Gold Glove Awards: 16 (1960-75)

Bottom Line: Brooks Robinson

Brooks Robinson was the 1964 American League MVP. AP Photo

A few had better range. Some had stronger arms. But nobody was a more complete package than this gold standard at the hot corner.

Brooks Robinson’s 16 Gold Gloves are the most for a non-pitcher in MLB history.

He’s also the all-time leader in Total Zone Runs from here to Funkstown.

Honorable Mention Third Base: Buddy Bell

Texas Rangers third baseman Buddy Bell chases down Philadelphia Phillies baserunner Mike Schmidt to apply the tag during 1981 All-Star Game. AP Photo

Career: 1972-89 (18 seasons)

Teams: Cleveland Indians (1972-78), Texas Rangers (1979-85, 1989), Cincinnati Reds (1985-88), Houston Astros (1988)

dWAR: 23.8

Total Zone Runs at the position: 167

Gold Glove Awards: 6 (1979-84)

Bottom Line: Buddy Bell

Buddy Bell had a career. 965 fielding percentage.

Bottom line: This guy never played a postseason game, so unlike Brooks Robinson in the 1970 World Series, Buddy Bell never had a chance to showcase his skills in front of a national audience.

Now guess who’s second to Robinson in career Total Zone Runs at the position.

Bell also ranks fifth in Range Factor per nine innings (3.18) overall.

Honorable Mention Third Base: Mike Schmidt

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1983. AP Photo

Career: 1972-89 (18 seasons)

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies

dWAR: 18.4

Total Zone Runs at the position: 129

Gold Glove Awards: 10 (1976-84, 1986)

Bottom Line: Mike Schmidt

Mike Schmidt was three-time NL MVP and 12-time All-Star. G. Paul Burnett / AP Photo

Anyone who believes this guy was one-dimensional doesn’t know Michael Jack Schmidt.

Mike Schmidt is the only third baseman among the top 10 in Gold Gloves (second), Range Factor per nine innings (seventh) and Total Zone Runs (ninth).

Plus, we like to write Michael Jack, OK?

Shortstop: Ozzie Smith

St. Louis Cardinals Ozzie Smith turns a double play against the San Francisco Giants Chris Speier in the 1987 NLCS. Gene Puskar / AP Photo

Career: 1978-96 (19 seasons)

Teams: San Diego Padres (1978-81), St. Louis Cardinals (1982-96)

dWAR: 44.2

Total Zone Runs at the position: 239

Gold Glove Awards: 13 (1980-92)

Bottom Line: Ozzie Smith

Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. Rob Kozloff / AP Photo

“The Wizard” is the all-time leader in dWAR.

He’s also on the short list of Total Zone Runs (fourth), Range Factor per nine innings (fifth) and jaws dropped (many) in major league history.

Any questions, kiddos?

Honorable Mention Shortstop: Luis Aparicio

Chicago White Sox shortstop Luis Aparicio completes a double play against the Boston Red Sox in 1958. Frank C. Curtin / AP Photo

Career: 1956-73 (18 seasons)

Teams: Chicago White Sox (1956-1965, 1969-1973), Baltimore Orioles (1966-68)

dWAR: 31.8

Total Zone Runs at the position: 149

Gold Glove Awards: 9 (1958-62, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970)

Bottom Line: Luis Aparicio

Luis Aparicio was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. OldTimeHardball / Twitter

When “Little Louie” led the new wave of Hispanic players in the bigs, the position went from 33 1/3 to 78 rpm in terms of athleticism and entertainment value.

He ranks third in Gold Gloves and fourth in Total Zone Runs among shortstops.

He’s also No. 6 in dWAR at any position.

Honorable Mention Shortstop: Mark Belanger

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Mark Belanger leaps to turn two against the Texas Rangers in 1978. JG / AP Photo

Career: 1965-82 (18 seasons)

Teams: Baltimore Orioles (1965-81), Los Angeles Dodgers (1982)

dWAR: 39.5

Total Zone Runs at the position: 238

Gold Glove Awards: 8 (1969, 1973-78)

Bottom Line: Mark Belanger

Mark Belanger had a career .977 fielding percentage. JG

How great does a career .228 hitter have to be to play regularly for 10 seasons?

Try this great: second in career Defensive WAR, third in Total Zone Runs and third in Range Factor per nine innings on the all-time list.

That’s Mark Belanger, folks.

Left Field: Barry Bonds

Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Barry Bonds races into foul territory to catch a fly ball against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1990. Chris Gardner / AP Photo

Career: 1986-2007 (22 seasons)

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-92), San Francisco Giants (1993-2007)

dWAR: 7.6

Total Zone Runs at the position: 184

Gold Glove Awards: 8 (1990-94, 1996-98)

Bottom Line: Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds won seven National League MVPs during his career. Dino Vournas / AP Photo

He’s the all-time leader. No, not in home runs, Sluggo, but Total Zone Runs among left fielders.

Forgot how much ground he covered in his pre-roids days, didn’t you?

Barry Bonds also had a plus arm. As opposed to the puss arm who couldn’t throw out Sid Bream with the 1992 NLCS on the line.

Honorable Mention Left Field: Alex Gordon

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon catches a fly ball against the Boston Red Sox in 2011. Charlie Riedel / AP Photo

Career: 2007-present (13 seasons)

Teams: Kansas City Royals

dWAR: 8.6

Total Zone Runs at the position: 114

Gold Glove Awards: 7 (2011-14, 2017-19)

Bottom Line: Alex Gordon

Alex Gordon has cannon for an arm. Charlie Riedel / AP Photo

The best left fielder of the millennium ranks behind only Barry Bonds and Carl Yastrzemski on the career Total Zone Runs list.

At 35, Alex Gordon is a good bet to rank second when all is said and done.

Honorable Mention Left Field: Carl Yastrzemski

Boston Red Sox left fielder Carl Yastrzemski leaps high over the fence to prevent a home run by Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench during the 1969 All-Star Game. AP Photo

Career: 1962-84 (23 seasons)

Teams: Boston Red Sox

dWAR: 1.0

Total Zone Runs at the position: 135

Gold Glove Awards: 7 (1963, 1965, 1967-69, 1971, 1977)

Bottom Line: Carl Yastrzemski

Carl Yastrzemski was an 18-time All-Star. AP Photo

Yaz had better range than many center fielders and a stronger arm than some right fielders.

He also played the Green Monster at Fenway Pahk like it was his rec room wall. No one did it so well for so long.

Center Field: Willie Mays

San Francisco Giants centerfielder Willie Mays snags Milwaukee Braves slugger Eddie Mathew’s long drive in 1959. Ernest K. Bennett / AP Photo

Career: 1951-52, 1954-73 (22 seasons)

Teams: New York/San Francisco Giants (1951-52, 1954-1972), New York Mets (1972-73)

dWAR: 18.2

Total Zone Runs at the position: 176

Gold Glove Awards: 12 (1957-68)

Bottom Line: Willie Mays

Willie Mays was a 24-time All-Star and two-time MVP. RDS / AP Photo

All you need to know about his defensive prowess can be seen on one epic play in the 1954 World Series opener.

Some have better metrics at the position, but none come close to Willie Mays’ combination of athleticism, arm strength, instincts, entertainment value and … nickname. “The Say Hey Kid.”

Really, how cool is that?

Honorable Mention Center Field: Paul Blair

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Paul Blair in 1968. Toby Massey / AP Photo

Career: 1964-80 (17 seasons)

Teams: Baltimore Orioles (1964-76), New York Yankees (1977-80), Cincinnati Reds (1979).

dWAR: 18.8

Total Zone Runs at the position: 171

Gold Glove Awards: 8 (1967, 1969-75)

Bottom Line: Paul Blair

Paul Blair with his son Terry in 1966. AP Photo

“Motormouth” played so shallow in the field, he could almost shake hands with the second-base umpire. That’s how confident the former prep school track-basketball star was in his speed, quickness and ups.

Paul Blair’s home run thievery in the final game of the 1966 World Series sweep was one of the greatest plays ever in postseason play, but because it came in the pre-YouTube days, it was never recognized as such.

This guy made it look way too easy.

Honorable Mention Center Field: Andruw Jones

Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones makes a diving catch against the Chicago Cubs in 2001. Charles Bennett / AP Photo

Career: 1996-2012 (17 seasons)

Teams: Atlanta Braves (1996-2007), Los Angeles Dodgers (2008), Texas Rangers (2009), Chicago White Sox (2010), New York Yankees (2011-12)

dWAR: 24.4

Total Zone Runs at position: 230

Gold Glove Awards: 10 (1998-2007)

Bottom Line: Andruw Jones

Andruw Jones played in 2,051 major league games. Reinhold MatayA / AP Photo

Want a crazy stat? OK, we’ve got your crazy right here.

“The Curacao Kid” ranks second in Total Zone Runs (253) in baseball history. Not only as an outfielder, mind you, but at any position. That’s right — more than Ozzie Smith even.

The best center fielder since Willie Mays combined great instincts, a quick first step and precise routes to the ball.

Right Field: Roberto Clemente

This was a scary sight for opposing players. Billy Slobin / Facebook

Career: 1955-72 (18 seasons)

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates

dWAR: 12.2

Total Zone Runs at the position: 204

Gold Glove Awards: 12 (1961-72)

Bottom Line: Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente, the 1966 NL MVP, was a 15-time All-Star and won two World Series with Pirates. AP Photo

“The Great One” would be the first player who we would pay to watch play defense. See, the career leader in Total Zone Runs at the position had a certain mystique about him, an unmatched flair and grace and passion that set him apart from the rest.

His 254 assists are the most by an outfielder in the live ball era, which is nutso when you consider that, once word got around, a runner would almost rather have a lobotomy than risk embarrassment by his legendary arm.

Honorable Mention Right Field: Jesse Barfield

Jesse Barfield with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1988. AP Photo

Career: 1981-92 (12 seasons)

Teams: Toronto Blue Jays (1981-89), New York Yankees (1989-92)

dWAR: 12.2

Total Zone Runs at the position: 149

Gold Glove Awards: 2 (1986-87)

Bottom Line: Jesse Barfield

Jesse Barfield had 162 assists in his career. Toronto / Twitter

The best outfielder of the 1980s decade combined excellent range and a bazooka arm that rivaled the best ever (read: Roberto Clemente).

Jesse Barfield ranks 16th in Total Zone Runs at any position. If not for a relatively short shelf life, he might have more than one All-Star Game and two Gold Gloves on his resume.

Honorable Mention Right Field: Al Kaline

Detroit Tigers right fielder Al Kaline tumbles into the stands after knocking down a would-be homer by New York Yankees hitter Elston Howard and holding him to a double in 1963. Harry Harris / AP Photo

Career: 1953-74 (22 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Tigers

dWAR: 2.8

Total Zone Runs at the position: 154

Gold Glove Awards: 10 (1957-59, 1961-67)

Bottom Line: Al Kaline

Al Kaline was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980. Harry Harris / AP Photo

His arm strength was a half-cut below Roberto Clemente and Rocky Colavito in his day, but it was plenty strong and accurate enough. Dude, the underappreciated superstar once gunned down a baserunner in three consecutive innings.

Because range was a valuable commodity at spacious Tiger Stadium, Al Kaline spent nearly 20 percent of his time in center field.

Utility Man: Rey Sanchez

Chicago Cubs shortstop Rey Sanchez makes it look easy against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1996. Susan Sterner / AP Photo

Career: 1991-2005 (15 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Cubs (1991-97), New York Yankees (1997, 2005), San Francisco Giants (1998), Kansas City Royals (1999-2001), Atlanta Braves (2001), Boston Red Sox (2002), New York Mets (2003), Seattle Mariners (2003), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2004).

Positions: Shortstop, second base, third base

dWAR: 20.8

Total Zone Runs: 138

Gold Glove Awards: None

Bottom Line: Rey Sanchez

Rey Sanchez had 4,217 assists in his career. Duane Burleson / AP Photo

This guy didn’t hit enough to play regularly (career .642 OPS), but some team always wanted Rey Sanchez.

Would you believe that he’s the only shortstop among the top 10 in Range Factor per nine innings (sixth) and Total Zone Runs (seventh) in baseball history?

He played nearly 1,500 games in the field with nine different teams.

Honorable Mention Utility Man: Gil McDougald

New York Yankees second baseman Gil McDougald climbs the ladder to glove a throw against the Chicago White Sox in 1958. Murray Becker / AP Photo

Career: 1951-60 (10 seasons)

Teams: New York Yankees

Positions: Second base, third base, shortstop

dWAR: 14.0

Total Zone Runs: 70

Gold Glove Awards: None

Bottom Line: Gil McDougald

Gil McDougald had 2,352 putouts in his career. AP Photo

He was the ultimate glue guy, a personal favorite of manager Casey Stengel for good reason.

Gil McDougald’s fielding percentage and Range Factor per nine innings exceeded the league average at each of three positions.

He also ranks among the top 100 in career Total Zone Runs at second base (28th), shortstop (99th) and all positions (100th).

Honorable Mention Utility Man: Ben Zobrist

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist snares a ground ball against the Boston Red Sox in 2013. Winslow Townson / AP Photo

Career: 2006-19 (14 seasons)

Teams: Tampa Bay Rays (2006-14), Oakland Athletics (2015), Kansas City Royals (2015), Chicago Cubs (2016-19)

Positions: Second base, shortstop, outfield

dWAR: 7.3

Total Zone Runs:

Gold Glove Awards: None

Bottom Line: Ben Zobrist

Ben Zobrist won two World Series with Royals (2015) and Cubs (2016) and was the 2016 World Series MVP. Kamil Krzaczynski / AP Photo

In the 2017 season, this valuable moveable piece was among the Total Zone Runs leaders at second base and left field. Ben Zobrist also spent time at shortstop and right field in his career.

As even the Cubbies discovered, you can win a World Series with a guy like this.

Pitcher: Greg Maddux

San Diego Padres pitcher Greg Maddux fields ball hit against the Colorado Rockies in 2008. Denis Poroy / AP Photo

Career: 1986-2008 (23 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Cubs (1986-1990, 2004-06), Atlanta Braves (1993-2003), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008), San Diego Padres (2007-08)

Caught stealing percentage: .237

Gold Glove Awards: 18 (1990-2002, 2004-08)

Bottom Line: Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux was an ace with the glove, too. Jeff Roberson / AP Photo

“Mad Dog” dominated the Gold Glove Award for not one but two decades.

Even if only half of the 18 were based on merit — he ranked first in Total Zone Runs 13 times and fielding percentage three times — the result would be difficult to ignore.

Now about those base stealers.

Honorable Mention Pitcher: Mark Buehrle

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle gets creative against the Cleveland Indians in 2015. Tony Dejak / AP Photo

Career: 2000-15 (16 seasons)

Teams: Chicago White Sox (2000-11), Miami Marlins (2012), Toronto Blue Jays (2013-15)

Caught stealing percentage: .579

Gold Glove Awards: 4 (2009-12)

Bottom line: On Opening Day in 2010, the southpaw made a kick save on a shot up the middle, quickly ran down the ball in foul territory then executed a no-look, between-the-legs, glove-handed flip to first base for the out, the most insane, off-the-charts play by a pitcher in the history of history.

By the way, he ranked among the top five in assists in 15 consecutive seasons, five of them as the league leader, and his pickoff move was just plain filthy.

Bottom Line: Mark Buehrle

Mark Buehrle was a five-time All-Star. Mark Buehrle / Facebook

On Opening Day in 2010, the southpaw made a kick save on a shot up the middle, quickly ran down the ball in foul territory then executed a no-look, between-the-legs, glove-handed flip to first base for the out, the most insane, off-the-charts play by a pitcher in the history of history.

By the way, he ranked among the top five in assists in 15 consecutive seasons, five of them as the league leader, and his pickoff move was just plain filthy.

Honorable Mention Pitcher: Zack Greinke

Can you say fundamentally sound? LM Otero / AP Photo

Career: 2004-present (16 seasons)

Teams: Kansas City Royals (2004-10), Milwaukee Brewers (2011-12), Los Angeles Angels (2012), Los Angeles Dodgers (2013-15), Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-19), Houston Astros (2019-present)

Caught stealing percentage: .497

Gold Glove Awards: 6 (2014-19)

Bottom Line: Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke has a career .987 fielding percentage. Pat Sullivan

Is there a more fundamentally correct baseball player out there? Don’t think so.

Zack Greinke is the modern Greg Maddux, only with less range, surer hands (one error per 319 innings pitched) and a superior pickoff move.

He’s won six straight Gold Glove Awards, and no active pitcher has more assists (418) in his career.