5 best defensive outfielders in baseball
With the baseball world celebrating the life of Roberto Clemente - one of the all-time great defensive outfielders - we take a look at the five best defensive outfielders in the game today.
Lorenzo Cain
Pos: CF | Exp: 6 years
2015 Defensive Runs Saved: 18 (6th)
Cain's displayed his defensive skill set on baseball's biggest stage each of the last two seasons in helping the Royals to consecutive World Series appearances. A true five-tool talent, Cain ranks second among all outfielders in defensive runs saved since the start of the 2013 campaign.
Jason Heyward
Pos: RF | Exp: 6 years
2015 Defensive Runs Saved: 24 (T3)
With so much attention paid to Heyward's performance at the plate, many overlook his play in right field, where he's put himself shoulder to shoulder with the game's elite. He showed off his arm and scored points with the North Side faithful by cutting down Matt Holliday at the plate to preserve a 2-1 win over the rival Cardinals on April 19.
Kevin Kiermaier
Pos: CF | Exp: 3 years
2015 Defensive Runs Saved: 42 (1st)
Kiermaier swung a hot stick to help himself hang around with the big club during his first extended stay in Tampa, but his defense in center field has made him a fixture at The Trop. He won a Gold Glove in his first full year with the Rays in 2015, and his 42 defensive runs saved represent the highest single-season total accumulated since that statistic's been recorded.
Kevin Pillar
Pos: CF | Exp: 3 years
2015 Defensive Runs Saved: 22 (5th)
It took Pillar until his age-26 season to become a regular in a loaded Blue Jays lineup, and he's made the most of his time patrolling the outfield at the Rogers Centre. The Toronto fan base has really taken to Pillar, even going so far as to compare him to Superman for his gravity-defying, highlight-reel catches.
Mike Trout
Pos: CF | Exp: 6 years
2015 Defensive Runs Saved: 5 (T22)
While some advanced statistics may not shine the most flattering of lights on Trout's play in center field, one must only watch him a short time to appreciate his defensive prowess. Trout's impact on all facets of the game has earned him the respect of the baseball community - he's finished in the top two in AL MVP voting in all four of his full seasons in the bigs.