The 2019 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Awards were announced on Wednesday during a special telecast on MLB Network.
Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez became a first-time winner and was also named the overall defensive player of the year. This was the first time in the history of the award that a catcher received it.
The 2019 @wilsonballglove overall Defensive Player of the Year: @robperez2015. pic.twitter.com/r6pwyBd8kn
— MLB (@MLB) November 6, 2019
The 30-year-old backstop caught 993 2/3 innings for the Indians and led all of MLB at any position with 29 defensive runs saved.
Here's a complete list of the 2019 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award winners at each position:
| POS | WINNER | TEAM |
|---|---|---|
| C | Roberto Perez | CLE |
| 1B | Freddie Freeman | ATL |
| 2B | Kolten Wong | STL |
| 3B | Matt Chapman | OAK |
| SS | Andrelton Simmons | LAA |
| LF | David Peralta | ARI |
| CF | Lorenzo Cain | MIL |
| RF | Aaron Judge | NYY |
| P | Zack Greinke | ARI/HOU |
The winners are determined by a statistical formula that combines traditional defensive stats with advanced metrics, as well as data logged by experts working for scouting service Inside Edge.
- 25% Defensive WAR
- 25% Defensive Runs Saved
- 20% Inside Edge Fielding Rating
- 20% Inside Edge Arm Rating
- 10% Fielding Percentage
Meanwhile, the Houston Astros were named MLB's Defensive Team of the Year for the first time.
The Astros led baseball in defensive WAR, defensive efficiency and inside edge rating.
