A Brief Rundown of the Defensive Metrics Used To Create The List of Atlanta Braves 5 Worst Defenders in 2023
There are a lot of metrics to look at when deciding on Atlanta Braves players' defensive value. Some folks like looking at OAA but that only accounts for the relative range of an outfield and doesn't count the arm (sorry Ronnie).
Defensive Runs Saved has a wider array of factors and ultimately comes up with a number that tells you how much better or worse a player is than others at his position. Fangraphs' DEF rating takes the positional relativity out of it and basically tells you how a player scores compared to everyone in the league.
Matt Olson has a -11.9 DEF rating thus far but that's because it compares him to every player in baseball. Being lumped in with all the shortstops, catchers, and centerfielders is going to make most first-basemen look bad.
When you only compare Olson to other first basemen (which is what Defensive Runs Saved does, he has +3 DRS there. So, with that being said, we'll kind of take it all into account and ruffle some feathers.
The big question you all are wondering is probably this:
Will he go full jerk mode and include Ronald Acuna Jr. in this list?
You'll have to read through to the end of the article to find out. I promise I'll include explanations and statistics if I include him... Spoiler Alert: I do. He's at the end.
Also, if you are reading this then you must be a glutton for negativity. If that's the case, boy do I have the article for you. Click here to read the 5 Reasons the Braves WON'T Win the World Series.
If you'd like to read my guide to Defensive Analytics, click the next link. I like to call it A Dummy's Guide to Defensive Analytics, Written by a Dummy.
Earlier this year Chase wrote a great article on what was going on with the Braves defense. They started out abysmally (Ranking the worst in several categories), but have recovered pretty well since then.
Okay, let's get on with the worst defensive players on the Atlanta Braves in 2023... so far.