The claim that the Toronto Blue Jays are the best defensive team in baseball isn’t far off—and in fact, baseball analytics strongly support that assertion. Let’s break down the data

The Blue Jays represent the best defensive team in baseball, and it’s not particularly close. Toronto has amassed 32.9 defensive WAR, with the Milwaukee Brewers in second with 20.8 dWAR.

 

The claim that the Toronto Blue Jays are the best defensive team in baseball isn’t far off—and in fact, baseball analytics strongly support that assertion. Let’s break down the data:

Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) & Historical Context
1. DRS-Leaderboard Dominance

In the past few seasons, the Blue Jays have consistently topped the team-level DRS charts. According to Mark Simon (Baseball Info Solutions), in 2024 the Blue Jays led MLB with 52 DRS, ahead of the Guardians (41) and Dodgers (39)

 

And reality hasn’t changed in 2025; the Jays have again been the AL leaders in DRS for the second straight season .

2. Defensive Reputation Over Time

Over the 2019–2022 period, the Brewers and Dodgers edged out in average DRS rankings (avg rank 5), but the Blue Jays were a strong third (avg rank 6), among the very top defensive teams
Sports Info Solutions

However, on a per season basis, the Jays have become elite—already securing Fielding Bible Awards and top-tier DRS standings in 2023 and 2024
Baseball Reference

 

Composite Team Defense (FanGraphs Z‑scores)
FanGraphs evaluates multiple defensive metrics—non-catcher and catcher DRS, FRV (fielding run value), FRM (catcher framing runs), and Defensive Efficiency—and blends them into a standard deviation-based score (z-score) to determine a total defensive value. Through June 29, 2025:

Team Total Z‑Score
Blue Jays 6.21
Braves 4.81
Rangers 4.73
Yankees 4.23
Cubs 3.92
Brewers 1.93

The Blue Jays lead by a substantial margin—a full 1.4 standard deviations clear of second-place Atlanta

Fielding Bible (Position-by-Position DRS)
The Fielding Bible’s breakdown of DRS by position reinforces Toronto’s dominance:

Through early 2025, the Blue Jays had +40 DRS overall, ranking 4th in MLB

That impressive figure spans contributions from every position—catcher included—underscoring the team’s balanced excellence.

The top three Fielding Bible teams in 2025 so far are the Braves, Rangers, Cubs, followed closely by Toronto

Key Contributors to the Blue Jays’ Defensive Prowess
Elite Defensive Up the Middle & Corner Positions

Long-term AL-leading DRS performers include CF (e.g., Kevin Kiermaier) and 2B (Andrés Giménez), bolstered by reliable defenders at SS and 1B

Star Fielding Additions

Andres Giménez (Gold Glove winner) has been a consensus upgrade, adding premier defense at second base .

Meanwhile, CF Kevin Kiermaier has been a perennial Glove candidate; though he has wound down, his legacy still influenced the team .

Consistent Excellence Across All Positions

DRS at every single defensive position has been zero or positive—a rare feat .

🏁 Benchmarks & Closest Competitors
Milwaukee Brewers:

League-wide, the Brewers excel defensively, often finishing top 6 in DRS

Atlanta Braves, Cubs, Rangers:

Braves and Rangers score better in some metrics (Fielding Bible +53, +49 respectively), yet FanGraphs’ z-score composite places the Blue Jays atop the whole pack .

Cubs are also elite defensively (FanGraphs total z-score of 3.92) but still fall well short of Toronto’s 6.21

Best Defensive Team—By a Mile
Dominant across multiple defensive metrics: DRS, FRV, FRM, Defensive Efficiency.

Balanced roster: no weak spots—strong catcher framing, plus field coverage up the middle and for corners.

Quantitatively far ahead of rivals: +6.21 FanGraphs total z-score vs. +1.93 for Brewers; +1.93 is the next closest.

Yes, the Blue Jays are the best defensive team in baseball in 2025—not just by small margin, but by a wide one.

They lead in Defensive Runs Saved, Fielding Bible metrics, and FanGraphs’ composite z-score, all in a dominant fashion.

Close competitors like the Brewers, Braves, Cubs, and Rangers are strong defensively—but none are operating at the same level of consistency or comprehensive excellence.

In modern baseball, defense matters—and Toronto is setting the benchmark. Their cornerstones (Giménez, Kiermaier) and positional depth make them a rare all-around defensive machine. So yes—it’s “not particularly close.” The numbers don’t lie.