The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as the premier defensive team in MLB for the 2025 season, boasting a staggering 28 Outs Above Average (OAA) through just 47 games. This not only leads the league but surpasses the second-best Houston Astros by a notable 10 outs. The Cardinals are also topping the charts in runs prevented with a total of 22.

It’s a collective effort with nine players on the roster contributing positively to the OAA metric. Notable performers include shortstop Masyn Winn, who leads the team and ties for third in the National League with an OAA of six, while Nolan Arenado and Victor Scott II follow closely with five each. Willson Contreras, after transitioning to first base, ranks second among NL first basemen in OAA, showcasing an impressive adjustment. Meanwhile, Jordan Walker has made significant strides in his outfield defense, moving from one of the worst defenders to a top contender among NL right fielders.