St. Louis Cardinals may have a surprise Gold Glove candidate on their hands

The St. Louis Cardinals haven't been their usual selves these last four years. They haven't made it to the postseason since 2022, and fans have been wanting a return to the glory days. One reason why the Cardinals haven't been as successful as they once were is because their defense hasn't been as sound. The 2026 Cardinals have found a way to return to their once-great defensive form, and they'll have several players in the running for recognition for their excellent defense.

As a team, the Cardinals are tied for third in both Outs Above Average (25) and Fielding Run Value (25). They also rank fifth in fielding percentage as a team (.988). While they won't win the team Gold Glove Award like they did in the award's inaugural year in 2021 and once again in 2022, they are still a top-three defensive team in the National League.

Masyn Winn and JJ Wetherholt have combined to make one of baseball's best defensive duos up the middle. JJ is likely to win the Gold Glove Award at second base in the National League, and Masyn Winn will be a finalist again, though he's not expected to win the award.

Beyond those two, the Cardinals have a plethora of reliable defenders including Nathan Church, Pedro Pages, and Jordan Walker. One player who isn't receiving recognition for his defensive efforts but should be is Michael McGreevy.

Michael McGreevy has a shot at winning a Gold Glove for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pitchers aren't often recognized for their defensive prowess. Their value comes from what they do on the mound: their ERA, striking out batters, and giving their team a chance to win. Any plus defensive production is icing on the cake.

As a pitcher, Michael McGreevy has done all that he could to help the Cardinals this year. The 26-year-old starter has a 4-9 record with a 3.5964 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP across 126 innings; he's also struck out 85 batters this year. McGreevy isn't a pitcher who will blow batters away with crazy stuff, but he has given the Cardinals a chance to win in many of his 23 starts this year.

What McGreevy has done as a pitcher this year has been vital to the Cardinals relative success. His ability to field his position well has only added to his value on the mound.

McGreevy has yet to commit an error this year, he leads all major league pitchers in Defensive Runs Saved (4), and he's first in Baseball Savant's Fielding Run Value (10). McGreevy is also tied for fifth in the National League in putouts (13) and fifth in stolen bases allowed (3).

Michael McGreevy generates ground balls at a 44.9% clip. That gives plenty of opportunities for both him and the defenders behind him to either rack up defensive value or crumble. McGreevy has been very good at helping himself out. Very few pitchers in the league are as good at covering first base as McGreevy is.

McGreevy has done a good job at stabilizing the rotation this year. He's been consistent despite all sabermetricians not thinking he could maintain this level of production. He won't win a Cy Young this year, but he could help the Cardinals regain their moniker of one of the best defensive teams in baseball.

I guess all those hours of Pitchers's Fielding Practice in spring training paid off for McGreevy.

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