CHICAGO — The gloves of gold are shining again at Wrigley Field. After a rollercoaster season filled with grit, sweat, and defensive brilliance, the Chicago Cubs have officially been named the 2025 MLB Defensive Team of the Year, a title that cements their return as one of baseball’s most disciplined and resilient squads.
It’s not just an award — it’s a statement. A message to every critic who doubted their defensive core after a turbulent 2024. From Nico Hoerner’s lightning reflexes to Pete Crow-Armstrong’s fearless dives in center field, this honor represents the Cubs’ identity reborn: defense-first, heart-driven, and unshakably proud.
“We didn’t win this because of flash,” Hoerner said after the announcement. “We won it because everyone in this clubhouse took pride in doing the little things right — every ground ball, every throw, every inning. That’s what Cubs baseball is supposed to look like.”
The numbers back it up. Chicago led the National League in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA), while posting the fewest errors of any MLB team this season. The outfield trio of Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ combined for jaw-dropping range efficiency that turned countless hits into heartbreaks for opposing batters.
Manager Craig Counsell, who emphasized precision and discipline since day one, called the recognition “a win for culture.”
“Defense doesn’t make highlight reels every night,” Counsell explained, “but it wins championships. Our guys have proven that — and this is only the beginning.”
For the Cubs, the title carries more than stats — it’s redemption. After last season’s missed playoff berth due to late-inning miscues, this year’s squad made a collective vow: no more mistakes. Every practice was a drill, every inning a test. And when it mattered most, they executed.
Fans, too, have taken notice. Wrigley’s faithful erupted across social media after the news broke, celebrating the award as validation of the team’s resurgence under Counsell’s new system. One fan wrote, “We’re not just catching baseballs anymore — we’re catching respect again.”
While offensive firepower often steals the headlines, it’s clear this Cubs team is redefining what dominance looks like. With young stars rising and veterans embracing leadership roles, Chicago’s defense isn’t just elite — it’s evolving into an art form.
And as winter nears, one thing feels certain: in 2025, the Cubs didn’t just stop runs — they stopped the narrative that their glory days were behind them.
Because in Wrigleyville, defense isn’t just a skill. It’s a promise.
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