While the Toronto Blue Jays may be not be hitting, they are still a very good defensive team. Not only do they have a reigning Gold Glove winner in Daulton Varsho, but a couple of their infielders are also among the best in the game.
Both Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez have been posting really strong defensive metrics throughout the first six weeks of the season. Stats analyst Thomas Nestico rated the top players at each position based on defensive runs saved, and both Clement and Gimenez made the list.
The dynamic duo each have five DRS, which ties them for ninth in the league. Their prowess goes beyond just that one stat however. When it comes to Outs Above Average (OAA), both rank in the 89th percentile or higher, with Clement (98th) and Gimenez (89th) actually ranking higher. Clement has five OAA to Gimenez' two.
Another interesting, new angle to look at is arm strength. While Gimenez ranks highly in several categories, he is only in the 41st percentile when it comes to arm strength.
The fact that these two are ranked highly shouldn't come as any surprise. Gimenez has won three consecutive Gold Gloves and Clement was a finalist a year ago following a break out season.
The two infielders, combined with Varsho, and Gold Glove-winning pitcher Jose Berrioss, give the Bleu Jays one of the better defensive teams in all baseball. While their record is no doubt middling, they have largely stayed afloat thanks to their elite defense.