Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman was finally acknowledged for his consistent defense last season, and he took home another honor to complete this one.
Freeman was named the Wilson defensive player of the year for MLB first basemen, announced Wednesday. It’s the second consecutive year Freeman has won the honor, which is bestowed upon one player at each position for outstanding defensive play.
The formula to determine winners relies on defensive WAR (25%), defensive runs saved (25%), inside edge fielding ratings (20%), inside edge throwing ratings (20%) and fielding percentage (10), according to MLB Network.
Freeman won his first gold glove last season, though he wasn’t a finalist for the 2019 campaign. He topped this year’s National League gold glove finalists - Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Rizzo - and the American League field for Wilson honors.
The 2019 Wilson defensive players of the year:
First base: Freddie Freeman, Braves
Second base: Kolten Wong, Cardinals
Shortstop: Andrelton Simmons, Angels
Third base: Matt Chapman, Athletics
Center field: Lorenzo Cain, Brewers
Left field: David Peralta, Diamondbacks
Right field: Aaron Judge, Yankees
Catcher: Roberto Perez, Indians
Pitcher: Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks-Astros
Defensive team of the year: Astros
Overall defensive player of the year: Perez
