When this season started, the expectations for the Cincinnati Reds defense were not high. The loss of a perennial Gold-Glove contender, center fielder Billy Hamilton, appeared to leave this team’s defense significantly weaker up the middle, where neither shortstop Jose Peraza nor second baseman Scooter Gennett are known as standouts at those respective positions.
The first approximately quarter of the 2019 season has produced many surprises for this team, both positive and negative. The performance of the defense would have to be classified as a positive surprise.
For example, in rankings among the major league teams, the Reds are:
- tied for 6th in fewest errors committed with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks (20)
- 6th overall in double plays turned (42)
- tied for 15th in stolen base percentage allowed (.