Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was named the 2017 MLB Defensive Player of the Year on Friday during an awards presentation emanating from MLB Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey.
The honors, which are separate from the Gold Glove Awards voted on by managers and coaches from around baseball, are based on a mathematical formula that includes defensive Wins Above Replacement, Defensive Runs Saved and Inside Edge metrics along with basic fielding percentage.
Buxton takes over the crown as the top overall defender from Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts.
2017 Defensive Player of the Year Winners
Overall: Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins)
Catcher: Martin Maldonado (Los Angeles Angels)
First Base: Carlos Santana (Cleveland Indians)
Second Base: DJ LeMahieu (Colorado Rockies)
Third Base: Nolan Arenado (Rockies)
Shortstop: Andrelton Simmons (Angels)
Left Field: Alex Gordon (Kansas City Royals)
Center Field: Byron Buxton (Twins)
Right Field: Yasiel Puig (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Pitcher: Tyler Chatwood (Rockies)
Defensive Team of the Year: Dodgers
Recap and Reaction
The Twins are being rewarded for giving Buxton time to develop.