Nolan Arenado is Making His Case for the Best Defensive 3B in MLB History

The Platinum Glove Award is the most prestigious recognition on the defensive side of the ball in the MLB. In 2021, the winners of the award were Third Baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros Shortstop Carlos Correa. This was Arenado’s fifth Platinum Glove recognition as the award has become synonymous with his name. Given Nolan Arenado’s defensive pedigree and hardware to show for it, his case to be considered the greatest defensive Third Baseman ever is growing.

Nolan Arenado is now a 5-time Platinum Gold Glove winner, the most by any player! @Cardinals l @RawlingsSports pic.twitter.com/712v2tcqFw
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 12, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Nolan Arenado has the most Platinum Glove awards (5) since its inception in 2011
Arenado’s career resume: 5x Platinum Glove, 9x Gold Glove, 6x All-Star, 4x Silver Slugger, 2x MLB RBI Leader, 3x NL HR Leader
Carlos Correa recorded the most Defensive Runs Saved (21) during 2021

MAIN TAKEAWAY

NOLAN ARENADO IS MAKING HIS CASE FOR THE BEST DEFENSIVE 3B IN MLB HISTORY

COLORS KEY | FULL CARDINALS OUTLOOK

There have been many terrific defensive Third Basemen throughout the history of baseball. Nolan Arenado may be the best to ever man the hot corner. “Nado” has solidified Third Base for the Cardinals since he was acquired from the Rockies in 2020. While Brooks Robinson is often the most popular choice for the greatest Third Baseman (and for good reason), Arenado is quickly ascending in the Third Base pecking order.

Nolan Arenado has one of the best individual resumes for a current player and will continue to rack up offensive and defensive awards each season. Arenado stood out amongst the 2021 Gold Glove Award winners due to his consecutive streak of Gold Gloves (9). It’s difficult to imagine a scenario where any active player supplants Nolan Arenado as the best overall Third Baseman in the MLB. Yet, its becoming increasingly likely that Arenado surpasses Robinson as the GOAT defender at 3B.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Arenado is certified platinum

2017 NL Platinum Glove: Nolan Arenado
2018 NL Platinum Glove: Nolan Arenado
2019 NL Platinum Glove: Nolan Arenado
2020 NL Platinum Glove: Nolan Arenado
2021 NL Platinum Glove: Nolan Arenado ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Km5s62Ycz5
— MLB (@MLB) November 13, 2021