DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) and UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) are two metrics that try to measure a player’s defense not in errors, but in runs: how many he saves or costs his team compared with an average fielder.
How do they work?
Both split the field into zones and evaluate how many plays a fielder makes in each one compared with the average at his position, while also factoring in double plays, arm and errors. The result is expressed in runs: positive is good, negative is bad.
| DRS / UZR in a season | Level |
|---|---|
| +15 or higher | Gold Glove defense |
| +5 to +14 | Very good |
| 0 | Average |
| Negative | Below average |
DRS/UZR vs. OAA
All three measure defense, but OAA uses Statcast tracking data (cameras and radar), while DRS and UZR rely more on the location and type of batted ball. It’s best to look at them together to get the full picture.
[Live data — defensive data] Current-season defensive leaders: (filled in automatically).
Related stats
Frequently asked questions
How do they differ from fielding percentage?
Fielding percentage only counts errors; DRS and UZR measure range and value in runs.
Which is best, DRS, UZR or OAA?
None is perfect; the ideal is to look at them together, since they use different methods.
