Cody Bellinger won his first Fielding Bible Award in left field and third overall, highlighting a 2026 awards class that recognized top defenders at every position. The Cubs earned Team of the Year after leading MLB in defensive runs saved, while Pete Crow-Armstrong took Defensive Player of the Year despite losing a close center-field vote to Ceddanne Rafaela.

By the Numbers
  • Bellinger recorded 21 defensive runs saved (DRS), tied for third in MLB.
  • Wilyer Abreu led MLB with 28 DRS, five more than any other player.
  • The Cubs finished with 115 DRS, 28 more than any other team.
  • Rafaela and Crow-Armstrong each received eight first-place votes; Rafaela won the position award with 21 DRS to Crow-Armstrong’s 16.
  • Matt Olson claimed his sixth first-base award, a position record.
Yes, But

The center-field result was unusually close: Rafaela won the position award on a DRS tiebreaker, while Crow-Armstrong won Player of the Year in voting open to all positions. Award organizers said both players’ honors reflect how tight the race was.

Bottom Line

Bellinger’s return to the winners’ circle is part of a broader season-long story: elite defense was recognized across the league, but the Cubs stood out as MLB’s strongest defensive team.