By now you’ve probably seen the ridiculous home run robbery by Athletics rookie center fielder Denzel Clarke on June 9.

In his first 18 games, Clarke reached over the wall twice to rob home runs and made some other nice plays too. He’s already totaled 7 Defensive Runs Saved, which is a heck of a way to start his career. Clarke is extra valuable defensively to the A’s because Oakland’s other primary center fielder this season, J.J. Bleday, had -7 Runs Saved.

Clarke is tied for the second-most Runs Saved among rookies this season. He’s not the only one to make a big defensive impact. He just happens to be the one who’s gotten the most attention.

Which other rookies have been good? Let’s fill you in.

Javier Sanoja has been Mr. Versatility for the Marlins and leads all rookies with 9 Runs Saved when you combine his stats at each position. He’s played second base, left field, shortstop, center field, third base, an inning at first base, and even five innings in mop-up duty as a pitcher. Second base has been where he’s been most valuable, totaling 5 Runs Saved.

Carlos Narváez is another older rookie. He’s 26 and got his opportunity when Connor Wong was injured at the start of the season. Right now, Narváez is the best all-around rookie position player. He has an .814 OPS and is tied for the lead among catchers with his 7 Runs Saved. His best value has come in pitch framing, but he’s also added a little for playmaking and in defending stolen base attempts.

Cam Smith has gotten a chance to play every day in right field for the Astros. There haven’t been a lot of flashy plays, but he’s done well at turning batted balls into outs. He ranks 5th among right fielders with his 6 Runs Saved.

Kameron Misner is a 27-year-old rookie who had played a lot of center field and a little right field and left field. Four of his 6 Runs Saved have come in center field, but those 2 Runs Saved in right field are important too. The Rays have the most Runs Saved there despite not having had a regular player in the early part of the season. 

Hayden Senger made quite a good defensive impression as a backup catcher for the Mets while Francisco Alvarez was hurt. In 13 games he threw out 3 of 5 potential basestealers and was a good pitch framer and pitch blocker. The Mets went 7-3 in his 10 starts and he’s currently with Triple-A Syracuse serving as insurance against any Mets catching injuries.

Caleb Durbin ascended to the majors from a Division III college (Washington University of St. Louis) after being traded twice during his time in the minor leagues. The Brewers have put him at third base after moving Joey Ortiz to shortstop and while the offensive numbers aren’t there, he’s shown good skill at the position. He has 5 Runs Saved there (-1 at second base).

 Similarly, Matt Shaw was given the chance to be the Cubs third baseman this year and though his offense has come slow, he’s represented well defensively, tallying 4 Runs Saved.

Honorable mentions to White sox infielder Chase Meidroth and Mariners third baseman Ben Williamson. Each has 3 Runs Saved in 2025. Meidroth has been credited with 6 Good Fielding Plays at shortstop against only 3 Defensive Misplays and Errors. Most shortstops have more Misplays and Errors than Good Plays. Williamson has been credited with 9 Good Fielding Plays, 5th-most at third base this season.