There was a time not too long ago when it looked like Adolis García could get moved at the trade deadline. But now that the Rangers are winning, even though García isn’t hitting as well as he might like, his defensive value would be tough to lose.

García was one of three players named Sports Info Solutions Defensive Player of the Month for July along with Marlins shortstop Otto López and Mets catcher Luis Torrens.

García earned his second such honor this season (he also won it in May) on the strength of a period in which he saved 8 runs, more than anyone else in MLB and 3 more than any right fielder.

García leads all right fielders with 17 Runs Saved this season. His single-season high at the position is 15 in 2021. Last season he had his worst defensive year, totaling -5 Runs Saved. But that, like the trade rumors, is well in the past.

In addition to a bevvy of impressive catches, García has 6 Runs Saved from his outfield arm. He’s allowed only 38% of runners to advance an extra base on balls he’s fielded. The major league average is 50%, which comes out to about 11 “runner holds” better than the average player given the number of opportunities he’s had.

This is not to say that García doesn’t come without risk. He had 7 Defensive Misplays & Errors in July, which also led right fielders, but we’ve deemed the risk is worth the reward here. He’ll be a strong candidate for a Fielding Bible Award at year’s end.

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The Marlins made a position swap in mid-May, moving López to shortstop when Xavier Edwards got hurt. Edwards subsequently moved to López’s old position, second base upon his return and there’s been a very nice defensive payoff.

López tied for the MLB lead with 5 Runs Saved at shortstop and is now 5th among shortstops with 6 Runs Saved this season. He had played a stellar second base last season and had no problem in a different spot. When López was in the minor leagues, he played shortstop, second base and the outfield about equally, so he’s used to moving.

Our Data Scouts track “Good Fielding Plays” which are the kind of plays you’d see on a highlight reel but also little things like keeping a ball on the infield to prevent baserunner advancement. López has 9 Good Fielding Plays in 59 games at shortstop. Edwards had only 1 in 41 games prior to the switch.

For his part, Edwards had 3 Runs Saved at second base in July and he’s 4th among second basemen with 6 Runs Saved after tallying -3 at shortstop. The move worked for him too.

July was a good example of that. The Marlins ranked 5th in MLB in how often they turned a grounder or bunt into an out (76.4% of the time). The team allowed an MLB low 73 runs in 25 games for the month. No other team allowed fewer than 80.

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Torrens was elevated to the regular starting role when Francisco Alvarez was demoted and recently returned to backup duties when Alvarez returned.

Undaunted by that, he had a terrific defensive month, with his most notable accomplishment being catching 6 of 9 would-be basestealers. Torrens has perfected making throws to the first base side of second base so that the shortstop can reach to catch the throw and tag the runner at the same time (here’s an example).

Torrens finished July with 5 Runs Saved, most among catchers despite finishing tied for 19th in innings caught.

Torrens caught 46% of runners trying to steal last season and is at 44% in 2025. The MLB rate specific to catchers is 19%.

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Honorable mention to a pair of players who got dealt at the trade deadline. Harrison Bader, who led left fielders with 5 Runs Saved in July, heads from the Twins to the Phillies, who rank 28th in Runs Saved this season. Bader could play any outfield spot for them and be respectable.

Ke’Bryan Hayes co-led all third basemen in July with 5 Runs Saved and is the runaway leader at the position for the season with 16. He’ll be well received by the Reds, who haven’t gotten positive Runs Saved at that position since the 2017 season.

Defensive Players of the Month

April – Harrison Bader and Pete Crow-Armstrong

May – Adolis García, Taylor Walls, Pedro Pages

June – Julio Rodriguez, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Mookie Betts

July – Adolis García, Otto López, Luis Torrens