The Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award is awarded annually to the best defensive player at each fielding position in Major League Baseball. One overall Defensive Player of the Year is also selected each year. Unlike the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, which are voted on by major league managers and coaches, the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award winners are determined by statistics using sabermetrics. In 2012, the baseball glove manufacturer Wilson created the Defensive Player of the Year Award to honor the best defensive player on each team in Major League Baseball. One award winner was selected from each league as that league's overall Defensive Player of the Year. Starting in 2014, the awards are given to the best defensive player at each position, regardless of league, and the overall award is given to only one player, regardless of league. Also in 2014, a new award was created for the best Defensive Team of the Year, regardless of league.
Contents
Winners
During the first two years, the award was given to the best defensive player on each team in Major League Baseball. Starting in 2014, the award is given to the best fielder at each position in all of Major League Baseball.
Overall Defensive Player of the Year
Starting in 2014, the award is given to only one player in all of Major League Baseball.