Addison Russell named Defensive Player of the month by ESPN

By Rob Ogden

Addison Russell has struggled at the plate this season, but he’s been Mr. Consistency in the field, which is why he was named Defensive Player of the Month for September by ESPN.

The rookie has quietly made an impact on the team as he’s patrolled both sides of the infield and established himself as one of the top middle infielders in the game.

From ESPN:

Russell’s nine defensive runs saved ranked second in baseball, trailing only Jason Heyward’s 10. They were one more than defensive wizard and fellow shortstop Andrelton Simmons. It hasn’t mattered where the Cubs put Russell this season, whether it be second base or shortstop. He’s performed remarkably well at both. Entering Thursday he ranked fourth in the majors in defensive runs saved for the season at both second base and shortstop.

According to Baseball Reference, Russell ranks fourth on the team in wins above replacement. With a WAR of 3.1, he ranks behind only Jake Arrieta (8.6), Anthony Rizzo (6.1) and Kris Bryant (5.6).

According to ESPN, Baseball Info Solutions’ defensive charting rates Russell as highly above average at fielding balls hit to the right of where the second baseman would traditionally play and highly above average at fielding balls to the left of where the shortstop would traditionally play.

Watch Addison Russell’s game-ending stop against the Cardinals last month:

Next Up In News

Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads

Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center

Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80

1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago

Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias

Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports