2018 Season in Review: The best defensive plays

The Royals were once known for their great defense, and while last year’s club couldn’t live up to that reputation, they still had their moments. Here are the top defensive plays of 2018.

May 23 - Gordo lays out against Francisco Pena

Alex Gordon showed his defense was as good as ever this year, winning his sixth Gold Glove. In St. Louis, I’m sure the “Best Fans in Baseball” could appreciate this highlight reel play, when he robbed Francisco Pena of certain extra bases by laying out and snagging the line drive for an out.

May 29 - Gordon’s perfect throw gets Dozier at home

It wasn’t just Gordo’s glove that was impressive, his arm is still a cannon. It is amazing runners still test him, but Brian Dozier was foolish enough to try to from second on a ground ball through the hole to left field. Alex Gordon made a perfect throw and got his man.

August 2 - Brett Phillips shows off his cannon

The Royals knew Bret Phillips had quite an arm when they acquired him, with Statcast getting 104 mph on the gun on a throw from him the previous season. But Brett had to show it off to them in person in his first week with the club, gunning Leury Garcia at home in a game against the White Sox.

August 4 - Brian Goodwin dives for it

Brett Phillips wasn’t the only new Royals outfielder to flash some leather. The Royals picked up Brian Goodwin from the Nationals in July and he quickly justified that trade with a diving catch on blooper from Brandon Guyer in Cleveland.

August 5 - Salvy whirls and throws

Despite being a five-time Gold Glover, you don’t think of Salvador Perez being light and nimble on his feet. But he showed off some nifty footwork on a bunt by Ehire Adrianza, grabbing the ball, whirling, and firing a strike to first to get the out.

September 7 - Mondesi throws against his body

The highlight reels are just being made for Mondesi, who has shown glimpses of amazing defensive tools. He showed both the range and the arm that make scouts drool on this play against the Twins. A ground ball to his right was no bother, as he just scooped it up and threw against his body to get Eddie Rosario.

Did we miss any? What gets your vote for top Royals defensive play in 2018?