Since his MLB debut in 2023, Patrick Bailey has been — without a doubt — one of the best defensive catchers in the majors, as backed up by his consecutive Gold Gloves the last two seasons.And on Friday, MLB analyst Mike Petriello took the recognition one step further, declaring the Giants backstop the current No. 1 defensive player among all major leaguers.“If you look at [Bailey], he’s been in the league for three years — wasn’t even here the full year the first time — he has led in Statcast Fielding Run Value every single year,” Petriello explained on MLB Now. “That’s three years running.“I know the bat isn’t there, but that’s not what we’re talking about. Elite framer, elite blocker, actually has improved his blocking … . He’s elite.” .@mike_petriello's Top 10 Defensive Players Right Now: 1. Patrick Bailey2. Pete Crow-Armstrong3. Ceddanne Rafaela4. Denzel Clarke5. Ke'Bryan Hayes6. Bobby Witt Jr.7. Alejandro Kirk8. Jacob Young9. Nico Hoerner10. Steven Kwan pic.twitter.com/yKcwJz7mvb — MLB Now (@MLBNow) January 31, 2026 For...