The best defensive players make the job look easy. Both Trout and Betts are defensive wizards who make the outfield look small.
Both have incredibly speed and they’ve got cannons for arms. But, who’s got the edge in the field? Defensive stats are difficult to quantify, especially for outfielders. Available stats include errors, fielding percentage, range factor, put outs, chances, and assists.
When it comes to percentages, Trout has an edge over Betts. Between 2015 and 2018, Trout played in fewer innings – almost 500 fewer innings. Trout had a fielding percentage of 0.996 to Betts 0.991. Trout had five errors while Betts had 12. Trout’s range factor was also slightly better at 2.49 to Betts’ range of 2.36.
But, center fielders usually have better range numbers than right fielders as they have more ground to cover. In the 14 games that Betts played in center field in 2018, his range was 2.59. Trout’s 2018 range was 2.32 in 125 games in center field.
Betts had a higher dWAR in 2018 when compared to Trout. And, in the past four seasons, Betts has 9.3 in dWAR. In Trout’s career, his dWAR has only been 2.9. Trout has never won a Gold Glove for his work in center field, despite his speed and ability to climb outfield walls. Betts, on the other hand, has three Gold Glove Awards for his work in right field. And, he’s spent time in other positions, specifically center field and second base.
Trout might have the edge at the plate, but Betts is better in the field.