Ian Happ always looked good in left field – or at least much better than he ever looked in center. But, to the eye test and the defensive metrics, he’s taken a big step forward this year with a permanent home. Happ’s 9 Defensive Runs Saved in left field this year are second in baseball, while his Outs Above Average are third, and his UZR/150 are fourth. As far as regular left fielders go, Happ has been one of the best defenders in baseball.
He showed it off today in the third inning, making not one, but TWO, great catches out in left field in support of Adrian Sampson: