Dodgers: How big of an upgrade is Francisco Lindor over Corey Seager?
Lindor is a big upgrade defensively
On the defensive side of things, is the one area where Francisco Lindor would be a big upgrade over Corey Seager. Lindor is a two-time gold glove award winner including the 2019 season in which he recently won a gold glove. Corey Seager, on the other hand, has been an average to a below-average fielder who has always been seen as a future third baseman.
2016: Lindor 14.7 UZR/150 and DRS of 17; Seager 6.6 UZR/150 and DRS of 0
2017: Lindor 6.9 UZR/150 and DRS of 5; Seager 11.6 UZR/150 and DRS of 10
2019: Lindor 7.4 UZR/150 and DRS of 9; Seager -2.8 UZR/150 and DRS of 9
While advanced defensive metrics don’t always paint the correct picture, they are a reliable way of comparing defenders along with the old “eye test”. Despite his good defensive ratings in 2017, Seager has never been seen as a plus defender like Lindor is. Corey will get to the balls he should but rarely makes any spectacular plays. The Dodgers’ defensive positioning also helps make him a better defender.