Dodgers: How big of an upgrade is Francisco Lindor over Corey Seager?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Shortstop Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws out Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies at first during the third inning at Progressive Field on September 20, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Shortstop Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws out Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies at first during the third inning at Progressive Field on September 20, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 28: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians throws out a third inning runner in front of teammate Jason Kipnis #22 while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 28, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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.