Blue Jays just showed the NY Mets exactly how building around defense pays for it all

As the Toronto Blue Jays battle deep into the 2025 postseason, having dispatched the Yankees and the Mariners in the ALCS, the New York Mets are once again watching from home. For a Mets organization that finished with a disappointing 83-79 record, this autumn should be spent taking copious notes. The Blue Jays, now on the cusp of the World Series, are not just a feel-good story; they are a blueprint for success built on a philosophy the Mets have long neglected: suffocating, relentless, team-wide defense.

Toronto’s run isn't a fluke. It’s the culmination of a multi-year organizational commitment to run prevention. This is a team that won the AL Team Gold Glove Award in both 2023 and 2024, and by all accounts, they were even better in 2025. This season, they led all of baseball in team defensive prowess, ranking first in the majors with a staggering +51 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), according to Fangraphs. Statcast’s metrics concur, placing them at the top with a +16 Outs Above Average (OAA). Their reward for this dominance? A league-leading six finalists for the 2025 Gold Glove Awards.

Blue Jays's gold glove blueprint

The most critical move in cementing this defensive juggernaut was the December 2024 trade for former Mets second baseman Andres Gimenez. Already a three-time Gold Glove winner (2022-2024) before arriving, Gimenez became the anchor of the infield. In 2025, he was nothing short of brilliant, posting +9 DRS and a +7 Fielding Run Value (FRV) at second base while also filling in seamlessly at shortstop when needed. His presence, which earned him yet another Gold Glove nomination, stabilized the entire infield defense and provided a nightly clinic on range and execution.

But the Blue Jays' brilliance isn't just about their stars; it’s about their depth. Catcher Alejandro Kirk has evolved into one of the most valuable defensive players in the game. In 2025, he ranked second among all MLB catchers with a +21 FRV, driven by an elite +11.3 in framing runs. He effectively stole strikes and controlled the running game, solidifying the pitching staff’s confidence. He wasn't the only one stepping up.

The ultimate example of Toronto's commitment is Ernie Clement. The utility man is a top contender for the AL's Utility Player Gold Glove after putting on a defensive masterclass across the diamond. He posted an incredible +11 DRS at third base, +9 DRS at second base, and +1 DRS in his time at shortstop. This versatility gave the Blue Jays a defensive stalwart at multiple positions every single night, a luxury the Mets can only dream of.

The lesson for the Mets is clear. While offense is exciting, a defense-first mindset is what builds a sustainable winner. The Blue Jays have proven that investing in gloves is as important as investing in bats. It’s about creating a system where every player is a defensive asset, giving your pitching staff the support it needs to navigate the pressures of October. The blueprint is there. The question is whether the Mets are finally willing to read it.