Anthony Gwynn: A $12M Player?

This Article Originally Appeared on Friar Forecast

I was browsing the Padres page on Fangraphs this evening and came across something absolutely shocking: Fangraphs estimates Anthony Gwynn was worth $12.6M last season.

Gwynn’s value is not derived from the bat, where he was about two runs below average. Instead, it comes almost entirely from his fielding.

Gwynn’s UZR, in only 113 games was was 13.6, or 19.4/150 games.  He was exceptional both in CF, as well as RF.

As usual when dealing with fielding statistics, it is important to keep in mind the small sample, but Gwynn appears to have been a good fielder during his time in Milwaukee as well.  In 51 games with the Brewers (over the 2007 and 2008 seasons), Gwynn compiled a UZR of 4.4 (nearly 13/150 games).

In Tango’s fan’s scouting report, Gwynn does not rate nearly as highly, garnering a fairly average 3.63 mark.  However, only 16 votes were cast for Gwynn, so it is tough to tell what to make of his score there.

I am not convinced Gwynn is truly such a great fielder.  The sample we have on him is incredibly small, and I certainly never thought he looked outstanding in the outfield, but if he does in fact prove to be an excellent defender, Gwynn could be a nice fourth outfielder.

With his decent speed, ability to play all of the outfield positions well, and affordability, Gwynn could prove to have actual value, not just a great last name.