More Than Werth It

Matt Holliday is making a strong case for a big payday as a free agent this winter, and he deserves it. Over the last two years, he’s accumulated more value than any outfielder in baseball, posting a +11.4 win value in 2008 and 2009. Want to know who is #2?

Jayson Werth, the new leading candidate for the most underrated player in the game.

Werth had a tremendous 2008 season, and he’s followed it up by proving it was no fluke. After hitting .273/.363/.498 last year, he’s topped it with a .274/.377/.523 line. He’s also a tremendous baserunner, having stolen 34 bases and been caught just four times over the past two seasons. He’s Ryan Howard with the benefit of speed and defense, but his slugging teammate continues to garner more press.

Werth shouldn’t be overlooked as one of the primary reasons the Phillies continue to contend in the National League, however. Over the last two years, he’s racked up +9.6 wins of value, ahead of the likes of Manny Ramirez, Ichiro Suzuki, or Ryan Braun. When the elite outfielders in the game are mentioned, however, he’s never mentioned.

Howard, Utley, Rollins, Hamels, and Ibanez have gotten the press, but Werth is just as important to the Phillies. He’s a tremendous player, and he’ll eventually get the recognition he deserves.