Fantasy Baseball: When Fantasy Value Exceeds Real-Life Value

Sep 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Matt Kemp (27) is unable to make the catch on a single by New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (not pictured) in the eighth inning of their game at Turner Field. New York Mets third baseman Jose Reyes (not pictured) scored on the single. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Catcher – Stephen Vogt

There’s nothing that really stands out about Stephen Vogt. In 2016 he hit .251 with 14 home runs, 56 RBI and 54 runs scored. His 532 plate appearances ranked seventh at the catcher position, and the average, home run, RBI and run totals all fall between 10^th and 13^th among those with 300 plate appearances in 2016.

In all, Vogt finished the season as the 14^th most valuable catcher according to the earned auction values tool in the Rotowire fantasy baseball draft kit. While this may not be setting the fantasy baseball world on fire, Vogt was very valuable in two catcher leagues or AL-only leagues.

In terms of real-world value, Vogt falls a bit short. His .305 OBP is a detriment on offense, and there’s nothing special about his defense. The biggest downside to Vogt, however, comes from a complete inability to frame pitches. Only J.T. Realmuto and Salvador Perez were worse among full-time catchers in 2016 according to StatCorner.

Vogt was 14.4 runs below average with his pitch framing, which over the course of a season would translate to costing his team nearly a win and a half. Vogt registered around two wins above replacement according to FanGraphs and Baseball Reference. However, Baseball Prospectus, which places a heavier emphasis on pitch framing in its Fielding Runs Above Average calculations, had Vogt as merely half a win above replacement level.

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