Calling Straw the best defensive CF is likely hyperbole, but agree with the rest of your post. Plus he is a clear gamer and team player and not the kind that you'd want to move out.
It's a very interesting claim that seems to just be accepted as truth around here. It's almost like the worse Straw hits, the louder and more consistent the "muh muh muh best defensive CF in the game" claims become.
I'd move him out for a better overall performer. Therein lies the difference with me. Under the current organizational circumstances there is little reason to have any position player other than Ramirez guaranteed a damn thing. There's just too much up and coming talent.
Yeah I remember looking at the stats last year and he was in the top tier but not necessarily top. Over 2021-2022 he actually leads Fangraphs Defense stat for OFs. So yeah I think you have a point there... he may literally be THE best. Regardless though he is providing a ton of value with his ability to save runs and with our current SP squad that is essential. TMac is a flyball machine when he's not getting K's, and the rest outside of Bieber don't get a ton of K's. So this squad that pitches to contact which includes fly balls can definitely be helped immensely by a Straw out there.
...tells you the value of prospect lists...
He has power and not just to the pull side, but he isn't going to sacrifice his style and approach to hit bombs. They'll come at a natural progression rather than making a concentrated effort to hit more. I think he's a special player and would be a standout, top of the league CFer. He's just a very well rounded player IMO. I'll go as far as saying I very well may like him more than Valera and I love Valera.
