Brian Anderson: NL Gold Glove Winner for Marlins in Right Field

It’s not a big stretch to say that Brian Anderson could win the National League Gold Glove Award in right field.

Brian Anderson can be a lot of things to the Marlins.

He can be a POWER hitter.

With 11 home runs in his rookie season and 20 last year (in 30 fewer games), Anderson can probably continue that natural path to more power as he gets better at facing big league pitchers. Tacked onto that, the fences have been brought in at Marlins Park, blessing Anderson with a legitimate shot at 30 home runs.

He can be a CONTACT hitter.

Anderson’s career 21 percent strikeout rate isn’t the stuff of magic, to be sure, however only Miguel Rojas (11.8 percent) and Harold Ramirez (20.5 percent) remain on the Marlins from last season with lower rates. He’s also led the team in doubles in each of the last two seasons, with 34 in 2018 and 33 in 2019.

He can be a PRETTY GOOD third baseman

As his “natural” position, Anderson has committed a total of 15 errors in 368 total chances in the majors at the hot corner. Last season, he was eight DRS above average in 586 2/3 innings of work. Not bad for a part timer.

Brian Anderson will be at least one thing at the close of the 2020 season, the National League Gold Glove Award winner in right field.

Now hear me out.

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Not blessed with a lot of natural speed, Anderson more than makes up for it with his laser rocket arm. In 1,223 total innings in right field through the first two+ seasons of his major league career, he’s already assisted on 17 plays. To wit, he’s already ranked third in each of the past two seasons in assists from the position in the entire league, with eight in 2018 and nine more in 2019. He’s also been worth nine collected DRS above average in right field since getting to the big leagues. Breaking that down a spot further, 1223 innings is nearly 136 games. That means in a full season, Anderson can be expected to assist on 20 plays.

There’s really no limit to what Anderson can do on a baseball field, except maybe we can expect him to steal no more than five bases. He’s passable at third, and at times spectacular in right. Gold Glove award voters will see Anderson’s worth after a full season in the nine spot, and give him his just desserts.

Thanks for reading. Think I’m crazy? Let me know in the comments, and keep checking back here at Marlin Maniac to keep up with the Miami Marlins.