Then there’s Piscotty:

.329/.402/.509

This is not just the slash line from one of the most productive right fielders in the game. This is the slash line of one of the most productive hitters, a No. 3-type. And it’s not just at the plate where Piscotty’s 2016 hints at being the answer (but better) than Heyward’s 2015. In 356 ¼ innings in right field this season, Piscotty is a plus-18, according to Baseball Info Solutions, and he’s saved eight runs on defense. That ranks fourth in the majors at his position, right ahead of No. 5, Heyward (six DRS).

In 2015, Heyward was one of the most dominant defensive players at any position, and he finished a plus-39 with 22 DRS. Both ranked first in right field. Such numbers fluctuate throughout a season, so while Piscotty is on pace to do as well with DRS, it may not happen for any number of reasons (chances, misses, etc.). But, here’s where the contribution of Piscotty and the decision the Cardinals had made for them gains clarity.

Piscotty has a 2.4 WAR, according to Baseball-Reference.com calculations.

A quarter of that is from his defense (0.6 dWAR).