Cust is dramatically better than DeJesus (his OBP and slugging percentages are 30 and 50 points higher respectively over their careers). DeJesus steals a few bases, but his caught stealing makes his running a negative. Defensively, DeJesus is stronger, but I’m not exactly sure how much stronger

DeJesus gets hurt too often, and I’m a softie for an OPS monster like Cust, bad defense or no.

though I think both players will wash out somewhat early. Neither of them have much room for error to stay as regulars. Like said, I’ll take the multi-dimensional player.

For the reason others have mentioned, defense. Considering he can even play passable CF speaks to his significantly better defensive ability. Neither are great players, but I’d rather have DeJesus.

It was close and I would probably flip flop based on the way the rest of the team is constituted. If I was starting a team from nothing with LF first and had a choice of Cust or DeJesus, I would take DeJesus because of the defensive value would give me a little more flexibility and he won’t hurt you on offense. But if I were talking about the A’s as they are made up now, I would not trade Cust for DeJesus. Value wise I think they are pretty close but the defensive ability nudges DeJesus just a bit ahead for me.

I really like this “Apples and Oranges” feature, FWIW.

apple and orange comp that would make more sense is DeJesus in LF or Cust at DH.

Just doing a quick look at their stats on fangraphs shows a pretty big diffrence.

DDJ in LF is worth about +10 offensively and +20 Defensively
Cust in LF is worth about +15 Offensively and -20 denfensively.

Playing Cust in the outfield pretty much mitigates any value he has at the plate.

Putting Cust as DH still leaves him about a win and a half behind Dejesus.