RealGM Analysis
Tier 1: Paul Goldschmidt, Miguel Cabrera, Jose Abreu, Edwin Encarnacion, Anthony Rizzo
Tier 2: Freddie Freeman, Buster Posey, Adrian Gonzalez, Victor Martinez, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder
Tier 3: Chris Davis, David Ortiz, Todd Frazier, Joey Votto, Carlos Santana
Tier 4: Eric Hosmer, Matt Adams, Mark Trumbo, Lucas Duda, Adam LaRoche, Chris Carter, Mike Napoli, Brandon Moss, Joe Mauer, Brandon Belt
Tier 5: Justin Morneau, Billy Butler, Mark Teixeira, Adam Lind, Ryan Howard, Steve Pearce, Logan Morrison
* Note: Players in bold are my picks to outperform their ADPs.
First base runs deep this season, with a bevy of new stars emerging at the position. Up to five first basemen could conceivably go in the first round of your league.
The tier 2 group has an up and comer in Freeman, the stud catcher Posey plus several veterans who can still produce. If Fielder remains healthy, he should provide a good ROI to managers who draft him. The same should be said for Joey Votto, who was an early second round pick in many leagues just one season ago.
Will this be the season that Eric Hosmer finally puts it together? While he’s unlikely to ever turn into an MVP type candidate as some had projected for him a few years back, he’s still only 25 years old and has room to grow.
As for strategy, with power declining league-wide over the last few years, first base remains a great spot to grab a top notch slugger that can serve as an anchor for your team. Just note the incredible depth at the position, so stay disciplined in your draft and don’t reach needlessly to grab one.
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