Fantasy Baseball: First Base Preseason Projections and Rankings
Preseason Top 30 First Basemen
Power, power and more power. When you're targeting your first baseman for your fantasy baseball team this spring, power is the one skill that should be on the forefront of your mind. In 2013, seven of the top 15 home run hitters played first base, and Miguel Cabrera (who was second in MLB in home runs but played third base all last season) will qualify at first base in most league formats by the end of April.
Over the last three seasons, first basemen have hit 2,790 of the 14,147 home runs hit in the majors, good for 19.72 percent of the total home runs hit. When you see that first baseman also account for 14.37 percent of runs scored over the last three seasons, 17.36 percent of runs batted in and just 5.21 percent of stolen bases it becomes pretty clear that these guys contribute mostly in the power department.
I only have two first basemen projected to steal more than 10 bases this season. If you can find some speed from your first baseman then obviously you'll take it, but speed should not be the reason you draft a first baseman. There will be plenty of other areas of your roster where you'll be able to find some speed; save it for those other areas, and don't waste a spot at a power position on a guy who lacks, well, power.
If you have any questions or comments about my rankings or projections, or simply wish to chat about baseball, feel free to reach out to me on twitter @william_moy6. Also be sure to "Like" me on Facebook or add me to your network on Google
30. Justin Morneau
Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies
2013 Statistics: 635 Plate Appearances, 62 Runs, 77 RBI, 17 Home Run, 0 Stolen Bases, .259 Average
2014 Projection: 498 Plate Appearances, 53 Runs, 68 RBI, 18 Home Run, 0 Stolen Bases, .269 Average
29. Ike Davis
Ike Davis, New York Mets
2013 Statistics: 377 Plate Appearances, 37 Runs, 33 RBI, 9 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .205 Average
2014 Projection: 535 Plate Appearances, 61 Runs, 68 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .241 Average
28. Brandon Belt
Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants
2013 Statistics: 571 Plate Appearances, 76 Runs, 67 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 5 Steals, .289 Average
2014 Projection: 560 Plate Appearances, 64 Runs, 63 RBI, 15 Home Runs, 9 Steals, .278 Average
27. Adam Dunn
Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox
2013 Statistics: 607 Plate Appearances, 60 Runs, 86 RBI, 34 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .219 Average
2014 Projections: 584 Plate Appearances, 61 Runs, 75 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .202 Average
26. Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
2013 Statistics: 317 Plate Appearances, 34 Runs, 43 RBI, 11 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .266 Average
2014 Projection: 470 Plate Appearances, 54 Runs, 81 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .254 Average
25. Adam Lind
Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays
2013 Statistics: 521 Plate Appearances, 67 Runs, 67 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .288 Average
2014 Projection: 524 Plate Appearances, 56 Runs, 74 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .270 Average
24. Jose Dariel Abreu
Jose Dariel Abreu, Chicago White Sox
600 Plate Appearances, 75 Runs, 75 RBI, 15 Home Runs, 6 Stolen Bases, .254 Average
23. Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli, Boston Red Sox
2013 Statistics: 578 Plate Appearances, 79 Runs, 92 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .259 AVG
2014 Projection: 476 Plate Appearances, 68 Runs, 74 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .251 AVG
22. Kendrys Morales
Kendrys Morales, Free Agent
2013 Statistics: 657 Plate Appearances, 64 Runs, 80 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .277 Average
2014 Projection: 590 Plate Appearances, 63 Runs, 77 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .275 Average
21. Corey Hart
Corey Hart, Seattle Mariners
2012 Statistics: 622 Plate Appearances, 91 Runs, 83 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 5 Steals, .270 Average
2014 Projection: 596 Plate Appearances, 65 Runs, 70 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .266 Average
20. Chris Carter
Chris Carter, Houston Astros
2013 Statistics: 585 Plate Appearances, 64 Runs, 82 RBI, 29 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .223 Average
2014 Projection: 600 Plate Appearances, 70 Runs, 81 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .219 Average
19. Matt Adams
Matt Adams, St. Louis Cardinals
2013 Statistics: 319 Plate Appearances, 46 Runs, 51 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .284 Average
2014 Projection: 500 Plate Appearances, 66 Runs, 78 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .266 Average
18. Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
2013 Statistics: 642 Plate Appearances, 75 Runs, 74 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .268 Average
2014 Projection: 636 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 77 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .254 Average
17. Adam LaRoche
Adam LaRoche, Washington Nationals
2013 Statistics: 590 Plate Appearances, 70 Runs, 62 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .237 Average
2014 Projection: 600 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 79 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .251 Average
16. Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels
2013 Statistics: 443 Plate Appearances, 49 Runs, 64 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .258 Average
2014 Projection: 588 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 89 RBI, 19 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .264 Average
15. Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees
2013 Statistics: 63 Plate Appearances, 5 Runs, 12 RBI, 3 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .151 Average
2014 Projection: 550 Plate Appearances, 76 Runs, 85 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .241 Average
14. Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher, Cleveland Indians
2013 Statistics: 634 Plate Appearances, 74 Runs, 63 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .246 Average
2014 Projection: 631 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 80 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .252 Average
13. Buster Posey
Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
2013 Statistic: 595 Plate Appearances, 61 Runs, 72 RBI, 15 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .294 AVG
2014 Projection: 595 Plate Appearances, 67 Runs, 84 RBI, 19 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .304 AVG
12. Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs
2013 Statistics: 690 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 80 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .233 AVG
2014 Projection: 670 Plate Appearances, 73 Runs, 81 RBI, 28 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .246 AVG
11. Brandon Moss
Brandon Moss, Oakland Athletics
2013 Statistics: 505 Plate Appearances, 73 Runs, 87 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .256 AVG
2014 Projection: 510 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 89 RBI, 26 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .247 AVG
10. Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
2013 Statistics: 680 Plate Appearances, 86 Runs, 79 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 11 Steals, .302 AVG
2014 Projection: 653 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 77 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 13 Steals, .286 AVG
9. Adrian Gonzalez
Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers
2013 Statistics: 641 Plate Appearances, 69 Runs, 100 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .293 AVG
2014 Projection: 663 Plate Appearances, 72 Runs, 104 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .293 AVG
8. Mark Trumbo
Mark Trumbo, Arizona Diamondbacks
2013 Statistics: 678 Plate Appearances, 85 Runs, 100 RBI, 34 Home Runs, 5 Steals, .234 AVG
2014 Projection: 612 Plate Appearances, 72 Runs, 94 RBI, 31 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .249 AVG
7. Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
2013 Statistics: 629 Plate Appearances, 89 Runs, 109 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .319 AVG
2014 Projection: 628 Plate Appearances, 82 Runs, 93 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .300 AVG
6. Allen Craig
Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals
2013 Statistics: 563 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 97 RBI, 13 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .315 AVG
2014 Projection: 600 Plate Appearances, 83 Runs, 106 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .305 AVG
5. Joey Votto
Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
2013 Statistics: 726 Plate Appearances, 101 Runs, 73 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .305 AVG
2014 Projection: 698 Plate Appearances, 95 Runs, 84 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 7 Steals, .308 AVG
4. Edwin Encarnacion
Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
2013 Statistics: 621 Plate Appearances, 90 Runs, 104 RBI, 36 Home Runs, 7 Steals, .272 AVG
2014 Projection: 598 Plate Appearances, 84 Runs, 97 RBI, 31 Home Runs, 9 Steals, .274 AVG
3. Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers
2013 Statistics: 712 Plate Appearances, 82 Runs, 106 RBI, 25 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .279 AVG
2014 Projection: 698 Plate Appearances, 87 Runs, 108 RBI, 29 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .294 AVG
2. Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
2013 Statistics: 710 Plate Appearances, 103 Runs, 125 RBI, 36 Home Runs, 15 Steals, .302 AVG
2014 Projection: 645 Plate Appearances, 93 Runs, 103 RBI, 28 Home Runs, 14 Steals, .286 AVG
1. Chris Davis
Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles
2013 Statistics: 673 Plate Appearances, 103 Runs, 138 RBI, 53 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .286 AVG
2014 Projection: 618 Plate Appearances, 85 Runs, 116 RBI, 41 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .274 AVG
Preseason Top 30 First Basemen
Power, power and more power. When you're targeting your first baseman for your fantasy baseball team this spring, power is the one skill that should be on the forefront of your mind. In 2013, seven of the top 15 home run hitters played first base, and Miguel Cabrera (who was second in MLB in home runs but played third base all last season) will qualify at first base in most league formats by the end of April.
Over the last three seasons, first basemen have hit 2,790 of the 14,147 home runs hit in the majors, good for 19.72 percent of the total home runs hit. When you see that first baseman also account for 14.37 percent of runs scored over the last three seasons, 17.36 percent of runs batted in and just 5.21 percent of stolen bases it becomes pretty clear that these guys contribute mostly in the power department.
I only have two first basemen projected to steal more than 10 bases this season. If you can find some speed from your first baseman then obviously you'll take it, but speed should not be the reason you draft a first baseman. There will be plenty of other areas of your roster where you'll be able to find some speed; save it for those other areas, and don't waste a spot at a power position on a guy who lacks, well, power.
If you have any questions or comments about my rankings or projections, or simply wish to chat about baseball, feel free to reach out to me on twitter @william_moy6. Also be sure to "Like" me on Facebook or add me to your network on Google
30. Justin Morneau
Justin Morneau, Colorado Rockies
2013 Statistics: 635 Plate Appearances, 62 Runs, 77 RBI, 17 Home Run, 0 Stolen Bases, .259 Average
2014 Projection: 498 Plate Appearances, 53 Runs, 68 RBI, 18 Home Run, 0 Stolen Bases, .269 Average
29. Ike Davis
Ike Davis, New York Mets
2013 Statistics: 377 Plate Appearances, 37 Runs, 33 RBI, 9 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .205 Average
2014 Projection: 535 Plate Appearances, 61 Runs, 68 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .241 Average
28. Brandon Belt
Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants
2013 Statistics: 571 Plate Appearances, 76 Runs, 67 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 5 Steals, .289 Average
2014 Projection: 560 Plate Appearances, 64 Runs, 63 RBI, 15 Home Runs, 9 Steals, .278 Average
27. Adam Dunn
Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox
2013 Statistics: 607 Plate Appearances, 60 Runs, 86 RBI, 34 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .219 Average
2014 Projections: 584 Plate Appearances, 61 Runs, 75 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .202 Average
26. Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
2013 Statistics: 317 Plate Appearances, 34 Runs, 43 RBI, 11 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .266 Average
2014 Projection: 470 Plate Appearances, 54 Runs, 81 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .254 Average
25. Adam Lind
Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays
2013 Statistics: 521 Plate Appearances, 67 Runs, 67 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .288 Average
2014 Projection: 524 Plate Appearances, 56 Runs, 74 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .270 Average
24. Jose Dariel Abreu
Jose Dariel Abreu, Chicago White Sox
600 Plate Appearances, 75 Runs, 75 RBI, 15 Home Runs, 6 Stolen Bases, .254 Average
23. Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli, Boston Red Sox
2013 Statistics: 578 Plate Appearances, 79 Runs, 92 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .259 AVG
2014 Projection: 476 Plate Appearances, 68 Runs, 74 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .251 AVG
22. Kendrys Morales
Kendrys Morales, Free Agent
2013 Statistics: 657 Plate Appearances, 64 Runs, 80 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .277 Average
2014 Projection: 590 Plate Appearances, 63 Runs, 77 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .275 Average
21. Corey Hart
Corey Hart, Seattle Mariners
2012 Statistics: 622 Plate Appearances, 91 Runs, 83 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 5 Steals, .270 Average
2014 Projection: 596 Plate Appearances, 65 Runs, 70 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .266 Average
20. Chris Carter
Chris Carter, Houston Astros
2013 Statistics: 585 Plate Appearances, 64 Runs, 82 RBI, 29 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .223 Average
2014 Projection: 600 Plate Appearances, 70 Runs, 81 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .219 Average
19. Matt Adams
Matt Adams, St. Louis Cardinals
2013 Statistics: 319 Plate Appearances, 46 Runs, 51 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .284 Average
2014 Projection: 500 Plate Appearances, 66 Runs, 78 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .266 Average
18. Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
2013 Statistics: 642 Plate Appearances, 75 Runs, 74 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .268 Average
2014 Projection: 636 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 77 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .254 Average
17. Adam LaRoche
Adam LaRoche, Washington Nationals
2013 Statistics: 590 Plate Appearances, 70 Runs, 62 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .237 Average
2014 Projection: 600 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 79 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .251 Average
16. Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels
2013 Statistics: 443 Plate Appearances, 49 Runs, 64 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .258 Average
2014 Projection: 588 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 89 RBI, 19 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .264 Average
15. Mark Teixeira
Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees
2013 Statistics: 63 Plate Appearances, 5 Runs, 12 RBI, 3 Home Runs, 0 Steals, .151 Average
2014 Projection: 550 Plate Appearances, 76 Runs, 85 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .241 Average
14. Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher, Cleveland Indians
2013 Statistics: 634 Plate Appearances, 74 Runs, 63 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .246 Average
2014 Projection: 631 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 80 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .252 Average
13. Buster Posey
Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
2013 Statistic: 595 Plate Appearances, 61 Runs, 72 RBI, 15 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .294 AVG
2014 Projection: 595 Plate Appearances, 67 Runs, 84 RBI, 19 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .304 AVG
12. Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs
2013 Statistics: 690 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 80 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .233 AVG
2014 Projection: 670 Plate Appearances, 73 Runs, 81 RBI, 28 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .246 AVG
11. Brandon Moss
Brandon Moss, Oakland Athletics
2013 Statistics: 505 Plate Appearances, 73 Runs, 87 RBI, 30 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .256 AVG
2014 Projection: 510 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 89 RBI, 26 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .247 AVG
10. Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
2013 Statistics: 680 Plate Appearances, 86 Runs, 79 RBI, 17 Home Runs, 11 Steals, .302 AVG
2014 Projection: 653 Plate Appearances, 77 Runs, 77 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 13 Steals, .286 AVG
9. Adrian Gonzalez
Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers
2013 Statistics: 641 Plate Appearances, 69 Runs, 100 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .293 AVG
2014 Projection: 663 Plate Appearances, 72 Runs, 104 RBI, 20 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .293 AVG
8. Mark Trumbo
Mark Trumbo, Arizona Diamondbacks
2013 Statistics: 678 Plate Appearances, 85 Runs, 100 RBI, 34 Home Runs, 5 Steals, .234 AVG
2014 Projection: 612 Plate Appearances, 72 Runs, 94 RBI, 31 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .249 AVG
7. Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
2013 Statistics: 629 Plate Appearances, 89 Runs, 109 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .319 AVG
2014 Projection: 628 Plate Appearances, 82 Runs, 93 RBI, 23 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .300 AVG
6. Allen Craig
Allen Craig, St. Louis Cardinals
2013 Statistics: 563 Plate Appearances, 71 Runs, 97 RBI, 13 Home Runs, 2 Steals, .315 AVG
2014 Projection: 600 Plate Appearances, 83 Runs, 106 RBI, 22 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .305 AVG
5. Joey Votto
Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
2013 Statistics: 726 Plate Appearances, 101 Runs, 73 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 6 Steals, .305 AVG
2014 Projection: 698 Plate Appearances, 95 Runs, 84 RBI, 24 Home Runs, 7 Steals, .308 AVG
4. Edwin Encarnacion
Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
2013 Statistics: 621 Plate Appearances, 90 Runs, 104 RBI, 36 Home Runs, 7 Steals, .272 AVG
2014 Projection: 598 Plate Appearances, 84 Runs, 97 RBI, 31 Home Runs, 9 Steals, .274 AVG
3. Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers
2013 Statistics: 712 Plate Appearances, 82 Runs, 106 RBI, 25 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .279 AVG
2014 Projection: 698 Plate Appearances, 87 Runs, 108 RBI, 29 Home Runs, 1 Steal, .294 AVG
2. Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
2013 Statistics: 710 Plate Appearances, 103 Runs, 125 RBI, 36 Home Runs, 15 Steals, .302 AVG
2014 Projection: 645 Plate Appearances, 93 Runs, 103 RBI, 28 Home Runs, 14 Steals, .286 AVG
1. Chris Davis
Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles
2013 Statistics: 673 Plate Appearances, 103 Runs, 138 RBI, 53 Home Runs, 4 Steals, .286 AVG
2014 Projection: 618 Plate Appearances, 85 Runs, 116 RBI, 41 Home Runs, 3 Steals, .274 AVG
