MLB

5 Best Options At First Base For the Pittsburgh Pirates

5 Options At First Base For Pirates

PNC Park Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a core group of players that will be good for many years to come. Like all teams, however, there are a couple positions of question for the Pirates this year. One of those positions is first base, where Pittsburgh used a platoon last season. Ike Davis and Gaby Sanchez were not exactly overwhelming, which has the Pirates looking for potential replacements at first base, and these five players are the best options.

5. Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche Washington Nationals
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5. Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche Washington Nationals
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If the Pirates sign Adam LaRoche this offseason, it will mark his second stint with the organization. After playing in Pittsburgh for a couple years, LaRoche left for greener pastures. Since then, he has played for three different organizations and has been very successful. LaRoche would fill the need at first base perfectly, but because of his success with the Washington Nationals, he might be out of the Pirates’ price range.

4. Michael Morse

Michael Morse San Francisco Giants
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4. Michael Morse

Michael Morse San Francisco Giants
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

At the onset of last season, Morse signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants for a relatively small amount of money. He was a steal as he helped the Giants win the World Series. As a platoon player Morse is a solid option, because he has the ability to play in the outfield as well. The crop of first basemen available in free agency is slim which could drive up the bidding price on Morse. If that happens, Pittsburgh could be outbid.

3. Ike Davis

Ike Davis Pittsburgh Pirates
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3. Ike Davis

Ike Davis Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates made a trade with the New York Mets last season for first baseman Ike Davis. The hope was that he could be the team’s everyday first baseman, but Davis ended up in a platoon with Gaby Sanchez. If Pittsburgh doesn’t want to look outside of the organization, then Davis could be a candidate to make up one half of another platoon or to play first base every day. Either way, he will be a cheaper option than free agency could provide.

2. Andrew Lambo

Andrew Lambo Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Andrew Lambo

Andrew Lambo Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Lambo was expected to be Sanchez’s platoon-mate last season, but after underperforming, the Pirates traded with the Mets to get Davis. Lambo is still a young player at 26 years old, and his numbers at Triple-A have been good. If Lambo can prove during spring training that he can produce at the major-league level, the Pirates could look to use him in a platoon or make him the everyday first baseman.

1. Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez Pittsburgh Pirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pedro Alvarez

Pedro Alvarez PittsburghPirates
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates have the best option at first base currently on the roster. Even though Alvarez has limited experience at first base, Pittsburgh should start him there to get his bat in the lineup. Alvarez went from being the everyday third baseman to being an under-used bench player last season. His poor defensive play prompted this move, but his power is something that the Pirates need. The move to first base could benefit Alvarez and the team.

Andrew Lenz is a Blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealAndyLenz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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