You’re generally not looking for batting average when drafting a first baseman in fantasy baseball.
It’s all about power…except, of course, if you’re looking for an edge in steals, then one consistent name comes to mind.
I’m taking a look at all positions in fantasy baseball and offering my can’t miss, potential bust and sleeper pick. Here’s my take on first basemen.
Can’t Miss
Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks haven’t been very good, but that doesn’t stop Goldschmidt.
He’s a regular top-line contributor among first basemen and that shouldn’t stop this year. He’s not going to provide that power punch that some first basemen provide, but he’s so far ahead of the other players in this category in stolen bases, it makes up for his decreased homers.
Goldschmidt tallied 32 steals last year, after running onto the scene with 21 in 2015. His 32 were 20 more than the first baseman with the third-most steals.
He does everything else well enough — batting average near .300, more than 20 home runs and near 100 RBIs. What makes him special, though, is that he will completely outdistance the majority of first basemen in stolen bases, giving your team a unique edge in that category.
He currently owns an average draft position of seventh overall. That’s about right for the kind of production he’ll yield in 2017.
Potential Bust
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
If you want the most consistent fantasy baseball option for the last decade, then Cabrera is your man.
He’s always over .300 in batting average and pounds out more than 100 RBIs. He also is usually near the 40 home-run barrier, too. So why do I believe he’ll bust with an ADP of 13th overall in 2017?
There’s too much of an injury risk.
Since 2004, he’s played in 150 games or more in 11 seasons. That’s an incredible achievement, but over time, that does a number on a person’s body. If he plays, he’s going to dot all the “I’s” and cross the “T’s” in fantasy baseball.
But there’s a legitimate chance that his career is coming to a close. I wouldn’t take the risk early in the second round on a player entering his 15th season.
Sleeper
Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
He’s not going to dominate in a particular category, but he’s shown the ability to produce in multiple fantasy baseball categories.
He’s currently going off with an ADP of 104 overall, the 17th-highest among first basemen. That’s a great place to pick him up, since he continues to get better in power numbers.
He belted a career-high in home runs and RBIs last year. And while last season he took a step back in runs and batting average, he’s shown the ability in the past to be a near 100-run player, along with being a near .300 hitter.
He’s still young enough to get better and I see him taking on even more of an offensive centerpiece role this year for the Royals. At that draft level, he’s a solid sleeper choice.
