Call to the pen
Fansided

Ranking the top first basemen in MLB approaching Opening Day

By Nick Fustor

Jul 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) leads off of first base as Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) covers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) leads off of first base as Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) covers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Honorable Mentions

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Hanley Ramirez

Much of Hanley Ramirez‘s success this season will depend on his ability to play defense at first base effectively, but his bat should bounce back after a down season.  If healthy, Ramirez can return to an All-Star caliber level.

Brandon Belt

It took a few seasons for Brandon Belt to fully develop, but he quietly had one of the better offensive seasons from a first baseman last year. With a .834 OPS and 18 home runs, Belt proved he’s a reliable contributor across the board.

Lucas Duda

One of the more traditional first basemen in the league, Lucas Duda broke onto the scene with a surprising 2014 campaign that he followed up with strikingly similar numbers last season. Duda hits for power and not much else, but that’s all he needs in a solid New York Mets lineup.

Justin Bour

Miami Marlins’ first baseman Justin Bour is atrocious against left-handers, but mashed 23 home runs off of right-handed pitchers last season.  He’ll need to figure out how to effectively hit lefties, and if he does, his potential is very high.

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