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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Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols may be a shell of his former self, but he clubbed 40 home runs in 157 games last season while hitting .244.  His OBP of .307 was way down from his career average, but Pujols can still be a viable contributor for at least a few more seasons.  Look for the 36-year-old to keep posting solid power numbers going forward.

9. Adrian Gonzalez

As he’s aged, Adrian Gonzalez has shown his ability to adjust his game to suit whichever play style would best benefit his team.  Now 33, it’s unlikely Gonzalez will ever top 40 home runs or hit .300 again, but his balanced approach gives him the ability to get on base at a high rate while still driving in nearly 100 runs.

8. Jose Abreu

Jose Abreu took a slight step back in his sophomore campaign, but still posted near-elite numbers among first basemen. At 29, it’s likely Abreu has peaked in terms of value – but that’s a huge plus for a Chicago White Sox team that struggled mightily in 2015. It’s possible that Abreu tops 40 home runs now that the team added other threats like Todd Frazier to support him in the lineup.

7. Eric Hosmer

Eric Hosmer has yet to develop into an elite power hitter like many expected him to be, but he fills the role of a solid contact hitter that can get on base at an effective rate. His 18 home runs last season were one shy of his career-high, and it’s possible that he tops 20 for the first time in his career this season. It’s doubtful that he’ll ever improve on defense though, as he’s never posted a positive defensive WAR. At the prime age of 26, Hosmer could experience a significant breakthrough at the plate, however.

6. Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion was one of the catalysts of an elite Toronto Blue Jays offense in 2015, and 2016 figures to be no different. His 39 home runs were his most since 2012, and entering a contract year it’s possible his offense takes another step forward. While he only played in 59 games at first base last season, he appears just enough to qualify here.

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