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MLB: The Top Players at Each Position

By Nick Fustor

Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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First Base

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Rizzo

With Paul Goldschmidt in the midst of a relatively down year for his standards, first base has been wide open when it comes to contenders for the best player at the position.  While Wil Myers currently has the highest WAR among first basemen (3.3), his production has done little to help a laboring San Diego Padres roster.

There’s plenty of solid offensive players at first base; with Eric Hosmer, Miguel Cabrera, Chris David and Freddie Freeman, just to name a few.  However, none has had more impact on their team than Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

Despite a slow start to the season, Rizzo maintained his approach at the plate and broke out in June.  The 26-year-old hit .378 with eight home runs and 21 RBI while drawing nearly as many walks (14) as strikeouts (17).

During that stretch, he raised his overall slash line to .283/.403/.576 all while striking out only 14 percent of the time.  What’s more impressive is that Rizzo is exceeding with a relatively low .275 BABIP.  If that number rises down the stretch, his numbers could be eye-popping.

In the midst of his slow start, Rizzo maintained his power – and is now on pace to set a career-high, which was previously 32 in 2014.

Rizzo’s defense at first base ranks among the better players in the field, although it’s nothing spectacular.  His 6.7 UZR/150 is solid, and he’s already managed 6 defensive runs saved – which puts him on pace to break last year’s number of 10.

Rizzo has quickly evolved into an all-around force on the best team in the National League.

Honorable Mentions: Eric Hosmer, Miguel Cabrera, Freddie Freeman

Next: Second Base

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