15. Paul Goldschmidt – Arizona Diamondbacks
Regardless of what Jim Leyland thinks, Paul Goldschmidt may well be the best first baseman in the MLB.
He is, in fact, quite the rare player for a first baseman. An on base machine, he posted a .297/.411/.489 batting line, leading the National League with 110 walks. Goldschmidt displayed solid power, with 24 homers and 33 doubles, but it was his speed that truly set him apart. He stole 32 bases in 37 attempts, ranking seventh in the NL in steals. A 30/30 season may be in his future, perhaps as soon as this year.
Goldschmidt has also proven to be a solid defensive player. The 2015 Gold Glove winner, he made just four errors in 2016, as he led NL first basemen in putouts and range factor. With four runs saved, and top five finishes in assists and double plays, he is still one of the elite defensive players at his position.
However, one has to wonder how much longer he will remain in the desert. Goldschmidt is only signed through the 2018 season, although the Diamondbacks have an option for 2019. Should they struggle again this season, Goldschmidt could be the type of player that would bring back a significant haul of prospects.
A truly unique player, there are not any first basemen like Paul Goldschmidt. It may even be fair to wonder when we will see another first baseman with his all around skill set.