10. Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers
Just last season, Miguel Cabrera would have easily ranked top five on this list. And a few seasons ago, he would sit at No. 1. However, heading into the 2018 season, Cabrera barely squeezes into this top 10 list.
The 34-year-old remains on this list because of his career resume. Cabrera boasts quite the trophy case with two MVP awards, seven Silver Sluggers, four batting titles, 11 All-Star appearances, a triple crown and he won a World Series back in 2003 with the Florida Marlins.
But 2017 was easily the worst season of Cabrera’s career. It has many people wondering, could we be seeing the decline of one of the best player’s of this decade. It’s tough to write off a player after one season, especially a player like Cabrera. He could easily bounce-back in 2018 and prove that he remains in the discussion among the top first basemen.
Looking at last season, Cabrera posted a slash line of .249/.329/.399 with 16 home runs, 60 RBI, 50 runs and a -0.8 bWAR. He posted career lows in batting average, RBI, slugging percentage, OPS, and OPS-plus.
If Cabrera’s 2018 season looks anything like his 2017 did, don’t expect him to rank anywhere near the top 10 next season.
9. Eric Hosmer – Free Agent
One of the best players left on the free agent market cracks our list at No. 9. Eric Hosmer, 28, like many other free agents that remain in search of a job, might have to settle for less than what he expected heading into the offseason.
Hosmer spent seven seasons with the Kansas City Royals before hitting free agency after the 2017 season. The first baseman left a lasting impact on his former team. Hosmer played a significant role in the Royals’ 2015 World Series title.
The left-hander also picked a great time to have the best season of his career. In 2017, Hosmer hit .318/.385/.498 with 25 home runs, 94 RBI, 98 runs scored and a 4.0 bWAR. He posted career highs in hits (192), batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS (.882), OPS+ (132) and walks (66).
Not only did Hosmer have a great season but he also played in all 162 of the Royals’ games. Throughout his career, Hosmer’s shown great durability. In five of his seven big league seasons, Hosmer’s played in at least 150 games.
Despite winning four MLB Gold Gloves in his career (including 2017), Hosmer’s defense is lacking. He sports a -8.0 dWAR for his career. His defensive play and the depth of the first base position has Hosmer low on this list.