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2020 Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 H2H first basemen, ranked

By Manny Gómez

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 28: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on August 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 28: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves hits a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on August 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

2020 Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 first basemen

6. Matt Olson, Oakland Athletics

2019 MLB Season: .267 AVG / .896 OPS / 26 2B / 0 3B / 36 HR / 91 RBI

2020 STEAMER: .255 AVG / .859 OPS / 29 2B / 1 3B / 38 HR / 103 RBI

Matt Olson arrived as a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman in 2018 and then built upon his game in 2019 by adding an element of power and patience. This makes him an amazing option in H2H fantasy baseball leagues.

Unfortunately, the Steamer system projects Olson to have a bit of decline in 2020, but look closer and he should net more points given a projected increase in home runs, doubles, and triples. Olson is another one of those options that won’t get a lot of attention on draft night, but he will most certainly be one of those sleeper picks that will make a big impact on your weekly total points.

5. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals

2019 MLB Season: .260 AVG / .821 OPS / 25 2B / 1 3B / 34 HR / 97 RBI

2020 STEAMER: .273 AVG / .864 OPS / 29 2B / 2 3B / 31 HR / 92 RBI

In some respects, Paul Goldschmidt had a bit of a down year in terms of patience and hitting last season. This was the result of a dreadful start to the season. In the end, his power production kept him in the top tier of first basemen in the league.

This season, Goldy is looking to return to complete form according to the Steamer system. He’s predicted to see a jump in batting average and overall power and patience.

The point is, you can never go wrong with Goldy. If he’s available and you’re in need of a 1B, draft him and bank on a decent season.

4. Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates

2019 MLB Season: .277 AVG / .936 OPS / 37 2B / 3 3B / 37 HR / 116 RBI

2020 STEAMER: .275 AVG / .873 OPS / 32 2B / 3 3B / 29 HR / 94 RBI

Last season, after years of working on different aspects of his game, it all came together for Josh Bell. How much of that is due to the fact that the baseballs were juiced in 2019? It’s hard to say. The Steamer system projects Bell to produce somewhat similar in most areas, however, which is promising.

I’d say, Bell is the riskiest player at this level on this list. Why? Well, because he’s only really had one elite year as an MLB player. Some would argue that Goldy should be taken ahead of Bell.

At the same time, however, you can take Bell later in the draft and potentially get top-tier level production.

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