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MLB Projections: Top 10 First Baseman Heading into 2021 Season

By Edward Lennon

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a single to bring in the winning run in the thirteenth inning of Game One of the National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park on September 30, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a single to bring in the winning run in the thirteenth inning of Game One of the National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park on September 30, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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#9- Josh Bell, Washington Nationals

(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

The Washington Nationals needed to fill a hole in their lineup and they certainly did after they trade for All-Star Josh Bell earlier this offseason. He has two years left of team control before he becomes a free agent.

Bell, 28, is coming off a disappointing 2020, even though being on the abysmal Pittsburgh Pirates did not help his case. However, he was an absolute slugger in 2019, when he was named an All-Star.

In 2019, through 143 games, Bell hit 37 home runs and 37 doubles, drove in 116 runs, and had a .936 OPS. This was his best MLB season and he absolutely crushed the baseball. Bell and the Nationals both hope he finds his 2019 swing in 2021.

#8- Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers

Max Muncy has not always been in All-Star. He bounced around in the Oakland A’s organization for a while but finally found his stride in 2018 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Muncy, 30,  is a versatile player, being able to play first, second and third. In 2020 and for the indefinite future, Muncy is the Dodgers’ first baseman. In 2020, he hit just .192. However, he hit .272 with seven extra base-hits in the 2020 postseason, helping the Dodgers win the World Series.

Muncy is going to hit for power in 2021. Depending on where he is in their lineup, he either going to score a ton of runs or drive in a bunch of runs. Their lineup is stacked, and he fits in well, providing a power-hitting left-handed bat.

#7- Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs

Anthony Rizzo might not have been his usual self at the plate this season, batting .222 in 58 games. Nonetheless, he is still an elite defender. He won his fourth Gold Glove in 2020.

In seven of Rizzo’s 10 seasons, he has hit at least 23 home runs and he has driven in 100+ runs in four seasons. He has a career OPS. of .857. He is a three-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger in 2016.

Rizzo, 31, is on the final year of his contract with the Cubs. The two parties might be in extension talks, but things might not be resolved before the season starts. It would be odd to see Rizzo play elsewhere since he is a part of Cubs history and helped break the 108-year World Series drought by bringing a title to Chicago in 2016.

If the two do not reach an agreement, Rizzo has an extra incentive this season to do well because he would be playing for his next MLB contract.

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