First Basemen – Top 10 In The MLB For 2021 Ranked By Vendetta Sports Media
The first week of spring training is almost over, which means the regular season is right around the corner. We asked our writers to send in their top 20 first basemen. We then averaged it out to the top 10. Let’s take a look at the top 10 first basemen
10 – Brandon Belt – San Francisco Giants
Belt does not deserve to be on this list. He has not played more than 211 games in the MLB in his career. So why should he be on the list?
His career numbers in the limited games are actually pretty good. He’s hitting .338/ .407/ .607 with 35 career home runs and 106 RBI’s.
9 – Rhys Hoskins – Philadelphia Phillies
“Rhys Hoskins entered his career with a historic home run, and while he’s not one of the game’s premier power bats, he’s still a dangerous plate presence. His 73 homers in the last three seasons put him just outside the league’s top-20. Naturally, that comes at the expense of a lot of strikeouts, but Hoskins actually walks a lot, too; in fact, he lead the NL in that department in 2019. Hoskins underwent Tommy John on his non-throwing arm in October, but he’s expected to be back for Opening Day.”
8 – Max Muncy – Los Angeles Dodgers
Although, he is more of a utility guy who can play first, second and third base. Muncy comes in at number eight. In 2019 Muncy was an All-Star and top 15- MVP Candidate. So whether you want to consider him to be a first baseman or not, he deserves to be on this list.
7 – Pete Alonso – New York Mets
Pete Alonso had a breakout rookie season, in which he was named an All-Star for the New York Mets. Although, his numbers did take a big drop in 2020. We can expect Alonso to try and get back to his 2019 self this season. Not to mention, he was also the NL rookie of the year and he was 7th in MVP Voting.
6 – Luke Voit – New York Yankees
Voit came over to the New York Yankees from the St. Louis Cardinals. But, ever since he made it to the show, he has been one of the best hitters at the first base position. 2020 was by far his best year, as he hit 22 home runs.
5 – Eric Hosmer – San Diego Padres
What can you say? Eric Hosmer has proved himself time and time again to be top 5, but he hasn’t solidified himself as the number 1 at the position. For the past few years, he has been a big part of the monster lineup down in San Diego.
4 – Paul Goldschmidt – St. Louis Cardinals
“I’m actually surprised that Goldschmidt fell to fourth on the list.” – Dacota
A few years ago, Goldschmidt was top two in the league. But his numbers dropped two years ago. Goldschmidt is a 6-time All-Star as well as a 3-time Gold Glove award winner.
3 – Jose Abreu – Chicago White Sox
Abreu has been in the league for seven year, but the last two years have been his best. The reigning American League MVP hit .317/.370/.617 with 19 home runs and 60 RBI’s in 2020.
2 – Anthony Rizzo – Chicago Cubs
Anthony Rizzo has been in the league for nine years. It wasn’t until 2014 that he started to become a prolific player in the league. In 2016, he helped the Chicago Cubs win the World Series, but he is also a 3-time All-Star, as well as a 4-time Gold Glove winner. His offensive numbers took a huge hit in 2020, but I would expect him to get back on track.
1 – Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves
Coming in at first on the first basemen rankings is Freddie Freeman. The reigning National League MVP seemed to be on pace for his best season in 2020. Although he is not the best defensively at the position, he is the best offensively.
Other Quotes:
“Where is Josh Bell? Big bounceback year coming.” – Trey Daubert
“Belt is a sneaky 10 but as far as I am concerned this is the best rankings to date, Rizzo might be a little too high and we will see what happens with Alonso and Dom Smith and 1st for the Mets. The NL East is deep in this position, and the NL West is a close 2nd.” – Adam Krieger
