Fantasy First Base 10-17

Jun 18, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) doubles against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The number before each first baseman’s name represents their overall rank in the 2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings.

Even as we move towards utility level first basemen, it is apparent how deep the position is. I would feel very comfortable starting just about any of these guys at first base on my fantasy team. The only issues I have with any of these players are that their ADP’s are too high or they have lingering injury concerns.

10. #55 Prince Fielder Texas Rangers

Despite his massive frame, Prince Fielder was the epitome of health from 2006 to 2013. Well, I mean health in terms of playing games. He played at least 157 games in every season in that span and he only missed one game between 2009 and 2013. However, Fielder is now a massive injury risk coming off of neck surgery. I would look elsewhere for a high ceiling first baseman.

11. #58 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds (also 3B eligible)

Frazier’s 29-20 season was one of the more surprising performances of 2014, but his chance of being a fantasy asset in 2015 seems to be somewhat written off. I think we see closer to a 25-10 season from Todd Frazier, but that would still make him a solid five category contributor. Frazier could easily exceed a fantasy line of 70/25/75/10/.270, and I would certainly take that from the former Little League World Series star.

12. #63 Chris Davis Baltimore Orioles (also 3B eligible)

It seems like Chris Davis will fall somewhere between his 2013 and 2014 seasons, especially since they were so far apart. I would look at his 2012 performance to establish a prediction. In 2012, Chris Davis slugged 35 homers, recorded 85 RBI’s, and hit to the tune of .270. Of course, it is not likely for Davis to approach that type of BA in 2015. While I think Chris Davis is a very logical rebound candidate, he has some risks as you can read here.

13. #64 Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds

I have seen projections all over the map for Joey Votto. When something like that happens, there is just no way to know what truly will happen, but I am inclined to think he will hit under 20 home runs. For that reason, I am going to stay away even though Votto has one of the most impressive approaches to hitting I have ever seen.

14. #66 Carlos Santana Cleveland Indians (also 3B eligible)

There is a lot to love about Carlos Santana. His league leading BB% rate in 2014 is chief among those things. The worst walk rate of Santana’s career is 14.5%. Despite a career .248 average, Carlos Santana sits pretty with a career .367 OBP and .355 wOBA. The only negative I have about Santana is that he lost his catcher eligibility for 2015.

15. #78 Mark Trumbo Arizona Diamondbacks (also OF eligible)

Mark Trumbo will have a gigantic range on where he appears on pre-season rankings across the fantasy baseball world. I probably rank Trumbo near the top of all of his projected rankings because I believe that he returns to power hitting ways. According to my article, you should take a chance on Mark Trumbo for his elite power.

16. #90 Victor Martinez* Detroit Tigers

The veteran Martinez was one of baseball’s most pleasant surprises in 2014. He had a career year and provided high first round value from a late draft pick. However, the power numbers are not even close to repeatable, especially with his knee injury that could cost him some of the regular season. On the other hand, Victor Martinez’s previously over-inflated 2015 stock could turn into a slight value with everyone staying away due to this injury.

17. #97 Brandon Moss Cleveland Indians (also OF eligible)

I sure love Brandon Moss this season, but I doubt I am the only one. His power numbers are no secret, except maybe to Billy Beane. While I guess the hip injury that essentially shut down Moss in 2014 could be a slight concern, I am all systems go on the new slugger in Cleveland as you can read here. I expect 30 homers this year.