Fantasy Baseball is coming quicker than a Aroldis Chapman 100-miles-per-hour fastball. In preparation of another competitive fantasy season, check out my Top 5 “First Basemen” for the 2014 season.
No. 5: Jose Abreu (CHW)
Jose Abreu, the latest baseball phenom out of Cuba, will make a big splash for the White Sox this season. Abreu, 27, hit .344 with 19 home runs and 60 runs batted in during the 2012-2013 Cuban Baseball season. He is a career .342 hitter in Cuba, even hitting an astounding .448 during the 2010-2011 Cuban baseball season. Abreu also hit 37 home runs in 77 games during that season.
Now, does the Cuban baseball league provide the same pitching talent that Major League Baseball features? Absolutely not would be the correct answer. However, Abreu has great talent and is entering the prime of his career. White Sox players and coaches have marveled over Abreu's strength at the plate. White Sox fans will be very happy with the production from Abreu in 2014. Expect the young slugger to hit .310 with 35 home runs and 88 RBI this season.
No. 4: Albert Pujols (LAA)
If there's one thing I've learned from watching Major League Baseball, it's that you never count out Albert Pujols. The 34-year old Pujols had an off year in 2013, batting .258, with 17 home runs and 64 RBI in 99 games (all of which are career lows for Pujols). The three-time National League MVP said he expects to be fully healthy for the upcoming season.
Pujols, who is eight home runs from reaching the “magic” 500 home run plateau, will have a great season in 2014. Josh Hamilton (who I'm not completely sold on) should provide him with some backup in the lineup (even if it's through reputation only). I expect Pujols to hit .310 with 36 home runs and 105 RBI during the 2014 season.
Editor’s Note: If you agree that this list is crazy, hit me up on Twitter at @briansflood and explain why. For instance, no Prince Fielder?
No. 3: Freddie Freeman (ATL)
The Braves were right to give Freddie Freeman an eight-year, $135 million contract extension this off-season. The 24-year old first baseman hit .319 with 23 home runs and 109 RBI in 147 games during the 2013 season. Freeman was named a National League all-star for the first time in his career last season and finished fifth in the NL Most Valuable Player voting.
Freeman will be a great first baseman. I see him as a Mark Teixeira type hitter (except for the fact he isn't a switch hitter like Teixeira.) He has good power that will continue to develop as he enters the prime of his career. I expect Freeman to hit .320 with 30 home runs and 115 RBI during the 2014 season.
No. 2: Paul Goldschmidt (ARI)
Freeman's breakout season in 2013 was nothing compared to the season Paul Goldschmidt had for the Diamondbacks. Goldschmidt, 26, led the National League with 36 home runs, 125 RBI, a .551 slugging percentage, a .952 OPS (on base plus slugging), and 332 total bases. Goldschmidt even tied Joey Votto for the National League led in intentional walks with 19. He also hit .302 and had a .401 OBP. Those sound like Babe Ruth type numbers right there!
Another aspect to Goldschmidt's game is his speed. The Gold Glove winning first baseman stole 15 bases during the 2013 season. In 2012, he stole 18 bases. Goldschmidt has the rare combination of speed and power to make any Fantasy Baseball owner cheer with excitement (or misery if you're facing him.) I expect Goldschmidt to have another great season in 2014, batting .290 with 40 home runs and 125 RBI. I also expect him to steal 14 bases next season.
No. 1: Joey Votto (CIN)
Votto is a rare, once in a generation type talent. The Canadian native hit .305 with 24 home runs and 73 RBI in 2013. He led the National League with 135 walks, a .435 OBP and 762 plate appearances. The 2010 National League MVP is career .314 hitter with a .419 OBP in seven Major League seasons. Votto also averaged 29 home runs, 96 runs scored and 103 walks per a 162 game season. There is no doubt he is going to continue his onslaught against National League pitching in 2014.
Don't let the lack of RBI last season fool you. Votto is as productive player as ever. He is going to draw fantasy owners walks, hits, RBI, home runs, OBP, runs and batting average. The four-time all-star can even swipe a few bases. He stole 16 bases in 2010 and has stolen at least five bases each season since. I expect Votto to hit .320 and drive in 38 home runs and 130 RBI during the 2014 season. His OBP should hover around .440.
Did I leave any first basemen off my list that you think should be on it? Let us know in the comments section below!
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