Our review of the 2016 fantasy baseball season continues with a look at some of the top value performances at first base.

2016 First Base Values

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Since arriving in the big leagues in 2010, the Carlos Santana has bounced around a few different positions, coming up as a catcher and also spending time at first and third base. In 2016, however, he seemed to finally settle on first base and DH, not spending one inning behind the plate for the first time in his major league career. The stability paid off as the 30-year-old switch-hitter had his best seasons at the plate. He slashed .259/.366/.498 with 34 homers and 87 RBI. This was the first time in his career he cracked the 30 home run milestone and he also set career highs in runs (89), hits (151) and total bases (290). Santana ended up as a top 10 fantasy first baseman in 2016 and was an excellent value with an average draft position of #207.

The Indians picked up Santana’s $12 million option for 2017, so he should be back with the Tribe next season in the same role. In a contract year and with plenty of time at DH to maximize his at-bats, it’s reasonable for fantasy owners to expect similar production. He might not slip so late in the draft next year.

Mike Napoli, Cleveland Indians

Between Santana and Mike Napoli, Cleveland really got some good production out of first base. The 35-year-old slugger signed a one-year deal with Cleveland last offseason and he might have earned himself a multi-year deal with a great 2016 campaign. Splitting time with Santana at first base and DH, Napoli hit .239/.335/.465 with 34 homers and 101 RBI. Both numbers were career highs for Napoli, and it was the first time he’s reached the 100-RBI milestone in his 11-year career. Despite being drafted at #57 among all fantasy eligible first basemen with an average draft position of #347 overall, Napoli was one of ten fantasy eligible first basemen with 100+ RBI and one of thirteen with over 30 home runs.

The Indians did not extend a qualifying offer to Napoli, so he’ll be free to sign without any draft pick compensation complicating matters. Fantasy owners should be skeptical about the ability of a player who put up career highs in his mid-30s to repeat the performance. However, Napoli remains a power threat going into 2017 and his fantasy value will be better if he signs with an AL team that can provide him with some at-bats at DH.

Wil Myers, San Diego Padres

Wil Myers made his name as a top prospect and an outfielder, but in 2016 he put together his best MLB season after a move to first base. He was San Diego’s first baseman for 149 games after having only played there for 29 games in three seasons combined prior to this year. He became one of the best fantasy values at the position, earning his first trip to the All Star Game and also staying off the disabled list all year for the first time in his MLB career. In 676 plate appearances, he slashed .257/.336/.461 with 28 homers and 94 RBI. These are the best numbers he’s put up since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2013. Considering he was drafted in fantasy leagues at an average position of 257 overall, it’s safe to say fantasy owners were quite pleased with what they got from Myers.

It’s hard to believe that Myers will be just 26 when the 2017 season begins, as he’s been a recognizable name for years. His fantasy stock has certainly risen after 2016, especially if he keeps playing just enough in the outfield to maintain multiple position eligibility. Fantasy owners can safely expect a repeat performance in 2017 as long as he stays healthy.