👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


2017 First Basemen: Top MLB Prospects for Fantasy Baseball

Welcome back, RotoBallers. I've already looked at the top 10 prospects for each MLB team and the top 10 catchers for 2017, and now I'll be breaking down impact prospects by position. Today I'm bringing you my top 10 first basemen - MLB prospect rankings for the 2017 fantasy baseball season.

There are not too many uber-talented first base prospects in the minors today. The depth is not as strong this season as it has been in the past. At this point, the first base position in the majors is starting to become filled more and more at the big league level by third basemen and outfielders who lacked the range to field their respective positions. You don’t see a lot of pure first basemen rise up through the minors any more.

But with that said, there are still some talented first base prospects out there, several of whom look poised to have productive 2017 seasons for their big-league ball clubs. Though only a single first base rookie finished the 2016 season with a WAR above 1.0, there are a couple higher-impact bats who could debut in 2017 and receive more playing time for teams that currently lack quality first base options.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Top 10 First Base Prospects for 2017 Fantasy Baseball

1. Josh Bell (PIT, MLB)
Stats: 152 PA, .273/.368/.406, 3 HR, 0 SB, 13.8% BB rate, 12.5% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
The only thing stopping Bell at this point from debuting on Opening Day is the progress in his recovery from knee surgery. Other than that, he seems very likely to have a fantasy impact right out of the gate. He hit extremely well for Pittsburgh when he debuted, much better than the duo of David Freese and John Jaso. All this coming off his most productive stat line in the minors as he put together a .295/.382/.468 slash line with 14 homers, 3 stolen bases, an 11.8 percent walk rate and 15.3 percent strikeout rate. He began to find his power stroke in 2016 and should only continue to excel in that aspect. Expect him to hit right around .300 with 15-25 home runs in 2017 and emerge as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.

2. Dan Vogelbach (SEA, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 581 PA, .287/.410/.495, 23 HR, 0 SB, 16.7% BB rate, 17.9% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
I’m going to throw this out there before I go any further: scouts rate Vogelbach as a great first baseman. They see him as an extremely unathletic, lumbering first base prospect who will never be a great defender. But they have all begun to come around on his bat. After continuing his monstrous tour of the minors, Vogelbach has started to be viewed as a starting DH or (at worst) first base option for big league teams. Scouts love his advanced approach to the plate and believe him to be a high on-base guy, even if the batting average does not come with him to the big leagues. He certainly has tons of power and should be a 20-homer threat in the big leagues. He will be the Mariners’ starting first baseman entering the 2017 campaign and should have quite a bit of fantasy value in mixed leagues.

3. Cody Bellinger (LAD, AAA)
Stats: (from AA) 465 PA, .263/.359/.484, 23 HR, 8 SB, 12.7% BB rate, 20.2% K rate
ETA: Early June
Bellinger exploded onto the scene in 2016 with a 30-homer season at High-A and only built up more hype after he crushed both Double- and Triple-A. He is blocked at first base by Adrian Gonzalez right now, but the Dodgers may elect to make a change or at least call Bellinger up to man one of the outfield positions. Bellinger is already a better defender and a better power hitter than Gonzalez and is probably Los Angeles’ best option at the position. Even if he does not push Gonzalez out of first base during this season, he should be expected to be called up and play some role for the team (even if just as a utility bat). He has the highest upside of any first base prospect out there and could be a dynamic fantasy option if given playing time.

4. Ronald Guzman (TEX, AAA)
Stats: (from AA) 415 PA, .288/.348/.477, 15 HR, 2 SB, 8.0% BB rate, 19.8% K rate
ETA: Early May
Guzman is the beneficiary of a lack of quality options at first base. Texas lost Mitch Moreland to the Boston Red Sox in free agency and Prince Fielder to retirement. Now, their top options at first are Mike Napoli (likely to spend more time at DH than any other position), Ryan Rua (can’t hit right-handed pitching) and Joey Gallo (still can’t make consistent contact). Guzman, meanwhile, has begun to emerge in the minors as a potential star first baseman thanks to a very refined approach at the plate and some budding power in his bat. If Guzman can crush Triple-A like he did Double-A in 2016, he should be able to warrant a promotion to the big leagues in May and take over as the full-time or strong-side-platoon first baseman.

5. Casey Gillaspie (1B, AAA)
Stats: 203 PA, .307/.389/.520, 7 HR, 0 SB, 10.8% BB rate, 18.7% K rate
ETA: Early May
Gillaspie may not have a single season with more than 20 home runs under his belt, but that’s mostly because he has yet to play in more than 135 games in a full season. Last season, the switch-hitting first baseman combined for 18 dingers and was on pace for 20+ if he played in 150 games. The Rays are in a sort of a rebuilding stage and would be more likely to give Gillaspie some playing time in the majors rather than continue to start Logan Morrison if Gillaspie earns the promotion.

6. Rowdy Tellez (TOR, AA)
Stats: 514 PA, .297/.387/.530, 23 HR, 4 SB, 12.3% BB rate, 17.9% K rate
ETA: Early June
The Blue Jays lost All-Star first baseman Edwin Encarnacion to free agency and as of today are slated to deploy a platoon of Steve Pearce and Justin Smoak in 2017. Now sure, those guys may hit for some pop, but neither are outstanding options for a potential playoff contender. Tellez, on the other hand, is coming off his best season in the minors at Double-A where he demonstrated excellent plate discipline and finally got his power swing going. And with John Gibbons already saying that Tellez is the closest prospect to the majors, he has to be considered a potentially enticing fantasy option in 2017 mixed leagues. If Smoak, Pearce or both struggle at any point throughout the season, Tellez could come up and become a steady source of production at first base for Toronto.

7. Dominic Smith (NYM, AA)
Stats: 542 PA, .302/.367/.457, 14 HR, 2 SB, 9.2% BB rate, 13.7% K rate
ETA: Early July
Smith has a challenging path to the majors. He is blocked by first baseman Lucas Duda at the big leagues who, health-permitting, should be ready to go and start full-time for New York. Smith is probably a better all-around hitter with his advanced discipline and raw power, but the Mets are going to be locked in a tight playoff chase with Washington and will likely not want to rely on a rookie at first base unless Duda really struggles and Smith completely demolishes Triple-A pitching. Smith will likely get a promotion in 2017, but he will have to fight to get regular starting playing time.

8. Rhys Hoskins (PHI, AA)
Stats: 589 PA, .281/.377/.566, 38 HR, 8 SB, 12.1% BB rate, 21.2% K rate
ETA: Early August
There is no denying that Hoskins had an incredible 2016 campaign. Even if you take into account the fact he did most of his mashing at hitter-friendly Reading, Hoskins still looked the part of a future starting first baseman. The only problem is that he is basically competing with a carbon-copy of himself at the big-league level for playing time. Tommy Joseph, like Hoskins, is a young power bat with a tendency to hit lefties better than righties. Hoskins could theoretically push Jospeh out or one of the two could be traded away, but as it stands right now, Hoskins has an uphill battle for playing time.

9. Trey Mancini (BAL, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 536 PA, .280/.349/.427, 13 HR, 2 SB, 9.0% BB rate, 22.9% K rate
ETA: Early August
Mancini was all set to receive starting playing time in 2017 until the Orioles resigned Mark Trumbo. Now it’s back to Triple-A with the 24-year-old first baseman. He has shown throughout his MiLB career that he has plenty of pop and could hit for a respectable average, but he is limited to first base or DH with his athleticism, or lack thereof. He could be a trade candidate if the Orioles try to upgrade a position as he is one of their better prospects, but that is likely his only legit path to consistent playing time in 2017.

10. Matt Olson (OAK, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 540 PA, .235/.335/.422, 17 HR, 1 SB, 13.1% BB rate, 24.4% K rate
ETA: Early August
If Olson could lower his strikeout rate and hit for a better average, he’d likely be starting in the majors at first base this season. Yonder Alonso is not necessarily a must-start first baseman for Oakland, but no one is really forcing him out. Olson has always hit for a ton of power and he takes plenty of walks, but he also consistently strikes out 20 percent of the time or more and usually posts a batting average below .250. All Olson needs to do is fix the issues in his game right now and he could be a legitimate source of power for fantasy owners, but that’s easier said than done.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Jrue Holiday

Wants to Stay in Portland
Ayo Dosunmu

Timberwolves Hope to Bring Back Ayo Dosunmu
Dylan Harper

Considered Questionable for Friday Night
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Game 3
Jalen Williams

Questionable for Game 3 Against Spurs
Alex Tuch

Hopes to Remain in Buffalo
Sidney Crosby

Wants to Play for "as Many Years as Possible"
Troy Terry

Could Miss Start of Next Season Due to Hip Surgery
Arber Xhekaj

Scratched for Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals
Jakub Dobes

Seeks More Success Against Hurricanes
Frederik Andersen

Looks to Stay Undefeated Thursday
Calvin Ridley

Not Taking Part in OTAs as Value Continues to Plummet
Carnell Tate

Receiving Early Buzz at OTAs
Ashton Jeanty

Bigger Role Could be Coming for Ashton Jeanty in Year 2
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Malik Nabers

' Goal is to be Ready for Start of the Season
De'Von Achane

Dealing With Injury at OTAs?
Dalton Kincaid

Says he Feels "Really Good"
Keenan Allen

Door isn't Closed for Keenan Allen in Los Angeles
Ty Simpson

Does Ty Simpson Have First-Round Appeal in Rookie Drafts?
Fernando Mendoza

Working Behind Other QBs
Cam Ward

is "Perfectly Healthy"
James Cook III

Absent From OTA Practices This Week
Darnell Washington

Is it Time to Drop Darnell Washington in Dynasty Leagues?
Fernando Mendoza

a Top Dynasty Target Even if He Doesn't Start Week 1?
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty Outlook Dependent on Landing Spot
Mack Hollins

Should Managers Trade for Mack Hollins Amid Roster Questions?
Michael Wilson

a Prime Dynasty Sell Candidate
Jake Ferguson

Insurance Upside Makes Him a Borderline TE1 in Dynasty
Brock Bowers

One of the Most Valuable Assets in Dynasty
Devin Vassell

Contributes 22 Points in Wednesday's Loss
Mike Gesicki

Still Provides Some Dynasty Insurance as His Standalone Value Fades
Stephon Castle

Tallies Team-High 25 Points in Game 2 Loss
Victor Wembanyama

Records Eighth Postseason Double-Double
Philadelphia Eagles

Nolan Smith Arrested for Speeding and Reckless Driving
Isaiah Hartenstein

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads Thunder to Game 2 Victory WIth 30 Points
Dylan Harper

Exits Game 2 Early Due to Right-Leg Injury
Jalen Williams

Suffers Another Hamstring Injury
Valeri Nichushkin

Ends Scoring Slump in Game 1 Loss
Nathan MacKinnon

Extends Point Streak With an Assist
Brett Howden

Pots Another Goal in Game 1 Win Against Avalanche
Tomas Hertl

Extends Point Streak to Four Games
Pavel Dorofeyev

Scores in Fourth Straight Outing
Carter Hart

Records Third Consecutive Win
Timothy Liljegren

Capitals Re-Sign Timothy Liljegren to Two-Year Extension
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
New York Giants

Giants Offense to be a Run-First Unit?
Chicago Bulls

Jerry Stackhouse Emerges as Bulls Head-Coach Candidate
Cooper Flagg

Kon Knueppel Headline All-Rookie Team
De'Aaron Fox

is Ruled Out for Game 2 on Wednesday
Jiri Kulich

Aims to Return Next Season
Jeremy Lauzon

Not Expected to Play Wednesday
Mark Stone

Likely to Remain Out Wednesday
Scott Wedgewood

Starting Western Conference Finals for Avalanche
Sam Malinski

Set to Return Wednesday
Artturi Lehkonen

Expected to Play Wednesday Night
Cale Makar

Will Miss Game 1 Against Golden Knights
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
James Harden

Struggles in Eastern Conference Finals Opener
Evan Mobley

Bags Second Consecutive Double-Double
Donovan Mitchell

Produces Top Two-Way Performance in Game 1 Loss
OG Anunoby

Plays Key Role in Comeback Win
Mikal Bridges

Remains Efficient in Game 1 Against Cavaliers
Karl-Anthony Towns

Extends Double-Double Streak to Four Games
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
CFB

Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Mattias Samuelsson

Picks Up an Assist in Season-Ending Loss
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Melquizael Costa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF