👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

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.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Josh Downs

Headed for More Targets in 2026?
Mike Evans

Still Has WR1 Upside in New Home
Jauan Jennings

Remains Unsigned at End of March
Ricky Pearsall

Still Facing Competition in San Francisco
William Nylander

Records Four Points Against Ducks
Macklin Celebrini

Becomes Sixth Teenager With 100-Point Season
Jaden Schwartz

Could Return Tuesday
Jordan Greenway

Available Tuesday
Jake Sanderson

Remains Out Tuesday
Cutter Gauthier

Exits Early Against Maple Leafs
Cale Makar

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Monday
Josh Minott

Active on Tuesday
Myles Turner

Available Against Mavericks
Kyle Kuzma

Probable Tuesday
Ryan Rollins

Likely to Return Tuesday
Bobby Portis

Remains Out Tuesday
Dillon Brooks

Ready to Return Tuesday
Patrick Rodgers

Needs to Make More Birdies in San Antonio
Jaden McDaniels

Considered Week-to-Week
Sepp Straka

Seeks Opportunity in San Antonio This Weekend
Nick Taylor

Could Again Struggle at the Valero Texas Open
Keith Mitchell

Sets Up Solidly for TPC San Antonio
Jose Altuve

Tallies Four Hits, Two Homers in Big Night
NFL

Avieon Terrell Aggravates Hamstring Injury During Pro Day Workout
New York Jets

Jets Expect to Exercise Will McDonald's Fifth-Year Option
Rickie Fowler

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Valero Texas Open
Anton Harrison

Jaguars Will Pick Up Anton Harrison's Fifth-Year Option
Micah Parsons

' Rehab Going Well, But Packers Won't Rush Him
Nazem Kadri

Scores Twice in Blowout Victory
Deshaun Watson

has a "Great Chance" With Todd Monken as Head Coach
Anthony Mantha

has Three-Point Performance on Monday
Tory Horton

Should be Ready for Training Camp
Zach Charbonnet

Seahawks Expect Zach Charbonnet to Play in 2026
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers to Keep Brandon Aiyuk Around?
Travis Hunter

"Very Well Ahead" of Schedule in Rehab From Knee Surgery
Breece Hall

Jets to Revisit Extension Talks With Breece Hall After the Draft
De'Von Achane

Considered One of "Three Pillars" of Dolphins Rebuild
Miguel Vargas

Hits Grand Slam, Drives in Six in Win Over Miami
Jerami Grant

to Miss Second Straight Game
Anthony Gill

Good to Go Monday
Drake London

Extension Thoughts for Drake London are "Top of Mind" for Falcons
Bilal Coulibaly

Will Not Play Monday
Alexandre Sarr

Ruled Out Vs. Lakers
Keon Ellis

Draws Start Monday
Chris Olave

Saints, Chris Olave Having Extension Talks
Craig Porter Jr.

Returns Monday
Elijah Harkless

Out Vs. Cleveland
Cam Skattebo

Looks Ready to Go for OTAs
RJ Barrett

On Track to Play Tuesday
Brandon Ingram

Iffy for Tuesday
Malik Nabers

Giants "Hopeful" Malik Nabers Will be Ready for Week 1
Immanuel Quickley

Ruled Out Tuesday
Puka Nacua

Rams Want Puka Nacua to Stick Around for a "Really Long Time"
Tanner Bibee

to Start on Tuesday Against Dodgers
Caleb Martin

Remains Sidelined Monday
Olivier-Maxence Prosper

to Miss Monday's Game
Marvin Bagley III

Won't Play Vs. Minnesota
Davante Adams

Expected to Stay With Rams
Daniel Gafford

Cleared to Play Monday
Aliaksei Protas

Won't Play Tuesday
Pavel Mintyukov

Returns to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

Ready to Face Maple Leafs
John Klingberg

to Remain Sidelined Monday
Aleksander Barkov

to Remain Out Until End of Season
Evgeni Malkin

Misses Fourth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby

a Game-Time Decision Monday
Matt McCarty

Seeking to Play into the Weekend in San Antonio
Brian Harman

Looking to Continue Form From The Players Championship
Steven Fisk

Attempting to String Better Rounds Together at San Antonio
Luke Clanton

Still Having Rough Time Contending at Events
Max Homa

Looks to Get Back on Track at Valero Texas Open
Russell Henley

Continues Blistering Start to 2026 Season
Tommy Fleetwood

Returns to Valero Texas Open
Daniel Berger

Returns to Action For Valero Texas Open
Chase Elliott

Takes Advantage of Pit Strategies for Second Career Martinsville Win
Denny Hamlin

Dominates but Finishes Second at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Bounces Back with Third-Place Finish at Martinsville
Ty Gibbs

Gains his Fourth Top-Five Finish of the Season at Martinsville
William Byron

Scores Another Top-Five Finish at Martinsville
Jack Hughes

Amasses Four Points Against Blackhawks
Viktor Arvidsson

Plays Key Role in Comeback Victory
Lane Hutson

Celebrates New Assists Record Sunday
Adam Fox

Collects Two Points in Sunday's Win
Jake Guentzel

Leads Lightning Offense Sunday
Joe Pyfer

Extends His Winning Streak
Israel Adesanya

Loses Fourth Consecutive Fight
Maycee Barber

Suffers Her First Knockout Loss
Alexa Grasso

Scores Highlight-Reel Knockout
Niko Price

Retires After UFC Seattle Loss
Michael Chiesa

Victorious In His Retirement Fight
Julian Erosa

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Lerryan Douglas

Scores First-Round Knockout Win In His UFC Debut
Alex Bregman

Clobbers First Two Homers in Sunday's Loss at Wrigley
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Records Five Hits, Drives in Four in Win Over Cardinals
Kyle Larson

Is Likely to Pay Off for DFS at Martinsville
Christopher Bell

Could Have Another Top-10 Performance At Martinsville
William Byron

Is A Threat to Win Again at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

is A Solid DFS Option for Martinsville Lineups
Chase Briscoe

has Plenty of Upside for DFS Lineups at Martinsville
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Unlikely to See High-Leverage Opportunities in Near Future
Jacob deGrom

Feels "Much Better," Hopeful he Can Start This Week
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

Is A Solid DFS Option for Martinsville Lineups
Josh Berry

Could Josh Berry Pay Off for Tournament DFS Lineups At Martinsville?
Carson Hocevar

May be Too Inconsistent to Start in Martinsville DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering for DFS At Martinsville?
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Martinsville
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Martinsville
Tyler Reddick

Should Come Back Down to Earth at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Will Be Strong at Martinsville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking to Rebound at Martinsville
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Showing Progress, Qualifies Fifth at Martinsville
Dylan Cease

Fans 12 in Blue Jays Debut on Saturday
Andrew Vaughn

Needs Hand Surgery, Expected to be Out 4-6 Weeks
Jacob deGrom

"Confident" he Will Make his Next Start
Jacob deGrom

Scratched From Saturday's Start Due to Neck Stiffness
Jeferson Quero

Brewers Calling Up Catching Prospect Jeferson Quero
Deyvison De Los Santos

Marlins Promote Deyvison De Los Santos to Major Leagues
Shea Langeliers

Hits Two Home Runs on Opening Day
Kevin Gausman

Picks Up No-Decision But Strikes Out 11 on Opening Day
Tanner Bibee

Day-to-Day, Could Make his Next Start
Shane Baz

Orioles Agree to Five-Year Extension
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Making Season Debut on Friday Against Angels
Tiger Woods

Involved In Rollover Car Crash
Tanner Bibee

Shoulder Issue Not Considered Serious
Joe Pyfer

Set For UFC Seattle Main Event
Israel Adesanya

Returns At UFC Seattle
Maycee Barber

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak To Eight
Alexa Grasso

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Dominic Canzone

a Top Pickup After Two-Homer Game
Niko Price

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michael Chiesa

Set For Retirement Fight
Chase DeLauter

Launches Two Home Runs, Emerges as Top Waiver-Wire Target
Lerryan Douglas

Set For His UFC Debut
Julian Erosa

Looks To Bounce Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF