👉 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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
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.

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.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cade Cunningham

Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Jock Landale

to Remain Unavailable in Game 6
Peyton Watson

to Remain Out Thursday
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Return Wednesday
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Aaron Gordon

Questionable for Game 6
Josh Hart

Iffy for Game 6
Joel Embiid

Likely to Play in Game 6
Bones Hyland

Could Miss Game 6
Kevin Huerter

Not Available for Game 5
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 5
Franz Wagner

Won't Play in Game 5
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Uncertain for Game 6
Matvei Michkov

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Wednesday
Noah Ostlund

Set to Miss "a Period of Time"
Viktor Arvidsson

Doubtful for Game 6 Against Sabres
Barrett Hayton

Close to Returning
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Brandon Aiyuk

Decision Could Come in Late May
Bryce Young

Panthers Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Will Deebo Samuel Sr. Find a New Team Before Training Camps Open?
Jalen Johnson

Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Elic Ayomanor

Dynasty Stock Way Down After NFL Draft
Jalen Brunson

Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
Darius Slayton

Dynasty Value Fading After Busy Giants Offseason
Jaylen Brown

Struggles From the Field in Game 5
Jayson Tatum

Picks Up Another Double-Double
David Njoku

With the NFL Draft Over, David Njoku Could Soon Find a Team
Tyrese Maxey

Records Double-Double With Rebounds
Tyler Warren

a Major Offseason Winner
Joel Embiid

Tallies 33 Points as 76ers Stave Off Elimination
Victor Wembanyama

Posts Second Straight Double-Double
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round
Alexander Nikishin

Could Be Available in Round 2
Victor Hedman

Logs Full Practice
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Noah Ostlund

Likely to Miss Time Due to Lower-Body Injury
Arttu Hyry

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Jonas Brodin

Spotted Using Crutches After Game 5
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Wilson

Jets Host Russell Wilson for a Visit, Considering him as Backup Option
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Jonathon Brooks

Fully Cleared for Offseason Program
Christian Gonzalez

Patriots Exercise Christian Gonzalez's Fifth-Year Option
Tyler Allgeier

One of the Biggest Losers After NFL Draft
A.J. Brown

Eagles to Receive a First-Round Pick if They Trade A.J. Brown?
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Place Right-of-First-Refusal Tender on Aaron Rodgers
Jauan Jennings

Visiting With Vikings
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Quentin Johnston
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Picking Up Jahmyr Gibbs' Fifth-Year Option
Bo Nix

Undergoes Cleanup Procedure on his Ankle
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Scottie Barnes

Leading Raptors' Comeback Effort in Round 1
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Jason Zucker

Good to Go for Game 5
Josh Norris

Won't Play Tuesday
Colton Dach

Available Tuesday
Connor Ingram

Returns to Oilers Net for Game 5
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Jason Dickinson

Considered a Game-Time Decision for Tuesday's Action
Connor McDavid

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
Isaiah Likely

Remains Well-Positioned for Mid-Career Breakout Following NFL Draft
Jauan Jennings

' Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft?
Luther Burden III

Poised for Breakout Season in Chicago?
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
MarShawn Lloyd

Is MarShawn Lloyd a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Following NFL Draft?
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Will Smith

Back in Action in Series Opener Against Marlins
Josh Naylor

Back in Starting Lineup on Monday
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Manny Machado

Clubs Two Homers, Starting to Turn Things Around?
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
Youssef Zalal

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Aljamain Sterling

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Norma Dumont

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Alexander Hernandez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Rafa Garcia

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Set For His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF