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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Late-Round First Basemen - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values and Targets

Alec Bohm fantasy baseball rankings draft sleepers MLB injury news

Analysis of five fantasy baseball first basemen to draft in the late rounds. Potential 2023 fantasy baseball sleepers and undervalued 1B to target in drafts.

Welcome officially to the 2023 fantasy baseball season! Late-round picks in fantasy baseball can often be the difference between a mediocre team and a championship contender. While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of selecting big-name players early in the draft, finding those hidden gems in the later rounds is equally essential. As a fantasy manager, it's crucial to do your due diligence and research these overlooked players' statistics, injury history, and current team situation. While taking a chance on a player based on a hunch or a cool name may seem appealing, making informed decisions that increase your chances of success is the wiser strategy. With careful consideration and some luck, these late-round picks could be the key to unlocking your team's full potential.

Today, we're looking at some late-round first basemen for you to consider drafting in your season-long leagues this season. Are their ADPs undervalued? Will they make significant fantasy contributions and become a priority late-round draft target? Read on to see our take.

Our editors have hand-picked these specific MLB players for your draft prep enjoyment. Usually only available to Premium subscribers, the five outlooks below are meant to give you a taste of the in-depth analysis you receive with our industry-leading 2023 Draft Kit. Be sure to subscribe today to start reading all of our in-depth 2023 player outlooks and many other premium articles and tools including Team Sync, the Live Draft Sync assistant, Custom Rankings Service, and so much more -- available exclusively in our 2023 Draft Kit.

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

 

Joey Meneses, Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals first baseman/outfielder Joey Meneses came out of nowhere at age 30 to be one of the best hitters over his 56 games in 2022. He hit .324, smashed 13 home runs, drove in 34, scored 33 runs, and stole one base. His .267 xBA and .457 xSLG reveal Meneses was a bit lucky, but these are still solid numbers.

He was a standout hitter in the minors, compiling a career .281/.337/.431 slash line and slugging 35 homers over his last 184 games. Meneses posted an excellent 91.4 mph average exit velocity with a 2.9% pop-up rate in 2022, and his 19.8% professional career strikeout rate means he should continue being a help in batting average. The former undrafted free agent ran a 25.5% FB/HR percentage in 2022 but barreled balls 9.9% of the time, and his 10 expected bombs still put him on pace for about 29 homers.

Meneses is slow on the basepaths (18th percentile sprint speed), so he won't be a factor in the stolen base department. However, he'll be in the heart of the lineup as one of the best bats on the Nationals, allowing him to reach 160 RBI plus runs. Pitchers will try to adjust, but Meneses is a talent at the plate and should be able to adapt in his sophomore season. He has dual eligibility at first base and the outfield, and his value makes him a steal at either position considering his 198 ADP.

-- Spencer Seguin - RotoBaller

 

Seth Brown, Oakland Athletics

After hitting 20 homers in 111 games for Oakland in 2021, Seth Brown found himself a regular starter for the A's in 2022 and made the most of it. In 150 games, Brown hit .230/.305/.444 with 25 homers, 73 RBI, 55 runs, and 11 steals. The stolen bases were a nice surprise after Brown only tallied five in his previous 144 games but he did rank in the 63rd percentile for sprint speed (27.9 ft/s) and his 9.2% BB% (63rd percentile) affords him more opportunities than you might expect from a .230 hitter.

After only being caught stealing twice last year, there's no reason Brown couldn't reach double-digit steals again in 2023. And his power certainly seems legit, with a 13.0% Barrel% (90th percentile), .454 xSLG (81st percentile), and 24.4 xHR last year all making a repeat look feasible.

The downside is Brown plays for the A's, so RBI and runs will be suppressed and a trade to a better team might lead to less playing time given his struggles against left-handed pitching (LHP). Last year, Brown hit .174/.232/.315 against LHP, with just three of his homers coming against them. Brown's ADP of ~204 certainly leaves room to provide value as a solid power with some speed, especially in leagues using OBP instead of AVG.

-- Jamie Steed - RotoBaller

 

Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies

Alec Bohm posted a solid season in 2022, slashing .280/.315/.398 with 13 HR. However, his peripherals suggest that there could be more in the tank. Bohm cut his SwStr% from 11.7 to 9.6, with most of the gains manifesting in his Z-Contact% (87.1 from 80.3 in 2021). This suggests that his 17.4 K% last season is a lot closer to what we should expect rather than the alarming 26.6% rate he posted in 2021.

Cutting down the Ks is all Bohm needed to be a batting average monster in fantasy, as last season's .319 BABIP was a career-worst while his low FB% minimizes how many "dead" batted balls he hits. A 30.5 FB% makes it difficult to project Bohm for much more power, especially if you consider his mediocre Statcast power indicators such as his 92.4 mph average airborne exit velocity and 6.8% rate of Brls/BBE. Bohm's xBA of .290 is a good 2023 projection though, providing plenty of profit potential at his ADP of 185.06.

-- Rick Lucks - RotoBaller

 

DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees

New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu's 2022 season was disrupted by an injury, limiting him to 125 games. He played well overall, though, slashing .261/.357/.377 with 12 home runs, 74 runs, 46 RBI, and four stolen bases. However, LeMahieu played with an injured toe the last two months and hit .285 with 11 home runs before the calendar flipped to August.

The 34-year-old heads into 2023 healthy, and fantasy managers should buy in again. LeMahieu has always been a batting average specialist with a .297 career mark and seven consecutive seasons of a sub-14.2% strikeout rate. The 26 home runs from 2019 are an outlier over his 12-year career, but he plays his home games in New York and has averaged about 16 dingers per 162 games over the past three seasons. The Yankees have a powerful lineup, and given LeMahieu's on-base ability (.367 OBP as a Yankee), he'll be touching home plenty.

The club doesn't have a set position for the veteran, but there's little doubt he'll reach 130 games (if he stays off the injured list) when considering his versatility, production, and the unproven youngsters on the roster such as Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza. Providing fantasy owners with a .275 average, 12 HRs, 140 RBI plus runs, and a few stolen bases is something to be happy about, especially with eligibility at first, second, and third base. LeMahieu's 254 ADP is a bargain.

-- Spencer Seguin - RotoBaller

 

Wil Myers, Cincinnati Reds

Wil Myers entered 2022 looking to prove to San Diego that he would be worth his $20 million club option in 2023. A thumb injury and knee inflammation limited him to only 77 games, and the Padres declined their option. He slashed .261/.315/.398 with seven home runs, 41 RBI, and 29 runs across 286 plate appearances in 2022. In December, the Reds signed him to a one-year, $7.5 million contract. Great American Ball Park was the best for home runs in 2022, which helped Myers maximize his power potential. Combine that with rule changes meant to make it easier to steal bases, and Myers could be looking at a 20 HR/10 SB season.

ATC projections are on board with this assessment and project Myers with 18 homers, six stolen bases, and a .325 WOBA over 126 games. The 32-year-old has had injury issues in the past, but if he can put together a healthy season, he will get plenty of playing time for a rebuilding Cincinnati team. At an ADP of 256 in NFBC leagues, it won't cost fantasy managers much to take a chance on him.

-- Jenny Butler - RotoBaller



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Trent Grisham

Exits With Hamstring Tightness
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Matt Chapman

Could Return for Start of Giants Homestand
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Return on Saturday
Yanquiel Fernández

Yanquiel Fernandez Called Up to Majors
Tyler Mahle

Dealing With Rotator-Cuff Strain
Austin Wells

to Miss Next Two Games
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF