Most fantasy baseball fans trip over themselves to lock up an elite first baseman. There aren’t many superstars at the cold corner, and while the position looks deep on the surface, there are just as many question marks. So to help you make the most out of your picks this spring, here are five busts at first base to avoid in the 2016 season.
5. Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees
Getty ImagesTeixeira was once one of the most reliable players in fantasy, but the slugger has now failed to eclipse the 125-game pleated in four straight seasons. He has become one of the most fragile first basemen in fantasy and it is only a matter of time until Teixeira hits the DL. It would be better to avoid Big Tex at all costs in 2016.
4. Brandon Belt, San Francisco Giants
Getty ImagesBelt has seemed to be on the verge of a monster fantasy season for half a decade. He may have finished with a gaudy .280 batting average in 2015, but his 18 home runs were a huge letdown across the board. Belt doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near the top 15 first basemen.
3. Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
Getty ImagesHosmer’s .297/.363/.459 slash line was rather impressive from a fantasy standpoint, but the slugger continues to lack power. Most first basemen slug between 25-30 home runs, and considering Hosmer’s career-high is 19, he simply doesn’t measure up with the rest of the field.
2. Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty ImagesGonzalez has been the gold standard at first base. He has eclipsed 155 games and 15 HRs in nine straight seasons, including a respectable 28 HRs and 90 RBI in 2015. Unfortunately, the veteran will be turning 34 in May. He doesn't have much left in the tank and my money is on him hitting the wall this spring. Let someone else pay big for Gonzo this season.
1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Getty ImagesAfter back-to-back MVP performances, Cabrera took a major step back in 2015. His .338 average was still tops in the AL, but his 18 HRs were the lowest total since his rookie season (12 HRs) all the way back in 2003. Miggy simply isn’t worth reaching for anymore and the perennial All-Star candidate has become another middle of the road first baseman.
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