Miguel Cabrera, Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Rizzo and Joey Votto are all elite sluggers at the first base position and every year they deliver big numbers as expected. We don’t expect any of those stars to be the focus at this year’s spring training but there are a handful of first basemen that are worth keeping an eye on based on the fact that they are primed for bigger roles in 2017. Here is a look at the five first basemen to watch in Spring Training.
Ian Desmond, Colorado Rockies
The Rockies turned a lot of heads with their decision to sign Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70 million deal that cost them a first-round pick in the process but clearly they see something in the veteran infielder that made them think it was worth making the move. Colorado is expected to move Desmond to first base where the club has a hole and it will be very interesting to see how he responds. Desmond posted his fourth 20/20 season in 2016 and finished with solid numbers overall. There is a chance his power numbers improve playing at Coors Field and if he can live up to expectations than Colorado’s stock as a playoff contender should continue to rise.
Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers
Profar is the favorite to fill the void in the Rangers infield following the trades that moved Desmond and Mitch Moreland with a very good chance that he starts at first base this season. The 23-year-old made a strong first impression last season when he hit .239 with five home runs and 35 runs in 307 plate appearances but he has the potential to be a lot better in his second season in the majors with a little more experience and development at the highest level. Texas is relying on its young players to take a positive step forward this season and the expectations are certainly high for Profar heading in to spring training. He’s one of the first basemen we’ll be monitoring.
Rowdy Tellez, Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays lost a ton of power in free agency with Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders all gone and while they signed Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce they will need some of their young hitters to step up. Tellez is among the names that could make an impact in spring training as a strong left-handed hitter that is quick enough to turn on good velocity but also has the strength and control to hit one out of the park. The feeling is that Tellez could still be at least one year away from being a regular in the majors but that outlook could change if he makes a strong enough impression as a first basemen in spring training.
Yulieski Gurriel, Houston Astros
Gurriel is one of the most accomplished hitters to make the jump from international play to the majors and all eyes will be on the 32-year-old to see how he fares in his first spring training. Gurriel signed a five-year, $47.5 million deal that will see him earn time at first base with Houston already committed to Alex Bregman at third base. The Astros offense is absolutely loaded with the additions of Gurriel, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann to an already solid young core and Gurriel could be the star hitter that puts them over the top as a contender in the American League.
Greg Bird, New York Yankees
Bird will have the opportunity to fill the open spot at first base vacated by Mark Teixeira this season. The 24-yar-old did a solid job in 2015 with 11 home runs and an .871 OPS in 46 games when Teixeira was injured and after he was sidelined for all of 2016 with a shoulder injury he is bound to get the first opportunity at the starting job this season. Bird has all of the tools to be an everyday starter for the Yankees this season and all eyes will be on him in spring training to see how he looks after missing last year because of the shoulder injury.
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