In the second edition of my positional prospect rankings for OBP leagues, we head over to the right side of the infield, the “other hot corner.” First base is an interesting position for Fantasy Baseball, but some studs are on the way. Once those top first basemen debut, the position could be very solid for Fantasy purposes. So, who are the top first base prospects? Well, I am glad you asked; let’s dive into the first base OBP prospect rankings.
OBP Positional Prospect Rankings: Catcher
First Base Prospect Rankings for OBP
| Rank | Name | Team | Age | ETA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spencer Torkelson | DET | 21 | 2022 |
| 2 | Andrew Vaughn | CWS | 22 | 2021 |
| 3 | Alex Kirilloff | MIN | 23 | 2021 |
| 4 | Triston Casas | BOS | 21 | 2022 |
| 5 | Bobby Dalbec | BOS | 25 | Debuted |
| 6 | Ryan Mountcastle | BAL | 24 | Debuted |
| 7 | Michael Toglia | COL | 22 | 2022 |
| 8 | Aaron Sabato | MIN | 21 | 2023 |
| 9 | Bryce Ball | ATL | 22 | 2022 |
| 10 | Seth Beer | ARI | 24 | 2021 |
| 11 | Mason Martin | PIT | 21 | 2022 |
| 12 | Lewin Diaz | MIA | 24 | Debuted |
| 13 | Blaze Jordan | BOS | 18 | 2024 |
| 14 | Jhonkensy Noel | CLE | 19 | 2024 |
| 15 | Pavin Smith | ARI | 25 | Debuted |
| 16 | Victor Bericoto | SF | 19 | 2024 |
| 17 | Colton Welker | COL | 23 | 2021 |
| 18 | Tyler Nevin | BAL | 23 | 2021 |
| 19 | Bobbie Bradley | CLE | 23 | Debuted |
| 20 | Drew Mendoza | WAS | 23 | 2022 |
| 21 | Luken Baker | STL | 24 | 2022 |
| 22 | Mhaki Backstrom | ATL | 19 | 2023 |
| 23 | Nick Pratto | KC | 22 | 2022 |
| 24 | Grant Lavigne | COL | 21 | 2022 |
| 25 | Tristin English | ARI | 23 | 2023 |
First Base Prospects: 2021 Impact
- Andrew Vaughn is my sleeper pick to win AL Rookie of the Year. I think there is a great chance he breaks camp with the team. If not, he should be called up by late April. Vaughn has an extremely high floor and brings a great hit/power approach. His plate discipline is also excellent, leading to a high OBP. Draft Andrew Vaughn in your redraft leagues!
- Alex Kirilloff falls in a similar boat to Vaughn. He will likely begin the year as the Twins’ everyday left fielder. There is a strong chance he transitions to first base with time. Kirilloff has plus power and a potential plus hit tool. He exhibits great bat control and knows the zone well. He has a knack for barreling up pitches. Expect Kirilloff to have a significant Fantasy impact in 2021.
- Bobby Dalbec might be a slight ding to you in a batting average league. But, in an OBP format, Dalbec is a masher. He has performed at a high level so far this spring, building on his eight home run performance in 23 games last season. He strikes out a lot, but the home run power and the respectable OBP could be worth it to your team.
- Ryan Mountcastle had a stellar debut last season, slashing .333/.386/.492 in 140 plate appearances. He also contributed five home runs. You should expect regression after a .398 BABIP, but Mountcastle can be a solid contributor this season. He does not walk at a high rate but did show improvement last season. Mountcastle can be a solid contributor for you in 2021.
First Base Breakout
- Drew Mendoza enjoyed a highly successful career at Florida State University. In 170 career games, he hit 33 home runs and posted a .300/.443/.540 slash line. Mendoza also looked the part in his short-season debut in 2019. He has a ton of raw power and a developing hit tool. The Nationals 2019 third-rounder could be in for a breakout in 2021.
First Base Faller
- Lewin Diaz rose in prospect rankings after a dominant 2019 season between Double-A and Advanced-A. Diaz was traded midseason of 2019 from the Twins to the Marlins for Sergio Romo. He debuted last season with the Marlins and struggled in his small cup of coffee. Diaz has a replaceable skillset of a below-average hit tool and plus raw power. He has never walked at a high rate at any point in his career, hurting him in OBP formats. Diaz made some tweaks to his swing and approach this winter, but results did not show in the Dominican Winter League, and Spring Training has been rough. If Diaz exhibits the same struggles throughout the season, he will find himself falling down prospect rankings.
Thanks for taking the time to read my first base OBP prospect rankings. Come back tomorrow for second base!
Media Reference: MLB Pipeline