Before every season, MLB Network comes up with their list of the top 10 players at each position, and every year, I wonder if these guys even watch baseball. So instead of harping on how bad their lists are, I figured I would come up with my own at each position leading up to the season, beginning with first baseman, a spot where the Braves are well represented.
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- Freddie Freeman
- Paul Goldschmidt
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Pete Alonso
- Matt Olson
- José Abreu
- Nathaniel Lowe
- Christian Walker
- Luis Arraez
- Anthony Rizzo
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This is one of the few lists that MLB Network got close to perfect. I have Freddie Freeman owning the top spot. He’s been the best first baseman in baseball for a while; however, I understand why people would put Goldschmidt there after his MVP campaign. The two are interchangeable to me.
The next three spots could also be shuffled. The Braves Matt Olson comes in at #5, but with a big 2023, he could be as high as #3. Right now, I like Guerrero Jr. in that spot, with the Mets Pete Alonso right behind him.
The newest piece of the reigning World Champs, Jose Abreau, comes in at #6. He’s done nothing but rake ever since he came into the league and won Rookie of the Year back in 2014. Abreau is going to be a scary piece to an already-loaded Astros lineup.
The next three guys may not be as well known because of the clubs they play on, but they are coming off fantastic seasons. The Rangers Nathaniel Lowe won the Silver Slugger, hitting .302 with an .852 OPS. Christian Walker of the Diamondbacks is among the best defensive first basemen in the game, winning the Gold Glove, and he also slugged 36 homers. Luis Arraez also won a silver slugger in the American League, making his first All-Star game in the process.
The final spot I gave to Anthony Rizzo. I considered Rhys Hoskins. Ty France of the Mariners also crossed my mind, but when it came down to it, Rizzo is the guy I would want on my team next season if I was trying to win a World Series, so that’s how I decided my final spot.
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What do you think of the list? Who is too high? Who is too low? Who should have made it?
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Photographer: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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