After getting the ball rolling behind the dish, the B/R MLB 300 now moves up 90 feet to the most power-packed position in baseball: first base.
We analyzed many first basemen, but the final list consists of 25 names, with each player rated on a scoring system that adds up to 100.
First, there are 35 points for hitting. Our focus is on how well each player is equipped to hit for average and get on base. This means looking not only at how they hit the ball, but also at how consistently they make contact and whether they have the discipline to draw walks.
Then, there are 40 points for power. We concentrated on how well each player collects extra-base hits, which means looking at how often they put the ball in the air—ground balls don’t tend to go for extra-base hits, after all—how hard they hit it and how much of the field they can use for power.
Next, there are 10 points for baserunning. It’s not a priority for first basemen, but we’ll still look at whether they can steal bases as well as whether they’re capable of running the bases aggressively.
Lastly, there are 15 points for defense. It’s a small category because first base is the least important defensive position on the diamond, but we’ll still look at what the defensive metrics say and at how each player has earned his rating.
As for how the scoring works, it’s important to note that a number in the middle is meant to denote average, not failing. For example, a 20 out of 40 for power means the player has merely average power, whereas 15 out of 40 means clearly below average and 25 out of 40 means clearly above average.
Before we begin, here’s an important reminder that while we’re using what’s happened in 2015 as a foundation for the scores, this list projects performance for the 2016 season. Players are evaluated based on the staying power of each category with progression, decline and past luck in mind—creating a different ranking system than simply judging where each player stands today.
You may now start the show.