2021 MLB Rankings: First Base 20-11

Check out the previous rankings from this 2021 MLB Rankings series: 

Catchers 30-21 | Catchers 20-11 | Catchers 10-1| First Base 30-21

2021 MLB Rankings: 20-16

20. Jesus Aguilar, Miami Marlins 2020: 25

2020: 51 games, .277/.352/.457 splits, .809 OPS, 8 Home Runs, 34 RBIs

After a horrendous year in 2019, Jesus Aguilar was able to find his 2018 form with Miami in 2020. He has a ton of power at the plate and could hit for 30+ home runs in a full season. However, he needs to limit his strikeouts and improve defensively if he wants to crack the top ten of the ranking next year.  

19. Bobby Dalbec, Boston Red Sox 2020: NR

2020: 23 games, .263/.359/.600 splits, .959 OPS, 8 Home Runs, 16 RBIs

While he only has 23 MLB games under his belt, Bobby Dalbec proved to be an absolute force at the plate heading into 2021. He hit for a ridiculous .959 OPS and smashed eight home runs but needs to limit his strikeouts. Heading into his first full year. Dalbec has a chance to become one of the best first basemen in MLB. 

18. Jared Walsh, Los Angeles Angels 2020: NR

2020: 32 games, .293/.324/.646 splits, .971 OPS, 9 Home Runs, 26 RBIs

Taking the reins from Albert Pujols, Jared Walsh looks like he could be the Angels’ first baseman of the future. As a rookie, he posted a terrific OPS of .971 as he had 15 extra-base hits in 99 at-bats. If he can produce at a high level for a full season, don’t be surprised if he cracks the top ten next season.  

17. Christian Walker, Arizona Diamondbacks 2020: 13

2020: 57 games, .271/.333/.459 splits, .792 OPS, 7 Home Runs, 34 RBIs

Christian Walker doesn’t draw a lot of attention but does his job well for the Diamondbacks. 2019 was the best year of his career, and while his numbers dipped a bit in 2020, he still had a solid campaign. He needs to draw more walks and limit his strikeouts if he’s going to take his game to the next level in 2021.  

16. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds 2020: 17

2020: 54 games, .226/.354/.446 splits, .800 OPS, 11 Home Runs, 22 RBIs

While his batting average reached a career-low, Joey Votto still cracked the .800 OPS mark in 2020. Famous for his discipline and ability to draw walks, Votto is nowhere near the hitter he once was but is still a solid contributor for Cincinnati. At age 37, he likely only has a few more seasons left in the tank.  

2021 MLB Rankings: 15-11

15. Yuli Gurriel, Houston Astros 2020: 11

2020: 57 games, .232/.274/.384 splits, .658 OPS, 6 Home Runs, 22 RBIs

After having a breakout year in 2019, Yuli Gurriel struggled to find that success at the plate in 2020. Defensively, he remains one of the best in the business, but his OPS dropped over 200 points last season. Having broken into MLB late, Gurriel is already 37 years old but should still have a few years left of productive baseball. 

14. Carlos Santana, Kansas City Royals 2020: 9

2020: 60 games, .199/.349/.350 splits, .699 OPS, 8 Home Runs, 30 RBIs

After a relatively underwhelming year in 2020, Carlos Santana signed with Kansas City to be the Royals’ everyday first baseman in 2021. While his batting average dropped, Santana still possessed an elite eye at the plate and led the league in walks in 2021. Defensively, he’s great as well, having recorded an Rdrs of 5 in 2021. 

13. Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers 2020: 4

2020: 58 games, .192/.331/.389 splits, .720 OPS, 12 Home Runs, 27 RBIs

After having the best year of his career in 2019, Max Muncy took somewhat of a step back at the plate last season. Regardless, he still has elite power and could hit 35+ home runs in 2021 if he can stay healthy. His defense is the reason he is outside the top ten, as he has been a liability everywhere that Los Angeles has put him.  

12. Josh Bell, Washington Nationals 2020: 7

2020: 57 games, .226/.305/.364 splits, .669 OPS, 8 Home Runs, 22 RBIs

Josh Bell broke onto the scene in 2019 with Pittsburgh but took a step back in 2020. With two years left on his contract, Bell was traded to Washington, where he will be the everyday first baseman in 2021. It will be interesting to see how he performs as he may platoon with Ryan Zimmerman at first base.  

11. Eric Hosmer, San Diego Padres 2020: 22

2020: 38 games, .287/.333/.517 splits, .851 OPS, 9 Home Runs, 36 RBIs

At age 30, Eric Hosmer was able to revamp his career in 2020 for the surging San Diego Padres. He has both a ton of power at the plate and can hit for average in the heart of an elite lineup. Defensively, he remains one of the best in the league, having won a Gold Glove four different times in his career. 

Come back tomorrow for the final part of my 2021 MLB rankings at first base. 

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