This is the third part of a series where I will be ranking the best remaining free agents at each position. However, talent won’t be the only thing taken into consideration. Fit with the Braves and contract value will also play into each player’s ranking. This piece will cover first base options. If you missed any of the previous parts of this series, click the links below.
First Basemen
Yes, the free-agent market for first basemen really is that barren! Vogelbach recorded -0.2 wins above replacement (WAR) last season, but back in 2019 he was an All-Star for the Mariners, slugging 30 bombs. Hopefully, the Braves don’t have to rely on him being their everyday first baseman next season, but he could be a solid bat on the bench.
Like Vogelbach, the Braves probably don’t want Moreland to be their starting first baseman, but his veteran experience could be valuable to the clubhouse, and he definitely would be an upgrade to Atlanta’s bench.
Defensively, Schwarber leaves a lot to be desired, but the Braves could do much worse if they lose out on Freddie Freeman. Schwarber was fantastic at the plate last season, mashing 32 homers in just 113 games and recording a .928 OPS.
Rizzo put together back-to-back lackluster campaigns in 2020 and 2021, but he might be the best bargain on this list. Think about it: a few years ago, we were talking about Rizzo and Freeman in the same breath. Now, Freeman is set to make three times as much as Rizzo in free agency. Still just 32 years old, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rizzo bounces back over the course of his next contract and makes whoever signs him very happy.
1. Freddie Freeman
Come on, we all knew where this was going. Freeman is the best first baseman in baseball, the face of the Braves franchise, and the leader in the clubhouse. It would be devastating if the Braves were outbid by the Dodgers or Yankees for his services.
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