Atlanta Braves Position Profile: First Base

Mar 7, 2015; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman

(19) hits a RBI single during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at a spring training baseball game at

Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

On the Market

Below are some notable guys who will hit free agency in the next few years and primarily play first base. I left some

Aug 30, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman

(9) connects for a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

guys off due to age or just overall irrelevance. Ryan Howard becoming a free agent into 2018 was left off due to both.

2016: Chris Davis, Justin Morneau, Steve Pearce, Mike Napoli, Travis Ishikawa

2017: Mark Teixeira, Kendrys Morales, Edwin Encarnacion, Mitch Moreland, Pedro Alvarez, Logan Morrison.

2018: Nick Swisher (!!!), Carlos Santana, Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer, Lucas Duda, Brandon Belt, Chris Carter, Yonder Alonso.

As you take a look at this list, there are a few superstars on here. Chris Davis has light tower power and will probably get a good contract somewhere despite other shortcomings, because well, power is in short supply. Edwin Encarnacion will be interesting. Younger guys with potential such as Mitch Moreland and Brandon Belt will be notable as well.

Steve Pearce is the only guy on this list I could see as a legitimate target for the Atlanta Braves though. He will be reasonably priced with a decently balanced offensive profile as well as the ability to handle multiple positions over time. Not that I think that the Atlanta Braves will sign him, but he would at least be able to contribute. The Braves are not going to drop free agent dollars at first base.

Next: Wrapping it Up