Ranking the NL East: First Basemen

Sep 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman

(21) hits a walk off two run home run during the ninth inning to win the game against the Houston Astros at Citi Field. New York Mets won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lucas Duda (New York Mets)

In his fourth year with the team, Mets first baseman Lucas Duda had a breakout season in 2014 and could be poised to be one of the best-hitting first basemen in the National League in 2015.

In 153 games with the Mets last season, Duda hit .253 with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs. It was by far the best season of his career up to this point, as the 28-year-old had not played in more than 121 games and had never hit more than 15 home runs in a season.

After the Mets traded first baseman Ike Davis early last season, Duda secured his spot as the team’s everyday first baseman and was a key part of the Mets’ lineup all season long. In Duda, the Mets have a first baseman who can not only hit for power, but also one who knows how to get on base. Duda posted a .349 on-base percentage and walked 69 times, which is the second-best walk total of the first basemen on this list.

Duda made great strides in 2014 and his performance next season will probably be a crucial factor for the Mets’ chances of making it to the postseason. If he continues to improve next season, it wouldn’t be surprising if his name climbed to the top spot on this list next offseason.

Next: Number Two