Ranking the 2016 NL East: First Basemen

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Sep 29, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour (48) focus out Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) during the sixth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 Justin Bour (Miami Marlins)

Justin Bour played his first full season in the big leagues last year, appearing in 129 games for the Marlins. The 27-year-old first baseman batted .262 with 23 home runs and 73 RBIs.

It was a solid season for Bour, who spent six years in the minors before being called up in 2014. Last season he led the Marlins in RBIs and hit the second most home runs on the team. But, while Bour was solid at the plate, he was far from perfect.

A major part of Bour’s inconsistency at the plate was his struggles against left-handed pitching. All 23 of his homers last season came against right-handed pitching, and his inability to hit lefties could force the Marlins to platoon him at first base in 2016.

If Bour can be more consistent next season, however, he should be in for another solid year with the Marlins in 2016. Not only does the 27-year-old have a full season under his belt, but he’s also heading into Spring Training 20 lbs lighter than he did last season and should be in better shape to play a full season.

Next: No. 3

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