Ranking the 2016 NL East: First Basemen

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Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Ben Zobrist (18) is forced out by New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) in the 7th inning in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Lucas Duda (New York Mets)

Lucas Duda had one of the best seasons of his career in 2014, and the argument can be made that he deserves the No. 1 spot in this ranking.

Right now, it’s likely a tossup between him and Freeman for the top spot in the NL East, and Duda could have the edge because of his solid 2015 campaign and the fact that he helped lead the Mets to their first World Series in decades. But based on the success Freeman’s already had in his young career, he’s still considered by many to be the best first baseman in the NL East.

Nevertheless, Duda’s accomplishments in 2015 can’t be ignored. In 135 games, Duda hit .244 with 27 home runs and 73 RBIs. He had the second-highest offensive WAR among NL East first basemen last season and also led the division’s first basemen with 27 home runs (fifth-highest among National League first basemen).

Duda’s numbers were down from a year ago, when he had the best season of his career. The veteran first baseman hit .253 with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs in 2014.

But Duda still had a solid season in 2015 and was a reliable force in the Mets’ lineup. If Duda and the Mets once again excel in 2016, Duda may very well end the season as the best first baseman in the NL East.

Next: No. 1

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