Washington Nationals: Ranking The First Basemen Of The 2017 NL East
By Daniel Lopes
1. Freddie Freeman (ATL)
2016 stats: .302/.400/.569, 34 home runs, 91 RBI’s, in 158 games
Last season, Freeman hit .302/.400/.569 with 34 home-runs and 91 RBIs and 43 doubles in 158 games played. He also had a 99.6% fielding percentage with five errors.
It should not be any surprise that Freddie Freeman is the number one first baseman in the NL East. Over the past three years he has been the most consistent first baseman in the East, if not one of the most consistent players in baseball.
Freeman was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 2007. It only took him three seasons before he was called up to the MLB and he never looked back. He was an All Star in 2012 and 2013. And has been a staple in Atlanta’s lineup.
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The Braves signed their super star to an eight year, $135 million contract in 2014 and he is set to make $20.5 million in 2017.
Freeman’s numbers are extremely impressive but even more so when you consider how much his team has struggled. He has often been the shining light in an otherwise struggling lineup.
This could begin to change in 2017. Freeman is joined by established veterans of Brandon Phillips and Matt Kemp, who will provide much needed protection. He will also have a young star in Dansby Swanson hitting with him too.
The Braves are hoping that Freeman carries his success to their new stadium for 2017 and I see no reason not to expect success. If Freeman can find a way to hit 34 home-runs and 43 doubles again in 2017 I would expect him to have much more than 91 RBI’s.
If you are a fan of any of the other teams in the East this guy is a thing of nightmares. The worst part is that he is only entering his age 27 season. In 2010, He made his debut days before his 21st birthday and have been ruining pitchers ERA’s since.
2017 is going to be a year of change for the Atlanta Braves as they move to a new stadium and try to end their recent history of losing. One thing that will probably not change is that Freddie Freeman will lead the way and be the best first baseman in the NL East.