If you don't have a first baseman, you might be out of luck in Auction with a weak Free Agent Class for 2022. The top of the group can hardly be judged as such with Matt Olson the far and away top talent at the position before a substantial drop off in talent. That group could improve based on the 2/$37 option the St. Joseph Jokers hold on Jose Abreu. The Maltese Falcons will also face a decision on Anthony Rizzo (2/$31) who could provide some depth to the available group with Lake Merced Goutfish slugger Josh Bell (2/$27) also in the same boat.
Top Free Agents - First Base 1 Matt Olson, Athletics 2. *Anthony Rizzo, Falcons 3. Trey Mancini, Orioles 4. Lourdes Gurriel, Blue Jays 5. *Eric Hosmer, Clovers 6. Miguel Sano, Twins 7. Hunter Dozier, Royals 8. Frank Schwindel, Cubs 9. Ji-Man Choi, Rays 10. Colin Moran, Pirates | Top Trade Candidates - First Base 1 Josh Bell (2/$27), Goutfish 2. Eric Hosmer (3/$18), Clovers 3. Yandy Diaz (2FA/$5), Falcons 4. Luke Voit (3/$8), Hops 5. Keston Hiura (2R/$3), Grapes 6. Mike Moustakas (2/$13), Taters |
Team Needs:
Las Vegas Aristocrats, Lake Merced Goutfish
Activation Candidates:
The Hammerheads are likely to debate the activation of 1B/OF Alex Kirilloff down to the final hour. An injury to his wrist prevented a breakout but the underlying number on the slugger suggest a big season ahead in Minnesota. Just two additional first base prospects are owned in the RDBL, but both are big names to watch in 2023 as Triston Casas (Falcons) and Spencer Torkelson (Taters) are expected to be major contributors.
Top Free Agent:
It's widely assumed that Matt Olson will be traded out of Oakland in the coming days as Freddie Freeman's Free Agency decision clears up. Olson did exceedingly well for himself in 2021, bashing 39 homers and finishing fifth in the American League in wRC+, behind only Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Kyle Tucker. Amazingly, Olson nearly cut his strikeout rate in half (31.4 K% in 2020, 16.8% last season), fueling a big bounce-back after Olson finished below the Mendoza Line during the shortened 2020 season. While he's unlikely to garner Freeman-type money ($48), Olsen will have a sizable market with the defending Champion Lake Merced Goutfish and Las Vegas Aristocrats logical fits.
Under the Radar Free Agent:
Frank Schwindel began the 2021 season with Oakland, though he was DFA'd in mid-July after a short stint in the majors. From there, he was claimed off waivers by the Cubs and took over the full-time first base role after Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Yankees. From July 30 on, he emerged as one of the most surprising fantasy heroes of the season by belting 13 home runs while hitting .342/.389/.613 across 56 games to close the campaign. The Cubs have upgraded their lineup early this offseason, but Schwindel is still penciled in for playing time at first base.
Top Trade Candidate:
Washington Nationals' first baseman Josh Bell bounced back in 2021 after a disastrous 2020 campaign. He reduced his strikeout rate from 26.5% in 2020 to 17.8% in 2021 and increased his xWOBA from .297 to .366. Overall, the 29-year-old slashed .261/.347/.476 with 27 home runs, 88 RBI, 75 runs scored, and a .823 OPS over 568 plate appearances in 2021. He came up big when it counted most, ranking fourth in Playoff scoring for the Lake Merced Goutfish en route to their 2021 Title. With eligibility at both 1B and OF, Bell is the top target at the position for a deal before Draft Day.
Under the Radar Trade Candidate: A rebuilding club or Franchise with room on their Keeper List might be smart to target former top prospects Alec Bohm (2R/$3) or Keston Hiura (2R/$3). Each went backwards in 2021 but possess the upside to return value with control through 2023. The Devils and Grapes will face difficult choices on each player in the next two weeks.
Potential Deal Before Draft Day:
St. Joseph Jokers acquire 1B/OF Josh Bell (2/$27) and RHP Dakota Hudson (2FA/$5) from Lake Merced Goutfish for 2022 2nd Round Pick (30th Overall)
The Jokers could pull $10 back in Salary Cap space by landing Bell and dropping Jose Abreu (2/$37) while further strengthening their starting staff with the addition of Dakota Hudson who could serve as an upgrade over Vladimir Gutierrez.
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