Corner Infield Overview
As the fantasy baseball draft season approaches, the corner infield positions—first base, third base, and those who can play both—are a crucial focus. The landscape is filled with a mix of established stars, rising talents, and question marks. Unlike some other positions, the corner infield has seen a significant number of players who might not fully deliver on their potential, making it essential to approach these positions proactively. Last season was particularly challenging for first base, and third base continues to have players who raise concerns. This tiered ranking aims to provide a clearer picture of the talent clusters and help you make more informed draft decisions.
Tier 1: The Big Tickets
Leading the pack are the elite players who bring a high floor and considerable upside. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out as a top-tier choice. Despite a non-linear progression over his six seasons, Guerrero just delivered the second-best year of his career, with an impressive 165 OPS+ and positive impact in four categories. Stepping into his age-26 season, which often marks the peak of a player’s career, Guerrero is a reliable and durable player. While his 48 homers in 2021 might be an outlier, his consistent performance and health record make him a strong pick.
On the other hand, Freddie Freeman is a more complex case. His disappointing 2024 regular season was marred by injuries and personal challenges, including his young son dealing with Guillain-Barré syndrome. While the Los Angeles lineup provides a strong supporting cast, Freeman’s age-35 season raises concerns about potential skill erosion. His past heroics, especially during the World Series, make him a valuable asset, but his future performance may be more variable.
J.D. Ramirez, at age 31, is a five-category powerhouse at a position known for its depth challenges. Despite the potential decline in his running ability, Ramirez’s 2024 season showed no signs of slowing down. The Cleveland lineup, while not among the top scorers, provides a stable environment for him to continue his dominant play.
Matt Olson’s performance has been intriguing, with better outcomes in odd-numbered seasons. While the Braves had a tough 2024 with injuries, Olson’s overall average and power numbers make him a safe bet. A projection of around .250 with 30-40 home runs is a reasonable expectation, making him a fun and reliable addition to any fantasy team.
Tier 2: Legitimate Building Blocks
This tier includes players who are solid contributors and offer a mix of consistency and upside. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Pete Alonso are standout names. Chisholm has the potential to be a top-five player with his speed, power, and on-base skills. Alonso’s return to New York places him in a deep and supportive lineup, but his batting average and recent stress factors make him a player to monitor.
Manny Machado and Christian Walker are steady performers, with Machado’s contract with the Red Sox signaling a commitment to his long-term value. Walker’s power numbers are a significant asset, and he fits well in the Arizona lineup. Josh Naylor and Mark Vientos offer power and RBI potential, with Vientos particularly affordable at his current draft price. Cody Bellinger’s power and speed, despite his injury history, make him a player to consider, especially given his career numbers.
Alex Bregman’s move to the Red Sox and potential shift to second base could be a positive change. His .375 career batting average in Fenway Park adds an interesting dimension to his value. Spencer Steer and Jordan Westburg are young talents with upside, while Junior Caminero and Royce Lewis bring intriguing profiles, though their injury concerns make them riskier picks.
Tier 3: Talk Them Up, Talk Them Down
This tier features players who can be cost-effective and reliable, or who might be overvalued. Vinnie Pasquantino and Jake Burger are solid picks, with Burger benefiting from a lineup change to Texas and his dual-eligibility at third base. Pasquantino’s consistent contact rates and improving average make him a value at his current draft price.
Triston Casas and Yainer Díaz offer power potential, while Eugenio Suárez and Alec Bohm are established players with consistent contributions. Paul Goldschmidt, a three-time batting champion, brings a reliable average and on-base percentage, though his low power and speed make him a less exciting pick. Nolan Arenado and Isaac Paredes are value picks, with Arenado’s power and Paredes’ versatile skill set making them useful additions.
Luis Arráez is a throwback player, known for his high batting average and contact rate. While his lack of power and speed limits his fantasy impact, his consistency in getting hits makes him a fun player to root for. Despite his limitations, Arráez’s batting titles and ability to put the ball in play regularly make him a nostalgic and reliable option.
Tier 4: Some Plausible Upside
Players in this tier offer potential for growth and good value. Max Muncy and Ryan Mountcastle are power hitters with upside, and Mountcastle’s improvement in 2024 makes him an intriguing pick. Josh Jung and Maikel Garcia are young players with power potential, while Michael Toglia’s high home run and stolen base numbers, despite a low batting average, make him an interesting target.
Nathaniel Lowe and Alec Burleson are solid picks, with Lowe’s consistent power and OBP making him a reliable contributor. Luis Rengifo’s switch-hitting ability and speed make him a useful player, especially given his potential for high steals in a limited number of games. His solid OPS+ over the last three years adds to his value.
Tier 5: Bargain Bin
The final tier includes players who offer the most value for their draft price. Max Muncy and Ryan Mountcastle are power hitters with potential, and Max’s expected batting average and peripheral stats suggest he could improve. Nathaniel Lowe and Alec Burleson are solid contributors with upside, while Luis Rengifo’s speed and switch-hitting ability make him a unique pick.
Willi Castro is a versatile player who can contribute in all five roto categories, making him a useful player outside the top 240. Brendan Donovan and Marc Gomes are also value picks, with Donovan’s consistent play and Gomes’ power potential making them worth considering. While these players might not be the most exciting, they can provide the necessary contributions to round out your fantasy team.
Conclusion
The corner infield is a position that requires strategic drafting. With a mix of top-tier talents, reliable contributors, and value picks, your approach should be proactive and mindful of the unique challenges each player presents. Whether you’re aiming for high upside or consistent performance, the key is to balance your roster with players who can help you excel in all five categories. Good luck with your drafts, and may your choices lead to a successful fantasy season!
