Position Rank: 3rd
Current ADP: 15.21
Alright -- before you get the pitchforks out and start a revolt, hear me out.
Miguel Cabrera has been the model of consistently elite fantasy production over the years, and there can be an argument made that it's pretty crazy to see him getting drafted outside of the first round. However, there is just as good -- if not potentially better production -- right behind him at the position.
While the players in the next three spots behind him are intriguing, it's the sixth-ranked first baseman in Freddie Freeman that catches our eye. With an ADP currently at 26.61, he's getting selected 11 picks after Miggy, despite similar levels of production.
| 2016 | Avg. | HR | RBI | Runs | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miguel Cabrera | .316 | 38 | 108 | 92 | 0 |
| Freddie Freeman | .302 | 34 | 91 | 102 | 6 |
FanGraphs' Steamer projections are more favorable to Cabrera than Freeman, but that's partially because Miggy has been producing like this for years, while 2016 was a power breakout for his fellow first baseman down in Atlanta.
As much as we don't want to think about it, Cabrera is going to start slowing down at some point -- he's entering his age-34 season, while Freeman is only 27 years old. We've probably seen the height of Cabrera's production, but Freeman could just be getting started as he enters his prime.
Moving over to SunTrust Park could also help Freeman sustain his output and potentially rake even more than he did last year.
Drafting Cabrera is the safe thing to do, but Freeman is the up-and-comer who could do just as much -- or more -- for a lower price.