Sports Illustrated is ranking the top 10 players at each position. First up were the catchers, and today we're onto the first basemen.
Not so long ago, first baseman were seen as the lumbering hunks who were there to hit bombs and do what they could on defense. But the sport has further prioritized athleticism and the position has evolved as well. Now, in addition to providing punch at the plate, first baseman are asked to be slick-fielding, smooth-picking weapons out on the diamond. The current crop of standouts at the position is as deep as it's ever been, with a solid mix of veterans and rising stars establishing themselves as elite.
