Sport: MLB

There is an art to this. The aging curve at first base is kinder than at other positions, and that makes moving on from a dynasty perspective a more difficult proposition. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be looking towards the future.

While there is value in rostering a player without true upside, it also means we need to take care to look towards the future. Again, it’s the balancing act that we know and love when it comes to dynasty fantasy baseball.

With that being said, here are some dynasty first basemen I’m looking to maximize value on.

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Dynasty First Base Sell High Options
Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers

This is a tough one. After playing in 147 games in back-to-back seasons, Freddie Freeman is still playing at a high level. But at some point, that has to come to an end, right?

As Freeman enters his age-36 season, there’s still a lot to like about his profile. At the same time, though, aside from his .295 batting average, is there really anything Freeman does that truly stands out from a fantasy perspective at first base?

Again, this is by no means a knock on Freeman, but from a fantasy perspective, we need to be realistic. Last season, Freeman hit 24 home runs, and at this point, that’s like his maximum output. That also came with 90 RBI and 81 runs scored. Also, I think that’s the best we’re going to see out of Freeman going forward.

His .207 ISO and 10.5% barrel rate no longer stand out, and the thought process is that things aren’t going improve. To further the case on selling from a dynasty perspective, Freeman had a .271 xBA and a .460 xSLG compared to his .502 SLG.

There’s still some legitimate production with Freeman, but if you get younger, and maintain value, this is the time to do it.

Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay Rays

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Yandy Diaz had a career high in home runs last season. The Tampa Bay Rays were relocated to a favorable hitters’ park, and Diaz took advantage. After only having two seasons with more than 14 home runs, Diaz finished with 25.

With a career ISO of .151, Diaz did make strides in that department as his ISO last year was .182. But with a five-degree average launch angle and 8.3% barrel rate, Diaz isn’t exactly a power threat.

Diaz also had a 54.5% hard hit rate, and he consistently hits for a high average. That should continue, but the home runs are bound for an adjustment. Last season, Diaz hit 18 home runs at home compared to seven on the road.

If you can maximize the value, then moving on from Diaz could be a prudent strategy.

Nolan Schanuel, Los Angeles Angels

I know that this sounds counterintuitive. In dynasty leagues, we are supposed to target young players, not give up on them. But with Nolan Schanuel, we should use that to our advantage. While he’s still young, I’m not sure there’s any upside present, so capitalize if a league mate thinks otherwise.

In 132 games last season, Schanuel hit .264 with 12 home runs, 53 RBI, and 64 runs scored. At this point, there’s nothing in Schanuel’s profile to suggest that this is anything more than his ceiling. With a .125 ISO, 4.5% barrel rate, and 29% hard hit rate, the quality of contact is lackluster.

This is one situation where we shouldn’t follow the youth.

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