With reigning MVP Paul Goldschmidt, position packs a punch

First base is traditionally a position where fantasy teams can find plenty of power. At the top of the scale, that’s certainly true with NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt, two-time Home Run Derby king Pete Alonso and Braves slugger Matt Olson — each of whom had at least 30 homers and 100 RBI last season.

But if you miss out on the elite first basemen, there’s still enough depth at the position to get solid production in the middle-to-late rounds of your draft.

In the American League, the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands alone in the top tier. Former AL MVP Jose Abreu signing as a free agent with the Astros opens up an everyday spot for up-and-coming youngster Andrew Vaughn on the White Sox.

In the National League, there’s a solid middle tier with C.J. Cron (29 HR, 103 RBI), Rhys Hoskins (30 HR, 79 RBI) and Christian Walker (36 HR, 94 RBI) as excellent targets.

FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023

CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position by position rankings

First base rankings

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays   AL1

2. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers    NL1

3. Pete Alonso, Mets    NL2

4. Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals    NL3

5. Matt Olson, Braves    NL4     

6. Jose Abreu, Astros    AL2

7. Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals   AL3

8. C.J. Cron, Rockies    NL5

9. Rhys Hoskins, Phillies    NL6

10. Nathaniel Lowe, Rangers    AL4

11. Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles   AL5

12. Anthony Rizzo, Yankees    AL6

13. Christian Walker, Diamondbacks   NL7

14. Brandon Drury, Angels   AL7

15. Luis Arraez, Marlins   NL8

16. Andrew Vaughn, White Sox   AL8

17. Jose Miranda, Twins   AL9

18. Josh Bell, Guardians   AL10

19. Rowdy Tellez, Brewers   NL9

20. DJ LeMahieu, Yankees    AL11

21. Ty France, Mariners    AL12

22. Wil Myers, Reds   NL10

23. Jake Cronenworth, Padres    NL11

24. Triston Casas, Red Sox   AL13

25. Joey Meneses, Nationals    NL12

26. Miguel Vargas, Dodgers   NL13

27. Seth Brown, A’s   AL14

28. Josh Naylor, Guardians    AL15

29. Brandon Belt, Blue Jays   AL16

30. Jared Walsh, Angels    AL17

31. Trey Mancini, Cubs   NL14

32. Spencer Torkelson, Tigers    AL18

33. Wilmer Flores, Giants    NL15

34. Isaac Paredes, Rays    AL19

35. Garrett Cooper, Marlins   NL16

36. Joey Votto, Reds    NL17

37. Matt Mervis, Cubs   NL18

38. Bobby Dalbec, Red Sox    AL20

39. Carlos Santana, Pirates   NL19

40. Harold Ramirez, Rays   AL21

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 40 first basemen for 2023