Spring training is just a month away, and though there will be acquisitions before (and possibly after) pitchers and catchers report, this series will take a look at the players mostly likely to suit up at each level of the organization.
As it stands, things a little unsettled at the position right now, especially in the upper minors, where I expect the team to make some minor league free agent signings for depth.
Also in this series:
Second Base | Third Base | Shortstop | Catcher | Centerfield | Corner Outfield | Starting Pitcher
ATLANTA BRAVES
STARTER: Freddie Freeman
Freeman is set to start his 9th consecutive Opening Day at first base for the Atlanta Braves at the ripe old age of 29 years old. Freeman is coming off his third All-Star season in which he hit what has come to be a typical Freddie Freeman season line, .309/.388/.505 with 23 home runs, finishing 4th in MVP voting and picking up his first Gold Glove. Freeman notoriously dislikes staying out of the line-up, but this season the plan is for him to take the occasional planned day off to help keep him fresh and productive longer into the season. Granted, everything is relative when it comes to Freeman: even in his most unproductive month last year, August, he hit .283/.366/.425.
Back-up: Infielder Johan Camargo could be looked at to sub in for Freeman for those planned days off. Infielder Charlie Culberson and outfielder Adam Duvall each also have some experience at first base.
GWINNETT STRIPERS (CLASS AAA)
STARTER: Sean Kazmar Jr.
To be frank, there is no clear first base starter for Gwinnett at this time. Last year’s primary first baseman Carlos Franco remains, to my reckoning, a minor league free agent. His most likely replacement would have been former third base prospect Rio Ruiz, but Ruiz was traded to Baltimore after the Orioles claimed him on waivers. That leaves Kazmar as the most experienced infielder projected to begin the season at Gwinnett.
The 15-year minor league veteran had a tough year at the plate in 2018, but for the Braves what Kazmar brings to the field is secondary to the work his does in the clubhouse, and at least so far Kazmar is the only 2018 Gwinnett free agent resigned by the club.
Back-up: In the end, I expect Kazmar to be the back-up to a minor league free agent signing here, but in case Kazmar is pressed into starting duty, the back-up likely be an infielder such as Andres Blanco or whichever catcher isn’t working behind the plate that day.
MISSISSIPPI BRAVES (CLASS AA)
STARTER: Braxton Davidson
While a Davidson promotion from the advanced-A level where he has played for the last three seasons should not be seen as inevitable, it seems likely after leading all Braves minor leaguers in home runs in 2018 with 20. Those 20 homers however also come with a .171/.281/.365 batting line however, and he crushed the single-season Florida State League record with 213 strikeouts. Davidson did do well in Arizona Fall League action however, hitting .227/.354/.530 with 6 home runs in only 79 plate appearances and launching a walk-off home run in the AFL championship game.
Back-up: Like Gwinnett, there’s not an obvious back-up in place now. It would likely be an infielder such as Daniel Lockhart or possibly a promoted Kurt Hoekstra, who had extensive experience at first base while with Rome. Also like Gwinnett, it could also be a catcher not working that day, such as Jonathan Morales or Sal Giardina.
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FLORIDA FIRE FROGS (CLASS A+)
STARTER: Hagen Owenby
Taken in the 12th round of the 2017 draft as a catcher, Owenby found himself squeezed by the likes of William Contreras and Drew Lugbauer ahead of him and a slew of 2018 draftees and international signees behind him. Fortunately for him, Rome had a revolving door at first base for almost all season, and Owenby brought some stability at the position late in the year, hitting a respectable .278/.314/.335 over the final 45 games of the season. Without a clear player to hold the position, at least for now I’m projecting to Owenby to be promoted and hold down the spot.
Back-up: Owenby would likely share time with a couple of candidates, including the previously mentioned Kurt Hoekstra should he stay behind in Florida. Another option would be former Auburn first baseman Brendan Venter, a 13th-round draft pick in 2018 who also saw time at third base late last season for Rome. It’s also quite possible that if none of these players impress in spring training they could be cut and minor league free agents brought in.
ROME BRAVES (CLASS A)
STARTER: Griffin Benson
A 23rd-round pick back in 2016 out of high school, Benson has been a bit of a project, and late last season with Danville he started showing some of the pop that Braves evaluators have been projecting for him. If he keeps showing progress in spring training, I expect him to get tabbed for the Opening Day assignment in Rome. Benson is a solid fielder as well, not an insignificant factor when looking for someone to convert outs from occasionally shaky throws from elsewhere on the diamond.
Back-up: Former Alabama State third baseman Ray Hernandez will look to make the jump up from the GCL Braves. Hernandez played almost exclusively first base in the GCL and handled himself well, and it’s possible that the Braves may choose to start him here. Also in the mix here is Brendan Venter if he’s not promoted, as well as Benson’s 2018 teammates Nicholas Vizcaino, Michael Mateja, or Brett Langhorne.
First Base Depth Chart
- Freddie Freeman
- Johan Camargo
- Charlie Culberson
- Adam Duvall
- Sean Kazmar Jr.
- Andres Blanco
- Raffy Lopez
- Braxton Davidson
- Jonathan Morales
- Sal Giardina
- Hagen Owenby
- Kurt Hoekstra
- Brenden Venter
- Griffin Benson
- Ray Hernandez
- Michael Mateja
- Brett Langhorne
- Nicholas Vizcaino
OFR TOP 5 FIRST BASE PROSPECT RANKINGS:
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