Traditionally first base has been a big contributor for fantasy players. The first base position is usually littered with big power producers and 30 homer, 100 RBI seasons were the norm for a while. But recently first base has started to become a concern position.
The steady veterans are still there, but they are aging. The days of counting on Paul Goldschmidt, Freddie Freeman and the like aren't quite over, but their days of being elite options seem numbered. Fantasy mangers then had to make tough decisions after the lite stars to sacrifice batting average for power and take players like Rhys Hoskins or Jake Burger or perhaps sacrifice power in the vein of Luis Arraez or Jake Cronenworth.
There is suddenly hope though with some post hype sleepers that shouldn't be on anyone's waiver wire, but they are on more than 50% of most leagues. These are players you should grab immediately in all leagues and enjoy the ride.
Ben Rice is the first must grab player. The Yankee who came up as a catcher, plays mostly DH, still has 1B eligibility in most leagues. When Aaron Boone was asked about Rice batting first this week, he responded by saying that "Rice just rakes" and that means something. The outside metrics point to excellent bat speed, launch angle, and all of the baseball savant extras that you want, but the reason Rice gets such a boost is because his manager has that faith in him. Not just to write his name in the lineup, but to place him atop the Yankees explosive batting order. Rice rakes yes, but he also has always gotten on base, and that is big when you have guys like Judge batting behind you.
Rice will continue to get starts at DH while Stanton is injured, and there are no signs to say Giancarlo is close to returning. He also will spell Goldschmidt at times at first and he still worked out as a catcher in camp so the guy that rakes and gets on base, also has multiple position eligibility.
Spencer Trokelson is the other 1B to grab right now in all leagues. Tork was the #1 pick and with those lofty expectations followed. Torkelson has a 30 homer, close to 100 RBI season in the bigs already but he struggled so much that there was some thought that he would spend the year in the minors. Torkelson has been very open about his issues with athletic anxiety and this spring he looked like a completely different player.
That play has carried over and the Tigers believe in their once franchise asset. They have batted him right in the middle of the order and put him back at 1B showing him the confidence they have in not only his bat, but his fielding as well. Torkelson is someone who you couldn't pry away from owners just a couple of short years ago, now he's free on waivers and is a must grab. He is also still 25 years old, so while he might never amount to a MVP type of player, I'd rather have him than a Hoskins type of 1B. If the early going is any indication Tork will be that 30+ HR, 100+ RBI middle of the order bat that the Tigers, and every fantasy team needs.