San Francisco Giants 2017 Position Preview: First Base

There has been little turnover at first base in recent years, and with a large extension now signed, the San Francisco Giants are set at the position for a few years to come.

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If everything goes as planned through Spring Training, Brandon Belt will start opening day as the San Francisco Giants’ first baseman for the seventh straight season. The former Texas Longhorn put together a mighty fine year in 2016, probably the best of his career so far.

After signing a big extension early in the year, Belt became the first Giant to draw over 100 walks since Barry Bonds‘ final season, and led the team in doubles (41), home runs (17), on-base percentage (..394), and slugging percentage (.474), just to name a few. He also drove in a career-high 82 runs, and cut his strikeout rate from 26.4 percent in 2015 to 22.6 percent in 2016. He continued to play strong defense after beginning the year in a bit of a defensive funk.

Though a portion of the fanbase will always clamor for more power from first base, Belt has become a great player in his own right. He may never surpass the 15-to-20 home run range, especially playing at AT&T Park, but he has perfected the doubles swing at home. His on-base prowess (sixth in MLB in walks, ninth in OBP) also makes him a dangerous part of the lineup.

That same ability also adds flexibility to the lineup. Belt can hit second or third, where he can get on-base and keep a line moving, or a bit lower in the lineup, where his extra-base capabilities can drive in runs.

Behind Belt, the Giants have a good amount of depth at the position.

On days when Belt needs a breather, it will likely be Buster Posey taking his place at first. Posey, the normal catcher, plays an average of 25 games at first base per season to stretch his legs from the squat position, but played just 15 at first last year. If Belt were to suffer an injury, the Giants could go with Posey at first more often with Trevor Brown (or whoever the backup catcher happens to be) playing behind the plate, as they have done in the past. Posey is a Gold Glove catcher, but has shown himself to be plenty capable at first base as well.

Conor Gillaspie is normally a third baseman, but has some experience on the opposite corner, including seven games with the Giants in 2016. The left-hander hitter could get extensive time at first as well, if Belt were unavailable.

Chris Marrero and Kyle Blanks, both signed to minor league deals this winter, have experience at first base and could get time there if necessary. Neither are on the 40-man roster, however, so getting them to the big leagues would be a bit more tricky.