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    Offseason Primer: Who Needs a First Baseman Anyways?

    Tom Froemming

    By Tom Froemming

    Image courtesy of © Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

    Twins Video

    The Twins are still waiting for the official word from Joe Mauer on whether or not he’d like to continue his playing career, but anybody who saw the final game of 2018 knows the writing’s on the wall.

    And it’s in big, bold letters.

    Again, nothing’s been decided yet, but let’s just assume Mauer calls it a career. Then what? First base might be the one spot on the diamond in which teams can get the most creative. Just take a look at how a couple of the teams still alive in the postseason treated the position this year.

    The Twins Daily Offseason Handbook can be yours on this coming Tuesday if you preorder here for just $10.

    Not a lot of players who end up at first start their careers there. Mauer’s the perfect example of that himself. These days, it’s also becoming more and more common that teams use some kind of a timeshare at the position. There are a couple of good examples on teams still playing in October.

    Yuli Gurriel was the primary guy at first for Houston, making 99 starts there, but he also started 13 games at third base, another 11 at second and even made a start at shortstop. His flexibility helped the Astros cover for injuries to their other infielders and allowed slugger Tyler White to come up from the minors for regular time at first base.

    Cody Bellinger started 85 games at first base for the Dodgers, but he also made another 50 starts in center field, of all places. That allowed Los Angeles to find playing time for incredible diamond in the rough pickup Max Muncy and his .973 OPS. Muncy made 58 starts at first base.

    In Wednesday night’s NLCS game, the Dodgers used two different first basemen, neither of them Bellinger, and four different players at second base. That team has some pretty incredible flexibility.

    Keeping those two examples in mind, let’s take a look at how the Twins might fill the potential opening at first base.

    Taking a look back at 2018, the player with the most innings at first base behind Mauer was actually Logan Morrison. I guess it’s worth mentioning that the Twins do hold an $8 million option for LoMo with a $1 million buyout, but there are much better investments to be made.

    Tyler Austin was the only other player to see as many as 100 innings at first base for Minnesota last year. He showed impressive power, but he’s also struck out in 36.6 percent of his plate appearances in the majors. On the other hand, Austin has a .937 OPS against lefties, making him at the very least an attractive platoon partner. He played much more outfield than first over his minor league career, but Austin didn’t play a single inning out there in 2018.

    After Austin you’ve got Miguel Sano, who played 87 innings of first base this season. He’s certainly someone to keep in mind, but shifting him across the diamond just creates another hole at third base, which is already a weak spot in the org.

    With Jason Castro expected to return to health and Willians Astudillo establishing himself as a player of interest, there’s a chance the Twins could roll with three catchers next year. In that case, Mitch Garver could be a candidate for regular time at first base. He has some experience there.

    Max Kepler is a very strong defensive outfielder and hasn’t seen time at first since he played there regularly for Chattanooga back in 2015, but he’s a candidate. If Byron Buxton finds his footing and the Twins add another outfielder, Kepler could make a lot of sense as someone who forms a left-right platoon with Austin. Yes, Max did much better against same-sided pitchers last year, but his career splits still show a fairly significant split (.776 OPS vs. RHP, .605 OPS vs. LHP).

    Robbie Grossman’s never played an inning of infield in his entire pro career — majors or minors — but he does throw left handed. Considering how uninspiring his defense is in the outfield, maybe someone ought to buy him a first baseman’s mitt ...

    Down on the farm, Brent Rooker is the big name at the position. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him knocking down the door next season, though he’s certainly not a realistic option for Opening Day. Zander Wiel isn’t as big a name in prospect circles, but he actually had a higher OPS than Rooker last year. Both Rooker and Wiel played quite a bit of outfield, as well.

    If you really want to go outside the box, LaMonte Wade played a lot of first base in his early years at Maryland, but he’s only played outfield these past four years in the Twins org.

    So, as you can see, even if we focus solely on internal options there’s no shortage of options. Since first base is the bottom position on the defensive spectrum, in reality anybody could be thrown out there.

    This is the first time in a very long time that the Twins (appear to) have an opening at first base. Mauer took the reins from Justin Morneau, who succeeded Doug Mientkiewicz. That’s an impressive run of stability — three guys covering 18 seasons — but my suggestion is to end it here.

    Don’t get me wrong, offensive upgrades are needed, but the front office should simply be focused first on adding a bat. They have enough in-house options and players with defensive flexibility to figure out positioning.

    How should the Twins fill the (potential) first base opening? They shouldn’t feel the need to.

    Here’s a look back at what we’ve covered in these Offseason Primers so far:

    Offseason Primer: Corner Infield Free Agents

    Offseason Primer: Twins Need to Be Prepared to Pivot from Buxton and Sano

    Offseason Primer: Building a Badass Bullpen

    Offseason Primer: Twins Should Stick With Jorge Polanco at Shortstop

    Offseason Primer: Can Minnesota Mimic Milwaukee's Success?

    Offseason Primer: The Core Seven (?)

    If you like what you’ve been reading at the site so far, you’re going to LOVE the handbook. One of the key features included is a full organization depth analysis for not just first base, but every position on the diamond plus the pitching staff. Also included are profile on all the free agent options, a discussion regarding potential trade targets and much more.

    Click here for more on the handbook, a sneak peek at the cover and the list of special guest contributors.

    Want to play the role of Twins general manager? Check out our free-to-use "You're The GM" offseason tool and build your own Twins roster!

    Build Your 2027 Roster

    You can find more of Tom's work on his YouTube channel, TFTwins. He also runs a prospects/draft coverage Patreon with fellow Twins Daily contributor Jamie Cameron, Limestone Pipeline. 

    Follow Tom Froemming on Twitter: TFTwins
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    Featured Comments

    ashbury

    ashbury 64,023

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

    Well, sure. Even Ehire has started 5 games at 1B in his career. In a purely backup role, Kepler could be part of the mix at 1B.

     

    What I seem to see people saying goes beyond that, that 1B is a desirable role for him. And I disagree with that. If you want him in the batting lineup, you usually will want him playing in the outfield; conversely if he is squeezed out of the starting outfield because of acquisition of significant talent, his bat (at present) probably will not be better than other 1B options you have. Finally if his bat improves from where it is at present to being an asset at 1B, we're back to the first scenario, because you want him in the outfield as a starter.

     

    It would be one heck of a team, where a productive Keplerbat* finds itself at 1B on defense.

     

    * My Germanic coinage of the day :)

    USAFChief

    USAFChief 80,951

  • Twins Daily Contributor

    • Posted

     

    You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

     

    Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

     

    It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

     

    The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

    Endorsed by Chief.

    Riverbrian

    Riverbrian 43,860

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

     

    You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

     

    Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

     

    It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

     

    The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

     

    There are multiple scenarios where Kepler playing some 1B would help the Twins win baseball games. 

     

    LIke you said... If Kepler could be considered as a candidate to play 1B... It opens the door to sign Cutch . If Kepler could be considered as a candidate to play 1B. We won't have to die if Sano gets hurt while Austin is hitting .112

     

    Kepler playing 1B shouldn't be forced but it shouldn't be anything we are afraid of.  

     

    Tom you are spot on with this article. 

     

    Increasing flexibility and depth should be the number one priority of the Twins and I hope it is a major... (make that mega major) consideration when choosing the next manager. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Lonestar

    Lonestar 306

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

    If the Twins have a 8-man bullpen and sign Cruz for DH and McCutchen for RF, that means they can only carry 3 other outfielders -- one being Rosario.  The 3 candidates for 2 remaining positions are Buxton, Cave, and Kepler. Buxton and Cave have minor league options. Kepler does not.

     

    IMO Buxton will likely have to be optioned during the course of the season based on his poor command & control of the strike zone. Will it happen on Day 1 or later or at all? [i don't think they would carry Buxton as a 4th OF/PR/defensive specialist until he is out of options. He needs the reps and the work on pitch recognition and command & control of the strike zone.]

     

    Now if the Twins sign McCutchen as a RF/DH option, they can carry both Kepler and Cave. And better absorb the Buxton demotion or injury.

    Riverbrian

    Riverbrian 43,860

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    News is floating around today that the Red Sox are considering playing Mookie Betts at 2B on the road during the World Series. 

     

    Betts at 2B will allow Martinez to play OF when the DH is not an option. 

     

    This is only a rumor floating around so I have no idea if the Red Sox will actually do it, they might not but if they do, it just might work out and we can all see the reasoning for such a consideration. 

     

    However... Regardless of the results soon to come... if they do? if they don't? 

     

    The Red Sox could have been better prepared for this possibility by playing Betts at 2B on occasion during the year instead of coming in cold on the big stage. They had the opportunity to do it. 

     

    The Indians could have been better prepared for the addition of Josh Donaldon, if Ramirez played some 2B during the year and Kipnis played some CF instead of coming in cold in September. 

     

    Of course Kepler can and should play 1B on occasion in 2019. I believe Rosario could play some IF if needed. Doing so will provide our new manager more options to work in the 2019 World Series. 

     

    Prepare for Success and Prepare for Failure. Depth and Flexibility is how it's done. 

    TheLeviathan

    TheLeviathan 22,360

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    Playing guys at random middle infield positions in case of a worst case scenario sounds like a good way to create that scenario.

     

    If you believe defense matters, throwing guys randomly around the field is very contradictory.

     

    Kepler should play 1B when it creates an advantage for the Twins. Which could happen in splits opportunities when deciding between a Cave and Austin. I could see that being beneficial at times if the Twins don’t upgrade 1B.

    Jacksson

    Jacksson 266

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Keps runs too well to waste his defensive OF skills on first base. Austin can play most of the games with Sano and others spelling him.  We need a solid new IF stud at middle infield somewhere and a solid RBI/Homer guy for DH.  Plus pitchers

    Gee, J D Martinez was sitting out there as a free agent and the Twins signed....Logan Morrison. How did that work out?

    stringer bell

    stringer bell 27,007

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    from RB:

    The Indians could have been better prepared for the addition of Josh Donaldon, if Ramirez played some 2B during the year and Kipnis played some CF instead of coming in cold in September.

     

    Of course Kepler can and should play 1B on occasion in 2019. I believe Rosario could play some IF if needed. Doing so will provide our new manager more options to work in the 2019 World Series.

     

    Prepare for Success and Prepare for Failure. Depth and Flexibility is how it's done.

     

    Ramirez played a lot of second prior to last year, plus some outfield and Kipnis spent time in the outfield this year earlier, at least that is my recollection. 

     

    Regarding Kepler at first--I think it's a good idea to have him in the mix. Given the injury history of Sano and the questions about Austin, the Twins might be in a situation for a lot of games that they need to get Cave, Rosario, Buxton, and Kepler into the game, with none of them being the DH. That would be predicated on Kepler being a better offensive player than he has been the last two years, but I think that might happen. Regardless, positional flexibility is a plus. 

    mngopherguy

    mngopherguy 181

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    Bring in a player that can hit 30+ home runs with 100+ RBI's.  We don't always have to try to patch something together and hope it works.  I know a bit of an exaggeration but my point is to get a great player not just someone who can fill in.  

     

    Did the Polads sell the team?

    Major League Ready

    Major League Ready 11,041

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted (edited)

     

    Didn’t the Dodgers have a guy that played cf and 1b regularly this past season?

    Lead, follow or get out of the way.

     

    The relative merit of following the Dodgers action is not automatic because some famous leaders used this phrase. It's merit is only relevant to how a given player is able to perform when compared to others playing that position. Bellinger has an OPS while playing 1B of 1.081 in 2017 and 946 in 2018. Your example will have merit when Kepler can come anywhere near this level of performance.

    Edited by Major Leauge Ready
    diehardtwinsfan

    diehardtwinsfan 14,830

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

     

    You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

     

    Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

     

    It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

     

    The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

    Like this idea. Kind of curious what the market for Cutch will be this offseason. .792 OPS out of a RF is hardly going to have teams lining up to give him a big deal. I think Cruz, Cutch, and Escobar would be a pretty nice FA move by the Twins. Would really add some flexibility to the team as well as improving on what was a pretty bad offense.

     

    I'd add that then they could option Buxton to start the year and call him up once he's earned it.

    Mike Sixel

    Mike Sixel 58,944

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

     

    Lets get some better players and not field the same team as last year...

     

    That would be great. I just don't have that list of FAs in front of me that looks enticing, and it is really hard to predict trades. I'm all for better talent, all for it. 100% for it.

    yarnivek1972

    yarnivek1972 6,290

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    The relative merit of following the Dodgers action is not automatic because some famous leaders used this phrase. It's merit is only relevant to how a given player is able to perform when compared to others playing that position. Bellinger has an OPS while playing 1B of 1.081 in 2017 and 946 in 2018. Your example will have merit when Kepler can come anywhere near this level of performance.

    I don’t see the relevance of offensive production while playing a particular position as a reason as to whether or not he should play there. The issue is if his speed is wasted at 1b. Obviously, the Dodgers don’t feel Bellinger’s is. I don’t think anyone is saying that Kepler is as good a hitter as Bellinger. But, along that logic, wouldn’t the Dodgers lineup be better with Bellinger OPSing in the 900s or better at cf and some big plodder at 1b? Obviously the Dodgers don’t feel that way.

     

    Further back in history, Darin Erstad was a very good (and very fast) fielding centerfielder who moved to first base to make room for Jim Edmonds.

     

    My point is that the Twins shouldn’t be afraid to try something they haven’t done before just because they haven’t done it before.

    Major League Ready

    Major League Ready 11,041

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

     

    I don’t see the relevance of offensive production while playing a particular position as a reason as to whether or not he should play there. The issue is if his speed is wasted at 1b. Obviously, the Dodgers don’t feel Bellinger’s is. I don’t think anyone is saying that Kepler is as good a hitter as Bellinger. But, along that logic, wouldn’t the Dodgers lineup be better with Bellinger OPSing in the 900s or better at cf and some big plodder at 1b? Obviously the Dodgers don’t feel that way.

    Further back in history, Darin Erstad was a very good (and very fast) fielding centerfielder who moved to first base to make room for Jim Edmonds.

    My point is that the Twins shouldn’t be afraid to try something they haven’t done before just because they haven’t done it before.

     

    You have never heard a reference to a players bat not being good enough to play a corner OF spot as an example? Offensive production matter in reference to position. The relevance is that playing at guy with a sub 750 OPS at 1B will put you at a disadvantage against ,ost teams. At least with Mauer we had a great defender. I don't know how good Kepler is at 1B but I doubt he would be anywhere as good as Mauer without a couple years worth of reps.

     

    You have lost me here. You start out supporting the Dodgers strategy and now you have come back with it would be a waste of Kepler's athleticism. I agree with the latter but you have contradicted yourself. Regardless, with someone of Bellingers offensive potency, it is possible putting Bellinger at 1B results in the best overall line-up. We are not so fortunate as to have a player with his offensive product where we might have the same situation.

    DrNeau

    DrNeau 469

  • Verified Member

    • Posted (edited)

    So, what is important for a first baseman...a BIG BAT (homers) or a great glove.

    For a 1B? Big bat.

     

    For most positions, a player’s strengths should be in 2 of the following 4 components:

     

    * OBP

    * XBH

    * Defense

    * Speed

     

    Positions up the middle require that the players’ strengths are speed and defense. To quantify “defense”, arm strength is a factor - in addition to solid glove. For a corner IF, speed is less necessary than say a SS or CF.

     

    A 1B can at times go a WEEK without making a necessary full-effort throw (therefore not a position which requires elite defense).

     

    1B is absolutely a position where OBP and XBH (or OPS) are arguably the most important. Essentially, it is probably the best position to “hide a bat”.

     

    For the reasons listed above, Grossman (OBP only) is not good for an OF. Joe Mauer’s best skills since 2014 (back in the days when he was a player), were defense (arm & glove) + OBP. Mauer was therefore poorly utilized when placed at 1B.

    Edited by DrNeau
    Doctor Wu

    Doctor Wu 4,337

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    I agree with you on Kepler, getting a new middle infielder, and adding more pitching, but in disagreement, I’d prefer that we move Sano to 1st, sign Nelson Cruz to DH, and then find a new 3rd basemen because I really don’t wanna see Austin starting on a regular basis at 1st unless someone gets hurt (likely Sano).

    I honestly don't see the love for Nelson Cruz, Sure, he's been remarkably productive for Seattle since they signed him as a free agent (after a good tenure in Texas), but he's going to turn 39 next year. How certain are you that he can still put up good numbers, if even start on a regular basis?

    Doctor Wu

    Doctor Wu 4,337

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    I know Joe hasn't turned out to be the HOFer we all hoped, but I think he still has gas in the tank and I'd love to see him return for 3 more years.

    I'd just take 1 one more year at this point. I know many on this board are hoping that he has played his last game as a Twin (or for any team for that matter) but I think he still can be a productive player, as long as he still has the desire to put on a uniform and play. No, he won't start 162 games at this point, but I still think he's the best 1B option we have amidst all the other suspect players we are looking at next year.

    yarnivek1972

    yarnivek1972 6,290

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    I'd just take 1 one more year at this point. I know many on this board are hoping that he has played his last game as a Twin (or for any team for that matter) but I think he still can be a productive player, as long as he still has the desire to put on a uniform and play. No, he won't start 162 games at this point, but I still think he's the best 1B option we have amidst all the other suspect players we are looking at next year.

    He won’t start 100 at this point. And THAT is the problem. You STILL need a first baseman for at least 1/3 of the seaason and in an era of 12 and 13 man pitching staffs, there’s no way a team can carry two guys that only play first base.

    Doomtints

    Doomtints 2,816

  • Verified Member

    • Posted (edited)

    Pohlad has soft spots for people and this negatively affects the team. We got stuck with Molitor because Pohlad wanted to be nice to him, now we might end up with a Joe Mauer who can no longer hit.

     

    If the sum universe of available first basemen is zero, sure, keep Mauer for another year. If all of the other middling hitters are traded and Mauer is the sole mediocre hitter left, sure, keep him for another year.

     

    The Twins are in a unique place financially to make upgrades right now. If they build around Mauer for a year just to be nice they making their job for 2020 onward all the more difficult.

    Edited by Doomtints


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