MLB: Ranking the top 5 free agent first basemen

Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) runs to first base during the seventh inning inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Michael Morse, San Francisco Giants

Age: 32

2014 Stats: .281/.355/.473, 16HR, 61RBI

Michael Morse, 32, was drafted in 2003 by the Chicago White Sox and spent had spent the majority of his 10-year career with the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals but also played with the Baltimore Orioles and signed a one-year six million dollar contract for 2014 with the San Francisco Giants.

A versatile player, Morse has spent a lot of time in the outfield with San Francisco but is more of a first baseman. His career slash line is .281/.335/.473. Those are great number for a guy who’s never been named to the All-Star team which is a reason that a team might be able to pick him up for a low price with good results like the Giants did this season.

Morse hit a career high 31 home runs in 2011 while with the Nationals and finished in the top 20 in the National League MVP voting that year. He also drove in 95 runs that season giving you an idea of what he is capable of. His lack of awards and All-Star appearances make him appear more average than his numbers actually show, again, making him a great deal for a team in need to pick up at a good price. This year’s market, although full of veterans, is also filled with players who could possibly command high salaries especially if a bidding war were to ensue leaving the smaller market teams to pick up a good player like Morse.

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