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: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Adam LaRoche, Washington Nationals

Age:34

2014 Stats: .257/.363/.457, 25HR, 88RBI

34-year-old Adam LaRoche might be the most underrated player on the list of free agent first basemen for 2015. You’ve probably heard that LaRoche recently came off the bench for the Nationals in the ninth inning and drove in five runs on four hits. Granted the game did reach the 14th inning but nonetheless the timing of his hits were extraordinary clutch tying the game and providing the go ahead run for the Nationals. He is also quite good defensively to have in the game, that day just happened to be, what was supposed to be his day off.

LaRoche has a career slash line of .264/.340/.472. He can be counted upon to drive in between 80-100 runs a season consistently and although he has never been elected to an All-Star game, his name was in the National League MVP conversation in 2012. He won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award that year. He hit a career high 32 home runs in 2006 but consistently averages around the 20-mark which is something most teams are in need of. Providing Gold Glove caliber defense and consistent power is something every team is always looking for, making LaRoche a valuable commodity in 2015.

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