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: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michael Cuddyer, Colorado Rockies

Age: 35

2014 Stats: .335/.378/.593, 9HR, 29RBI

At 35 years old Michael Cuddyer, who spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Twins but is now with the Colorado Rockies, got elected to his second All-Star game in 2014 which took him back to the Twin Cities to a very warm reception. Well liked in both cities he’s played in, Cuddyer plays solid defense but his offensive consistency often overshadows that and for good reason.

He has a career slashline of .279/.347/.466 over 14 seasons. He won the National League batting title with a .331 average just last season and so far in 2014 he has a chance of repeating that feat even though he was momentarily derailed by a hand injury suffered on the field, so it is not ongoing. He got back into the Rockies’ lineup in record time and may just able to win the batting title for 2014 as he is currently hitting .335, better than his average in 2013. He isn’t a big power hitter but has the potential to hit up to 20 home runs, especially in a place like Colorado. Look for the Rockies to make him a qualifying offer and if rejected to still make a play to keep their current first baseman.

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