Freddie Freeman, 29, 1B, Atlanta Braves
2018: Freeman hit just 23 home runs in an era of cheap power but was the game’s best fantasy first baseman nevertheless. Among the 24 first basemen to qualify for a batting title, he was 12th in homers but first in batting average, and third in runs, RBIs and stolen bases. He led the National League in hits, doubles and times on base (274).
Forecast: Freeman hit fewer fly balls and more line drives, costing him 82 points of slugging percentage from 2017, a small price to pay for continued excellence everywhere else. After being drafted to an ADP in the low 20s last year, he could jump into the top half of the second round.
2019 Projections: .301 average, 97 runs, 43 doubles, four troubles, 27 home runs, 100 RBI, 1o stolen bases.
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