To tier a position means to bundle players with a similar projected outcome, creating an alternate form of rankings that will better serve you on Draft Day. Knowing which position to target means knowing where the biggest drop-off is coming, and having tiers will make it immediately apparent during the heat of the draft.
Tiers 1.0: Catcher | First base | Second base | Third base | Shortstop | Outfield | Starting pitcher | Relief pitcher
Below are the first base tiers for 2021, depicting a position that's lacking in game-changers at the top but well-stocked with capable options in the middle.
The Elite: Freddie Freeman, Cody Bellinger, DJ LeMahieu
The Near-Elite: Jose Abreu, Luke Voit, Anthony Rizzo†, Pete Alonso, Matt Olson
The Next-Best Things: Paul Goldschmidt, Dominic Smith, Vladimir Guerrero, Max Muncy, Carlos Santana†, Mike Moustakas, Rhys Hoskins†
The Fallback Options: Miguel Sano, Eric Hosmer, Josh Bell, Ryan Mountcastle, Tommy La Stella, Jake Cronenworth
The Last Resorts: Christian Walker, Jeimer Candelario, Brandon Belt, Yuli Gurriel, Jesus Aguilar, Jared Walsh, Bobby Dalbec^
The Deep-Leaguers: Garrett Cooper, Joey Votto, Hunter Dozier, Renato Nunez, (Miguel Cabrera), (Edwin Encarnacion), Rowdy Tellez
The Leftovers: Andrew Vaughn, Nate Lowe, Evan White, Danny Santana, Ryan McMahon, C.J. Cron, Wilmer Flores, Asdrubal Cabrera, Pavin Smith, Mitch Moreland, Travis Shaw, Colin Moran, Michael Chavis, (Daniel Vogelbach)
^ one tier lower in points leagues
† one tier lower in categories leagues
() DH-only
