Rankings: Is Jose Abreu the top 1st baseman in the division?

Jul 29, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The American League Central is primed to be one of, if not the best, divisions in baseball this season. A big reason for that is four of the five teams in the division have a commitment or renewed commitment to winning in ’15.

In that commitment to winning, the players who man first base in the division are some of the best in baseball. The Chicago White Sox have Jose Abreu, and Miguel Cabrera mans the position for the Detroit Tigers.

There is also Carlos Santana for the Cleveland Indians, Eric Hosmer of the Kansas City Royals and Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins.

Those are all very quality first basemen, but the question still remains: Who is the best? How should we look at these players when ranking them?

The five AL Central starting first basemen will be ranked by their offensive numbers, defensive numbers and on what they bring to their respective teams on a yearly basis.

Some of these players are or will be perennial All-Stars, while others are still making their name in the big leagues. There are players of all calibers and backgrounds in this list of five, so this will not be an easy task.

Most likely, opinions will vary, but that’s OK, because if we all thought the same, there would be no room for debate.

With that said, let’s take a look at how these players are ranked.

Next: Ranking: No. 5