Over the past 8 years there have been 16 MVPs, 6 of them have been first baseman. The less demanding nature of 1B leads to a focus on offense for many of the players who spend their time at first base. Guys like Albert Pujols, Justin Morneau, Joey Votto, and Prince Fielder have set the bar high for the new age of first baseman coming into the league.

But there is a crop of guys who are making a name for themselves as sluggers and challenging the veterans for All-Star spots and MVP votes. Chris Davis has 36 home runs and 89 RBI’s, Allen Craig is 2nd in the NL in RBI’s and leads all 1B in batting average, and then there is a group of guys under the age of 25 who are also impressing in 2013.

Before we look at players currently in the MLB, here’s a player who could make an impact in a year or two with the Astros.

Jonathan Singleton: Houston (Age: 21)

The First Baseman came over from Philadelphia for Hunter Pence and has continued to progress into baseball’s best 1B prospect. He was suspended for 50 games to start the season after testing positive for marijuana but Houston is hoping that problem won’t persist. He can hit for power and average and is a key part of the Astros future; he could make his debut in 2013 and might become an everyday player next year.

5) Brandon Belt: San Francisco Giants (25)

2013 Stats: .261 BA, 10 HR, 38 RBI

Belt has become the everyday first baseman for the Giants and has already won a World Series. He’s a young, reliable player for the Giants and although he probably has the lowest ceiling out of any player on this list, he’s been solid for San Francisco.

4) Anthony Rizzo: Chicago Cubs (21)

2013 Stats: .243 BA, 13 HR, 54 RBI

Rizzo is in the middle of his first full season in the Majors but made his debut in 2011 with San Diego. Scouts believe he can be a very good hitter and he has handled himself well in Chicago despite his young age. Starlin Castro has been a disappointment this season but Rizzo has done alright despite a weak lineup around him. It will take the Cubs a few years to be competitive but they have Rizzo locked up for the next 7 years and he will be the centerpiece of their rebuilding effort.

3) Eric Hosmer: Kansas City (23)

2013 Stats: .286 BA, 9 HR, 40 RBI

Hosmer is one of the Royals’ homegrown talents (Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez) and is contributing in his 3rd MLB season. The Royals are under .500 though because of a lack of a consistent offensive force in their lineup. No player has over 10 home runs or 50 RBIs but the Royals would love for Hosmer to step up and become the much-needed slugger in the middle of their lineup. Hosmer is still young and has plenty of time to develop into that player.

2) Freddie Freeman: Braves (23)

2013 Stats: .308 BA, 9 HR, 61 RBI

The winner of the All-Star Game’s Final Vote has been great for Atlanta this year and kept the Braves going despite inconsistent seasons from the Uptons, Jason Heyward, and Dan Uggla. He is in his 3rd full Major League season and has steadily developed into one of baseball’s best young players. The Braves’ fate for the rest of the season will depend very much on the production of Freeman and his ability to drive in runs and lead the offense.

1) Paul Goldschmidt: Diamondbacks (25)

2013 Stats: .310 BA, 21 HR, 77 RBI

Goldschmidt has been the best player in the National League this season. Period. His performance has been overshadowed by Chris Davis and Miguel Cabrera, but the Diamondbacks are leading the NL West by 2.5 games. After loosing Justin Upton, Goldschmidt has taken a huge leap forward in just his second season in Arizona. He heads the class of 1st baseman currently breaking into the MLB and has already established himself as one of the best first baseman in the game today.