The 2026 MLB First Basemen Rankings: A Star-Studded Affair!
The first base position is a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, and the 2026 season promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent.
Joe Browne and the Just Baseball team have tackled the daunting task of ranking the top first basemen, and the results are in! This list is packed with sluggers who can change the game with one swing. But who made the cut?
Honorable Mentions:
- Willson Contreras, Boston Red Sox: A hot commodity after a solid 2025, Contreras is expected to bring stability to the Red Sox.
- Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays: Aranda's breakout season saw him slash impressive numbers, but he just missed the top 10.
- Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals: Despite his 30-homer pop, Pasquantino's overall offensive impact wasn't enough for a higher ranking.
- Christian Walker, Houston Astros: Walker's 2025 season was a letdown, but he's a veteran with a lot to prove.
- Jorge Polanco, New York Mets: A major bounce-back season saved Polanco's career, earning him a new deal and a position change.
- Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox: The highly anticipated debut of Murakami could make him a Rookie of the Year contender.
10. Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners:
"Naylor's speed defies logic, making him a symbol of MLB's new rules."
Naylor's five-year, $92.5 million deal was a no-brainer for the Mariners. His 2025 season was exceptional, with a career-best wRC+ and fWAR. Despite a sprint speed in the third percentile, he stole 30 bases, showcasing the impact of MLB's rule changes. His postseason performance further solidified his spot on this list.
9. Ben Rice, New York Yankees:
"Rice's power surge is a welcome surprise for the Yankees."
Rice's 2025 season was a revelation, with a 97th-percentile hard-hit rate. His 26 home runs and 133 wRC+ made him a key contributor to the Yankees' lineup. As an established power hitter, Rice is poised for an even bigger impact in 2026.
8. Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs:
"Busch's star power is undeniable, and the Cubs are building around him."
Busch's 2025 season was a breakout, with career-highs across the board. He finished 16th in NL MVP voting and proved his worth in the postseason. At 28, he's a cornerstone for the Cubs' future.
7. Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants:
"Devers' on-base prowess is elite, but his Giants tenure has been underwhelming so far."
Devers' trade to the Giants was shocking, and his numbers slipped post-trade. However, his walk rate and on-base percentage are elite. With eight years left on his contract, he has time to become a franchise cornerstone in San Francisco.
6. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies:
"Harper's health concerns persist, but his talent remains undeniable."
Harper's 2025 season was his worst by wRC+ since 2019. Injuries continue to plague him, and his defense at first base has regressed. The Phillies' decision to move him to first base hasn't prevented injuries. Despite this, Harper remains a key player for Philadelphia.
5. Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles:
"Alonso's power is undeniable, but the Mets' decision to let him go is controversial."
Alonso's 2025 campaign earned him a five-year, $155 million deal with Baltimore. He broke the Mets' home run record and had an impressive career with the club. The Mets' decision to not offer him a long-term deal is a point of contention. His power will be a welcome addition to the Orioles.
4. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves:
"Olson's consistency is remarkable, and he's a key piece for the Braves' resurgence."
Olson played all 162 games for the fourth straight season in 2025. He bounced back from a down year, hitting 29 homers and leading the NL in doubles. His Gold Glove Award and all-around abilities make him crucial to the Braves' success.
3. Nick Kurtz, Athletics:
"Kurtz's rookie season was historic, and he's a franchise cornerstone in the making."
Kurtz's rookie season was extraordinary, finishing 12th in AL MVP voting. His OPS would have been over 1.000 if he had enough plate appearances. He's a well-rounded hitter and a potential face of the franchise in Las Vegas.
2. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers:
"Freeman's Hall of Fame career continues to defy age."
Freeman's 2025 season was another productive one, with a clutch World Series home run. His all-around abilities and consistency have kept him at the top of the game into his mid-thirties. His ranking on this loaded list is a testament to his longevity.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays:
"Guerrero's 2025 postseason performance cemented his superstar status."
Guerrero takes the top spot after a great regular season and an historic postseason. His 137 wRC+ ranked fourth in the AL, and he slashed an impressive .397/.494/.795 in 18 postseason games. His performance against Seattle earned him ALCS MVP honors. Guerrero is the top first baseman heading into 2026, and his star continues to rise.
