Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of baseball and uncover the top first basemen for the 2026 MLB season!
The Rise of the Rookies
Spring training is in full swing, and it's time to analyze the state of baseball. ESPN's renowned analyst, Buster Olney, has embarked on a mission to rank the top 10 players at every position, and today, we focus on the elite relievers. But here's the twist: we're not just talking about potential; we're ranking the best for the upcoming season, not a five-year projection.
Over the next two weeks, we'll unveil a new position each day, starting with the starting pitchers on Monday. Get ready for an action-packed schedule!
The Shocking Story of Nick Kurtz
One player who has everyone talking is Nick Kurtz, the rookie first baseman for the Oakland Athletics. Drafted fourth overall in 2024, Kurtz's transition to the big leagues has been nothing short of astonishing. In his first 117 games, he smashed 36 home runs and achieved an OPS+ of 173. What's even more remarkable is that he made this impact after just a month in the minors, leaving the rest of the league in awe.
When asked about Kurtz's rapid success, David Forst, the head of baseball operations for the A's, had an intriguing response: "He hasn't had time to make adjustments yet. He's doing exactly what he did in college." And it's true; Kurtz's college stats (.306/.531/.763) are eerily similar to his first season in the majors (.290/.383/.619).
As Kurtz turns 23 next month, the question arises: where does he rank among the elite first basemen, including future Hall of Famers like Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper? Evaluators are raving about his potential, but how will he stack up against the established stars?
The Top 10 First Basemen
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Last October, Guerrero Jr. solidified his status as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. His dominance in the postseason was a sight to behold, and his approach of focusing less on mechanics and more on the pitcher paid off big time. With eight home runs in 18 games and a .397 batting average, Vlad Jr. is a force to be reckoned with. This season's MVP race promises to be a thriller with Guerrero, Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, Kurtz, Bobby Witt Jr., Jose Ramirez, and Julio Rodriguez all in the mix.
- Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Olson's consistent production is putting him on a Hall of Fame trajectory. With at least 29 homers in seven of his ten seasons, he's a reliable powerhouse. New Atlanta manager Walt Weiss may rest players more frequently than his predecessor, Brian Snitker, but Olson's defensive prowess, leading all first basemen in defensive runs saved (17), and his outs above average (9) make him an indispensable asset.
- Nick Kurtz, Athletics
Kurtz's biggest challenge might be adjusting to left-handed pitchers, as opposing managers will surely try to exploit this weakness. Last season, his OPS against righties was a whopping 468 points higher than against lefties. However, given his impressive track record and steady improvement, Kurtz is expected to improve against left-handers over time. His walk/strikeout ratio of 63/151 is also expected to balance out, considering his history of drawing walks and limiting strikeouts.
- Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles
Alonso's remarkable consistency with the Mets has been overshadowed by overstated criticism of his defense and baserunning. One evaluator put it simply: "You can pencil him in for 35 homers and 110 RBIs every year, and he'll give you 155-160 games." Alonso has hit at least 34 home runs in every season except the COVID-shortened 2020, and he's driven in an average of 116 runs per season over the last four years. The Mets' decision not to pay him will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion in 2026, but Alonso's impact will be sorely missed.
- Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
Even at 36 years old, Freeman remains a manager's nightmare at the plate. His .295/.367/.502 slash line last season showcases his continued excellence. With 569 hits to go until 3,000, Freeman's understanding of opposing pitchers and ability to hit to all fields suggest he'll age gracefully. The question remains: where will he finish his career, especially with Shohei Ohtani entrenched as the Dodgers' designated hitter?
- Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
Harper's production has sparked intriguing conversations, especially after David Dombrowski, the head of Philadelphia's baseball operations, made some bold statements. With an OPS+ of 129 last year, Harper was well above average, and his on-base percentage of .357 ranked 26th among qualified hitters. At 33 years old, Harper is still a force to be reckoned with, and Dombrowski's assessment will shape the narrative surrounding him this season.
- Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners
Naylor thrived after joining the Mariners, posting an impressive .831 OPS and going a perfect 19-for-19 in stolen bases over the last 54 regular-season games. He carried this momentum into the postseason, where he hit .417/.481/.792 in the AL Championship Series. The Mariners locked him down with a five-year, $92.5 million deal, and Naylor is poised to make an even bigger impact in 2026.
- Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants
Devers is expected to become a solid first baseman as he works with new infield instructor Ron Washington. His hitting ability has never been in question, and even through a tumultuous 2025 season, he finished with an OPS of 140 and 35 homers. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to Oracle Park, where he struggled with 59 strikeouts in 48 games and a .234 batting average.
- Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs
Busch's home-road split is intriguing, as he hit 21 of his 34 homers on the road. However, he still performed well at Wrigley Field, with a .356 OBP and a .500 slugging percentage. With the Cubs' lineup mostly right-handed, Busch's left-handed bat is crucial for balance, especially if Pete Crow-Armstrong has another streaky season.
- Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals
After a string of injuries, Pasquantino stayed healthy in 2025, finishing with 66 extra-base hits, 113 RBIs, and a career-high 120 OPS+. He played mostly first base last season but could see more time as a designated hitter in '26, as the Royals rely more on Carter Jensen behind the plate and Salvador Perez at first.
Honorable Mentions
- Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays: Aranda would have made the top 10 if not for an injury that sidelined him for most of August and September. With a .316 average and a wRC+ of 153, he was one of the best hitters in the league last year.
- Ben Rice, New York Yankees: Rice's development has been a key factor in the Yankees' roster improvement. In his first full season, he posted a .499 slugging percentage and a .337 OBP. His second-half performance was even more impressive, with a .281/.352/.542 slash line.
- Willson Contreras, Boston Red Sox: A tough hitter who has adapted well to his shift to first base. His strikeouts spiked last year, but his defensive skills remain solid.
- Jorge Polanco, New York Mets: Polanco could see more time at DH, but his offensive prowess will be a welcome addition to the Mets' lineup, especially after a season with an .821 OPS.
- Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers: Torkelson made significant offseason changes that paid off in the first half of last season, when he hit 21 of his 31 homers and had an OPS of .826.
- Andrew Vaughn, Milwaukee Brewers: Vaughn's walk-strikeout ratio improved dramatically after joining the Brewers, going from 7 walks and 43 strikeouts with Chicago to 24 walks and 37 strikeouts with Milwaukee.
- Christian Walker, Houston Astros: Walker struggled offensively last season (99 wRC+), but his defensive skills and 27 homers make him a valuable asset.
Get ready for an exciting 2026 MLB season! Who do you think will make the biggest impact at first base? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
