Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into Bleacher Report's 2026 MLB preseason position rankings! Today, we're focusing on the hotly contested position of first base. With an incredible lineup of players, including Pete Alonso, Freddie Freeman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., it's time to crown the top dog.
But here's where it gets interesting: joining this elite group are newcomers Rafael Devers and Nick Kurtz, who have quickly made their mark. And let's not forget Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Busch, and Ben Rice, who are knocking on the door of stardom. Each team's projected starter for the 2026 season is included, ranked based on expectations and a combination of offensive and defensive contributions, with past performance playing a crucial role.
So, who will reign supreme at first base? Let's find out!
Top Prospects Who Will Eventually Be Starting in 2026
Charlie Condon, Colorado Rockies
Condon's junior season at Georgia was nothing short of spectacular, with a whopping 37 home runs in 60 games. He's the long-term answer at first base, and his Golden Spikes Award-winning performance has everyone excited.Abimelec Ortiz, Washington Nationals
Ortiz broke through with a monster 2023 season, and the Nationals acquired him as part of a blockbuster deal. With an impressive 18 extra-base hits in Triple-A last year, he's ready to make his mark soon.Andrés Chaparro, Washington Nationals
Chaparro is determined to shed the Quad-A label and establish himself in the big leagues. With two minor league options remaining, he'll need to fight for his spot against some tough competition.Edouard Julien, Colorado Rockies
Julien had a stellar 2023, but he's yet to match that level of production. Still, the Rockies see his potential, and with club control through 2029, he's a buy-low candidate with impact upside.Christopher Morel, Miami Marlins
Morel had exciting seasons with the Cubs, but his recent performance has been a bit lackluster. The Marlins are taking a chance on his power bat at first base, and we'll see if he can turn things around.Carlos Santana, Arizona Diamondbacks
Santana, heading into his age-40 season, is still a productive force. With an impressive resume and standout defensive skills, he's a valuable asset for the D-backs.See AlsoMax Scherzer's Early Spring Training: A Sign of Things to Come for the Blue Jays?Red Sox Offseason Trade Acquisition Struggles in Spring Training DebutBeau Brieske Injury Update: Thoracic Spine InflammationAstros Sign CJ Alexander: Minor League Deal, Defensive Versatility, and Left-Handed BatJake Burger, Texas Rangers
Burger had a forgettable first season with the Rangers, but his batted-ball metrics are intriguing. He needs to rebound to secure his spot for next season.Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds
Stewart firmly established himself as Cincinnati's top prospect last season. At just 22, he's got a bright future ahead, and the Reds will give him every opportunity to shine at first base.Gavin Sheets, San Diego Padres
Sheets signed a minor league deal and ended up leading the Padres in several offensive categories. Now, he gets to return to his natural position at first base.Josh Bell, Minnesota Twins
Bell, a solid middle-of-the-order bat, is suiting up for his seventh team in six years. He'll be a key run producer for the retooling Twins.Andrew Vaughn, Milwaukee Brewers
Vaughn thrived with a change of scenery last summer. He'll be the primary first baseman for the Brewers, with Jake Bauers filling in occasionally.Nolan Schanuel, Los Angeles Angels
The Angels fast-tracked Schanuel, and his strong on-base skills have been a foundation for his offensive value. The question now is whether he can unlock his power potential.Spencer Horwitz, Pittsburgh Pirates
Horwitz, acquired in a three-team deal, had a strong return after wrist surgery. With a better supporting cast, he could be a breakout candidate and a leadoff hitter.Kyle Manzardo, Cleveland Guardians
Manzardo provided much-needed secondary power for the Guardians last season. With a more consistent approach, a 30-homer season is within reach.Christian Walker, Houston Astros
Walker had a strong second half with the Astros, and his elite defense was a significant asset. Can he rebuild his stock with a better showing in the field?Alec Burleson, St. Louis Cardinals
Burleson, miscast as an outfielder, can now return to his natural position at first base. With a strikeout rate below 15% and an OPS+ above 120, he could have a career year at the plate.Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox
Murakami's 56-homer season in 2022 is still fresh in everyone's mind. With a two-year deal, he'll have a chance to prove himself in a low-pressure environment.Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers
Torkelson had a standout performance at the plate last year. With a career-high walk rate, he's less reliant on power, but still capable of big things.Jorge Polanco, New York Mets
Originally a shortstop, Polanco had his best offensive season last year as Seattle's designated hitter. The Mets are giving him a shot at first base, and his strong underlying metrics suggest he can be productive.Ben Rice, New York Yankees
Rice did most of his damage against right-handed pitching last season. With Paul Goldschmidt as his platoon partner, he could see more action at first base and behind the plate.Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays
Aranda's breakout season was cut short by a fractured wrist. Despite some regression, his stellar batted-ball metrics suggest he'll still be a force to be reckoned with.Willson Contreras, Boston Red Sox
Contreras made the full-time shift to first base last season and led the Cardinals in home runs and RBI. A change of scenery to Boston could spark a fire in him.Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals
Pasquantino ended a 50-year drought for the Royals with his 30-homer, 100-RBI season. He's established himself as a reliable run producer and has developed into a passable defender at first base.Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners
Naylor fit right in with the Mariners after his trade from the D-backs. The front office locked him down with a five-year deal, and he should stabilize the first base position.Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs
Busch quietly had a great rookie season and took another step forward last year. His platoon status is the only thing keeping him from climbing higher.Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski questioned Harper's elite status last season. Now, it's time for Harper, a future Hall of Famer, to prove his worth.Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants
Devers thrived after joining the Giants last year, logging a 130 OPS+ with 20 home runs. He's one of baseball's top run producers and a consistent force.Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles
Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Orioles, and his power can transform that lineup. With a 144 OPS+ last season, he's a force to be reckoned with.Nick Kurtz, Athletics
Kurtz had an incredible rookie season with no red flags. His underlying metrics, including bat speed, barrel rate, and exit velocity, were all elite. He's a true superstar in the making.Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
Freeman is one of the best pure hitters in baseball. With his consistent performance and durability, he's a cut above many of his positional counterparts.Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Olson is the best defensive first baseman in baseball and a perennial 30-homer threat. His well-rounded profile and unmatched durability make him a top contender.Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Guerrero Jr. is the top-ranked first baseman. His playoff performance last October was exceptional, and with a 14-year, $500 million extension, he's the face of the Blue Jays franchise.
And there you have it! An exciting look at the 2026 MLB preseason position rankings for first base. Who do you think will dominate at this position? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
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