The 2026 First Base Lineup That Will Blow Your Mind
By Joe Browne | January 29, 2026
Ranking the top first basemen in Major League Baseball for 2026 is no small feat. This position is stacked with some of the most powerful hitters in the game, making the selection process both thrilling and contentious. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, this list has it all. But here's where it gets controversial: who deserves the top spot, and who got snubbed? Let’s dive into the top 10, plus six honorable mentions that will spark debate.
The Methodology
Before we unveil the list, let’s talk about how these rankings came to be. A panel of experts, including editors Ryan Finkelstein, Leo Morgenstern, Eric Treuden, and Joey Peterson, along with Just Baseball’s Aram Leighton, Peter Appel, Peyton Ginas, and Jack McMullen, cast their votes. Each ranked players from 1 to 15, with those outside the top 15 receiving a score of 20. The final rankings are based on the average score, with the lowest mean securing the top spots. But is this the fairest way to rank these players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Honorable Mentions
These players just missed the cut but deserve recognition:
- Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox) – A three-time All-Star who proved his worth at first base in 2025, Contreras brings stability to a position that was a revolving door for the Red Sox. But is he truly a top-tier first baseman, or just a solid addition?
- Jonathan Aranda (Tampa Bay Rays) – Aranda’s breakout season in 2025 saw him slash .316/.393/.489 with 14 homers. However, can he sustain this level of performance?
- Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals) – Despite a healthy 2025 with 32 home runs, Pasquantino lacks the overall offensive impact to crack the top 10. Is he a one-season wonder?
- Christian Walker (Houston Astros) – Walker’s first season with the Astros was underwhelming, but can he bounce back in 2026?
- Jorge Polanco (New York Mets) – Polanco’s switch-hitting prowess earned him a $40 million deal, but how will he fare at first base?
- Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox) – Making his MLB debut in 2026, Murakami is a highly anticipated talent. But will he live up to the hype?
The Top 10
10. Josh Naylor (Seattle Mariners)
Naylor’s five-year, $92.5 million deal was well-earned after a stellar 2025 season. Despite ranking in the third percentile for sprint speed, he stole 30 bases, proving that timing trumps speed. But is he a one-trick pony, or a true all-around talent?
9. Ben Rice (New York Yankees)
Rice’s 2025 season was a breakout year, with a 92nd-percentile barrel rate and 26 home runs. Paired with Aaron Judge, he’s a left-handed power threat. But can he maintain this level of production?
8. Michael Busch (Chicago Cubs)
Busch’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, finishing 16th in NL MVP voting. His postseason performance cemented his status as a cornerstone for the Cubs. But is he ready to lead the team to a championship?
7. Rafael Devers (San Francisco Giants)
Devers’ trade to the Giants was shocking, but his ability to get on base at an elite level kept him productive. With an eight-year contract, he has time to make a massive impact. But will he ever return to his Boston form?
6. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
Harper’s 2025 season was his worst offensively since joining the Phillies, and injuries continue to plague him. Despite this, he remains a lineup anchor. But is his move to first base truly benefiting his career?
5. Pete Alonso (Baltimore Orioles)
Alonso’s monstrous 2025 season earned him a $155 million deal with the Orioles. His power is unmatched, but the Mets letting him go raises questions. Can he lead Baltimore back to contention?
4. Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
Olson’s durability and consistency make him a premier power bat. His 41 doubles led the NL, proving he’s more than just a home run hitter. But can he carry the Braves back to the top?
3. Nick Kurtz (Athletics)
Kurtz’s rookie season was historic, finishing 12th in AL MVP voting. His four-homer game against the Astros was legendary. As the face of the Athletics in Las Vegas, can he lead the team to new heights?
2. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Freeman’s ability to defy age is remarkable. His clutch World Series home run in 2025 was just another highlight in a Hall of Fame career. But is he still the best first baseman in the game?
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)
Guerrero’s postseason performance in 2025 was historic, slashing .397/.494/.795 with eight home runs. While his regular season numbers dipped, he proved he’s a superstar on the biggest stage. But is he truly the best first baseman in baseball?
The Final Question
This list is sure to spark debate. Who do you think was ranked too high? Too low? And who got snubbed entirely? Let us know in the comments!
