Analysis of the Best First Basemen for the 2026 Season
With spring training underway, it’s time to analyze the baseball landscape. This time, we focus on the first base position for the 2026 season. Below, we present the ranking of the best players in this position, prepared by our experts.
The objective is to identify the most outstanding players for the 2026 season, considering their current performance and future projections. Below, we present the top 10 best first basemen:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
- Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
- Nick Kurtz, Athletics
- Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles
- Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
- Josh Naylor, Seattle Mariners
- Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants
- Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs
- Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals
The Rise of Nick Kurtz
Nick Kurtz’s rookie season with the Athletics was amazing. Selected fourth overall in the 2024 draft, Kurtz showcased his power by hitting 36 home runs and posting an OPS+ of 173 in his first 117 games. A’s head of baseball operations David Forst commented that Kurtz has maintained the same level of play he demonstrated in college, where he hit .306/.531/.763 in his final year.
Kurtz, who will turn 23 next month, has shown impressive potential, positioning him among the greats at first base, alongside figures like Freddie Freeman, Bryce Harper, Rafael Devers, and Josh Naylor.
Detailed Player Analysis
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: His postseason performance positions him as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
Matt Olson: His consistency puts him on the path to the Hall of Fame. He stands out for his defense, leading first basemen in defensive runs saved.
Nick Kurtz: His biggest challenge could be adapting to left-handed pitchers, but his immediate impact and constant improvement suggest a promising future.
Pete Alonso: Despite criticisms about his defense and base running, Alonso stands out for his offensive consistency.
Freddie Freeman: He remains a feared hitter, with a .295/.367/.502 average last season. He is expected to continue performing at a high level.
Bryce Harper: His 129 OPS+ and .357 on-base percentage position him as an above-average player.
Josh Naylor: His performance after the trade to Seattle was notable, with an OPS of .831 and excellent postseason performance.
Rafael Devers: He is expected to improve his performance in his first full season at Oracle Park.
Michael Busch: His ability to hit home runs out of the park will be crucial for the Cubs.
Vinnie Pasquantino: After overcoming injuries, Pasquantino had a standout season in 2025.
Honorable Mentions
Other players deserving recognition include Jonathan Aranda, Ben Rice, Willson Contreras, Jorge Polanco, Spencer Torkelson, Andrew Vaughn, and Christian Walker.
