The 2026 First Base Lineup That Will Blow Your Mind
By Joe Browne | January 29, 2026
The 2026 Major League Baseball season is shaping up to be a slugfest at first base, and we’re here to break down the top contenders. But here's where it gets controversial: with a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and unexpected comebacks, this list is sure to spark debate. Let’s dive into the rankings, complete with six honorable mentions that just missed the cut.
Ranking the Best: A Herculean Task
Putting together this list was no small feat. First base is stacked with some of the most powerful hitters in the game, each bringing something unique to the table. From seasoned pros to breakout rookies, this lineup has it all. And this is the part most people miss: the voting process itself was a battle of opinions, with eight experts weighing in to determine the final order.
Meet the Panel
The rankings were decided by a panel of Just Baseball editors and contributors: Ryan Finkelstein, Leo Morgenstern, Eric Treuden, Joey Peterson, Aram Leighton, Peter Appel, Peyton Ginas, and Jack McMullen. Each panelist ranked players from 1 to 15, with those outside the top 15 receiving a score of 20. The final rankings were averaged, with the lowest mean score claiming the top spot.
Honorable Mentions: Just Outside the Spotlight
- Willson Contreras (Boston Red Sox): A three-time All-Star known for his bat, Contreras proved his defensive chops at first base in 2025, earning a spot on the Red Sox roster after a tumultuous year at the position.
- Jonathan Aranda (Tampa Bay Rays): Aranda’s breakout 2025 season saw him slash .316/.393/.489 with 14 home runs, showcasing exceptional batted-ball data.
- Vinnie Pasquantino (Kansas City Royals): Despite a healthy 2025 with 32 home runs and a 116 wRC+, Pasquantino’s overall impact fell just short of the top 10.
- Christian Walker (Houston Astros): Walker’s first year of his $60 million deal was underwhelming, but 2026 could be his redemption season.
- Jorge Polanco (New York Mets): A switch-hitter who slashed his strikeout rate by 13.6% in 2025, Polanco earned a $40 million deal and a new role at first base.
- Munetaka Murakami (Chicago White Sox): Making his MLB debut in 2026, Murakami is a highly anticipated prospect who could contend for American League Rookie of the Year.
The Top 10: A Deep Dive
10. Josh Naylor (Seattle Mariners)
Average Ranking: 10.125
2025 Stats: 147 G, .295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 30 SB, 92 RBI, 128 wRC+, 3.1 fWAR
Naylor’s five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Mariners 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. His postseason performance was equally impressive, slashing .340/.392/.574 with three home runs.
9. Ben Rice (New York Yankees)
Average Ranking: 9.5
2025 Stats: 138 G, .255/.337/.499, 26 HR, 65 RBI, 133 wRC+, 3.0 fWAR
Rice’s breakout 2025 season was fueled by elite batted-ball data, including a 92nd-percentile barrel rate and 97th-percentile hard-hit rate. As a left-handed power hitter, he’s the perfect complement to Aaron Judge in the Yankees’ lineup.
8. Michael Busch (Chicago Cubs)
Average Ranking: 8.125
2025 Stats: 155 G, .261/.343/.523, 34 HR, 90 RBI, 140 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
Busch’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, earning him a 16th-place finish in National League MVP voting. His postseason performance, with four home runs in eight games, cemented his status as a Cubs cornerstone.
7. Rafael Devers (San Francisco Giants)
Average Ranking: 6.375
2025 Stats: 163 G, .252/.372/.479, 35 HR, 109 RBI, 135 wRC+, 3.3 fWAR
Devers’ move from Boston to San Francisco was met with mixed results, but his on-base prowess shone through with a 98th-percentile walk rate. Under contract for eight more years, he has ample time to become a Giants legend.
6. Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
Average Ranking: 5
2025 Stats: 132 G, .261/.357/.487, 27 HR, 75 RBI, 131 wRC+, 3.5 fWAR
Harper’s 2025 season was marred by injuries and a decline in defensive performance. However, his bat remained productive, and at 33, he still has the potential to rebound.
5. Pete Alonso (Baltimore Orioles)
Average Ranking: 4.5
2025 Stats: 162 G, .272/.347/.524, 38 HR, 126 RBI, 141 wRC+, 3.6 fWAR
Alonso’s monstrous 2025 season earned him a $155 million deal with the Orioles. His consistent power is exactly what Baltimore needs after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
4. Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
Average Ranking: 4.375
2025 Stats: 162 G, .272/.366/.484, 29 HR, 95 RBI, 136 wRC+, 4.7 fWAR
Olson’s durability and consistency make him a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup. His 41 doubles led the National League, proving he’s an extra-base-hit machine even without 50-homer seasons.
3. Nick Kurtz (Athletics)
Average Ranking: 4.25
2025 Stats: 117 G, .290/.383/.619, 36 HR, 86 RBI, 170 wRC+, 4.6 fWAR
Kurtz’s rookie season was historic, finishing 12th in AL MVP voting despite a late start. His four-homer game against the Astros made him the youngest player to achieve this feat, positioning him as the face of the Athletics’ new era in Las Vegas.
2. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Average Ranking: 2.25
2025 Stats: 147 G, .295/.367/.502, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 139 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR
Freeman’s ability to defy age is remarkable. His clutch World Series home run in 2025 was his second in as many years, solidifying his Hall of Fame legacy.
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)
Average Ranking: 1.25
2025 Stats: 156 G, .292/.381/.467, 23 HR, 84 RBI, 137 wRC+, 3.9 fWAR
Guerrero’s 2025 postseason was legendary, slashing .397/.494/.795 with eight home runs. His ALCS MVP performance and near-World Series win cement his status as the top first baseman in 2026.
Final Thoughts: The Debate Continues
This list is sure to spark discussion. Is Guerrero truly the best, or does Freeman’s consistency deserve the top spot? Should Murakami be higher given his potential? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments—let the debate begin!
