MLB · 1 month ago

Top 10 MLB Fantasy First Basemen for 2026: Rankings & Draft Strategy

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays
Age in 2026: 27

Notes: Vladdy remains a cornerstone of fantasy lineups thanks to elite bat-to-ball skills and a high floor. While his power often stabilizes around the 30-homer mark, an improved Blue Jays lineup in 2026 offers massive run production upside.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 156 G / 680 PA
- Slash Line: .292/.381/.467
- Production: 23 HR, 84 RBI, 96 R, 6 SB
Top 10 MLB Fantasy First Basemen for 2026: Power Anchors & Emerging Elites
The first base position remains the traditional heart of fantasy power production, but 2026 introduces a fascinating mix of reliable veterans in new uniforms and explosive young talent ready to take over the league. While the top of the board features perennial All-Stars, the middle tier offers unique speed-power combinations that can redefine your roster construction.

Drafting a premier 1B provides a stabilizing force for your batting average and RBI totals. Whether you are looking for the proven durability of Pete Alonso or the high-upside "bonkers" power of Nick Kurtz, these ten players represent the best the position has to offer.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
10. Michael Busch – Chicago Cubs
Age in 2026: 28

Notes: Busch mashes despite lower-than-average bat speed, relying on elite barrel rates (top 5%). He hits the ball harder than 90% of the league, and his 34-homer campaign in 2025 proves he has a clinical feel for the zone.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 155 G / 592 PA
- Slash Line: .261/.343/.523
- Production: 34 HR, 90 RBI, 78 R, 4 SB
8. Josh Naylor – Seattle Mariners
Age in 2026: 29

Notes: Naylor is a unique fantasy asset who traded some power for a stunning 30 stolen bases in 2025. He rarely strikes out and offers a high floor for managers who want to diversify their 1B production beyond just home runs.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 147 G / 604 PA
- Slash Line: .295/.353/.462
- Production: 20 HR, 92 RBI, 81 R, 30 SB
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7. Freddie Freeman – Los Angeles Dodgers
Age in 2026: 36

Notes: Age hasn't slowed Freeman's ability to deliver a clinical average and OBP. While he may not provide the 40-homer upside of others on this list, his placement in the Dodgers' order guarantees elite counting stats and high-level consistency.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 147 G / 627 PA
- Slash Line: .295/.367/.502
- Production: 24 HR, 90 RBI, 81 R, 6 SB
6. Matt Olson – Atlanta Braves
Age in 2026: 32

Notes: Following his 54-homer outlier in 2023, Olson has settled into a very productive 29-homer floor. His underlying metrics—specifically his average exit velocity and 12.6% walk rate—suggest he remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the NL.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 162 G / 724 PA
- Slash Line: .272/.366/.484
- Production: 29 HR, 95 RBI, 98 R, 1 SB
5. Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies
Age in 2026: 33

Notes: Harper's transition to first base has preserved his body, and his 12 stolen bases in 2025 provided an elite "bonus" for the position. With a potent Phillies roster, he is poised for high run-production totals and remains a safe, high-ceiling bet.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 132 G / 580 PA
- Slash Line: .261/.357/.487
- Production: 27 HR, 75 RBI, 72 R, 12 SB
4. Rafael Devers – San Francisco Giants
Age in 2026: 29

Notes: Now primarily a 1B after losing 3B eligibility in most leagues, Devers remains a model of consistency. He posted over 700 plate appearances in 2025 and continues to be a premium source of early-round power and RBIs.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 163 G / 729 PA
- Slash Line: .252/.372/.479
- Production: 35 HR, 109 RBI, 99 R, 1 SB
3. Pete Alonso – Baltimore Orioles
Age in 2026: 31

Notes: The move to Baltimore is expected to favor Alonso's prolific power. Having hit at least 34 home runs for five straight seasons, the "Polar Bear" remains one of the most durable and reliable power sources in the sport.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 162 G / 709 PA
- Slash Line: .272/.347/.524
- Production: 38 HR, 126 RBI, 87 R, 1 SB
2. Nick Kurtz – Athletics
Age in 2026: 23

Notes: Kurtz's rookie campaign was nothing short of "bonkers," as he blasted 36 home runs in limited action. He isn't just a slugger; he shows a clinical willingness to use the whole field, and if he improves his strikeout rate, he could be the top-ranked 1B by 2027.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 117 G / 489 PA
- Slash Line: .290/.383/.619
- Production: 36 HR, 86 RBI, 90 R, 2 SB
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays
Age in 2026: 27

Notes: Vladdy remains a cornerstone of fantasy lineups thanks to elite bat-to-ball skills and a high floor. While his power often stabilizes around the 30-homer mark, an improved Blue Jays lineup in 2026 offers massive run production upside.

2025 MLB Stats
- Games/PA: 156 G / 680 PA
- Slash Line: .292/.381/.467
- Production: 23 HR, 84 RBI, 96 R, 6 SB
Top 10 MLB Fantasy First Basemen for 2026: Power Anchors & Emerging Elites
The first base position remains the traditional heart of fantasy power production, but 2026 introduces a fascinating mix of reliable veterans in new uniforms and explosive young talent ready to take over the league. While the top of the board features perennial All-Stars, the middle tier offers unique speed-power combinations that can redefine your roster construction.

Drafting a premier 1B provides a stabilizing force for your batting average and RBI totals. Whether you are looking for the proven durability of Pete Alonso or the high-upside "bonkers" power of Nick Kurtz, these ten players represent the best the position has to offer.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

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Top 10 MLB Fantasy First Basemen for 2026: Rankings & Draft Strategy

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

2025 MLB Stats

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