Here’s a bold statement for you: the first base position in baseball is one of the most cutthroat and unforgiving roles in all of sports. Why? Because first basemen are judged by one thing and one thing only—their ability to hit. Defense? Irrelevant. Base running? Doesn’t matter. If you can’t mash the ball, you’re out. And this is the part most people miss: even league-average production isn’t enough. You have to be better than that to justify your spot. But here’s where it gets controversial: with poor defenders from other positions moving to first base and a wave of prospects crushing it in the minors, the competition is fiercer than ever. These prospects are circling like sharks, ready to pounce on any slip-up.
The 2026 first base prospect pool is deep, but it’s also crowded. Players from other positions—catchers like Samuel Basallo and Josue Briceno, third basemen like Sal Stewart and Cam Collier, and outfielders like Edward Florentino and Charlie Condon—are all making the shift to first base. In fact, Bryce Eldridge was the only top-ten first base prospect in 2025 who exclusively played 1B/DH. Everyone else has dabbled in other positions, though often just to keep their options open. The silver lining? Since defense isn’t a factor, comparing these prospects comes down to one thing: who can hit more. But that’s easier said than done.
To make it as a first baseman, you need to be a top-tier talent, and you need to produce immediately. Take Jonathon Long, for example. He spent all of 2025 in Triple-A, deserves a big league role, and yet he’ll likely start 2026 in the minors because the Cubs already have Michael Busch at first. Not everyone can be the next Nick Kurtz, hitting like an MVP candidate right out of the gate. That bar is almost impossibly high, but I’m betting at least one of these prospects will come close.
Now, let’s dive into the top first base prospects for 2026, ranked by their fantasy prospect status from our November update.
1. Samuel Basallo (BAL), C/1B
Basallo entered 2025 as one of baseball’s best prospects, and he didn’t disappoint. After dominating Triple-A as a teenager in 2024, he mashed his way to a .270/.377/.589 slash line with 23 HR in just 76 games in 2025. The Orioles called him up in mid-August to preserve his rookie eligibility for 2026 and quickly signed him to an 8-year, $67 million extension. While he struggled in his MLB debut, his 4 HR in 31 games showed his power potential. With Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Basallo will likely split time between first base and DH, but his elite bat ensures he’ll be in the lineup daily. PLIVE+ projects him to lead the Orioles in HR (31) and wRC+ (147), which might seem bold, but given his track record, it’s not out of reach.
2. Bryce Eldridge (SFG), 1B
Eldridge was one of the most hyped prospects heading into 2025, and at just 20 years old, he spent most of the year in Triple-A. Standing at 6’7”, he possesses immense raw power, though his MLB debut was underwhelming (.476 OPS in 10 games). His minor league numbers, however, tell a different story: a .249/.322/.514 slash line with 18 HR in 66 games for Triple-A Sacramento. His hard-hit rate (64.5%) and exit velocity (108.6 mph) are elite, but his 30.8% K-rate is a concern. After wrist surgery, he’s expected to be ready for Spring Training and will compete for the Giants’ first base job. Expect growing pains, but his potential is undeniable.
3. Edward Florentino (PIT), 1B/OF
Florentino’s stock skyrocketed in 2025. After dominating the Complex League with an OPS over 1.000, he impressed at Single-A with his power, speed, and plate discipline. He posted a 90% zone contact rate, above-average exit velocities, and stole 29 bases in 35 attempts. While his strikeout rate is slightly elevated, his upside is immense. At just 19, he’s expected to start 2026 in High-A, and a strong performance could propel him into the conversation as one of the minors’ best talents.
4. Josue Briceno (DET), C/1B
Briceno’s profile is available to subscribers only, but his potential is clear. With a peak projection of 26 HR and a 133 wRC+, he’s a prospect to watch as he continues to develop in the Tigers’ system.
Controversial Question: With so many prospects shifting to first base, is the position becoming undervalued? Or is this influx of talent raising the bar higher than ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
