Dean's Top 10 First Baseman of 2026

A Blog By Dean

Jan 16, 2026

My Top 10 Catchers list led to some nasty comments about my credibility. I invite anyone who has any issues with my lists to provide a well-researched, well-written response. This is preferred over “WHERE IS YADIER MOLINA… TRASH LIST.” Yadier Molina was a great defensive catcher and a great leader for his team. He had two good years (2012 and 2013) where many thought he was on the path to be an All-Time great. Then he went back to being an average hitter again.

Nevertheless, this is a list about the Top 10 First Basemen RIGHT NOW. Just a reminder, just because a player has a higher projected WAR does not automatically put them higher up on the list.

Editors Note: All the images below come from statsolider.com. Go check it out!

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — Toronto Blue Jays

2025

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .324 / .393 / .570
Home Runs: 40
WAR: 3.9

2026 Projection

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .336 / .412 / .590
Home Runs: 43
WAR: 5.0

2. Freddie Freeman — Los Angeles Dodgers

2025

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .286 / .356 / .494
Home Runs: 24
WAR: 4.1

2026 Projection

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .292 / .362 / .480
Home Runs: 22
WAR: 3.9

3. Matt Olson — Atlanta Braves

2025

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .265 / .343 / .557
Home Runs: 48
WAR: 4.7

2026 Projection

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .256 / .338 / .545
Home Runs: 44
WAR: 4.2

4. Bryce Harper — Philadelphia Phillies

2025

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .290 / .379 / .558
Home Runs: 37
WAR: 3.1

2026 Projection

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .298 / .385 / .562
Home Runs: 36
WAR: 5.3

5. Pete Alonso — Baltimore Orioles

2025

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .245 / .335 / .508
Home Runs: 31
WAR: 3.4

2026 Projection

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .240 / .329 / .480
Home Runs: 27
WAR: 2.3

6. Nick Kurtz — Oakland Athletics

To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have Kurtz this high if I didn’t think I would get canceled if I put him lower. I am hesitant to put a sophomore this high on any list.

Just how I am.

2025

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .290 / .383 / .619
Home Runs: 36
WAR: 5.4

2026 Projection

Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .258 / .353 / .534
Home Runs: 39
WAR: 3.9

7. Rafael Devers — San Francisco Giants

I think Devers is going to have a huge year. There was definetly an adjustment period for him in San Fran, so starting the season with them from day one should be a huge help for him.

2025