I was supposed to post this blog last week, but I got caught up with Stat Soldier again. For those new here, my two friends and I started building a website where you can create custom analytics, custom graphics, play games, and much more.
We just dropped prediction graphics for 2026. If you create a profile, you can submit your predictions to our database and enter a season-long competition. More info to come! In the meantime, go over to www.statsoldier.com
Now back to the Top 10 lists. Below are my Top 10 First Base Prospects For 2026. Enjoy!
1. Sal Stewart — Cincinnati Reds
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .309 / .383 / .524 (Level: AA/AAA)
2025 HR: 20
2025 RBI: 80
2025 SB: 17
2025 OPS: .907
Stewart blends advanced bat-to-ball skills with real impact, and the underlying stability is what makes him stand out. He kept his strikeout rate under 17% at every stop while still driving the ball and maintaining a .856 OPS across the minors. He played 18 games with the Reds in 2025, where he showed power but struggled to draw walks.
2026 outlook: Stewart should break camp with the Reds and see regular MLB at-bats, entering the Rookie of the Year conversation as an immediate impact bat.
2. Charlie Condon — Colorado Rockies
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .268 / .376 / .444 (Level: High-A/AA)
2025 HR: 14
2025 RBI: 58
2025 SB: 2
2025 OPS: .820
Even with the wrist injury interruption, he still produced a strong on-base track (.376 OBP) across High-A and Double-A, pairing a leveraged swing built for pull-side damage with plate discipline that plays for a young hitter. Had 14 home runs, but struck out 112 times in 365 ABs. He showed the ability in Georgie to hit all around the field, and the Rockies are in no rush to push him at the moment.
2026 outlook: A fully healthy Condon should begin the year in Double-A Hartford, with a chance to reach Triple-A Albuquerque by midseason. If he rediscovers his collegiate power form, he could be on track for a late-2026 call-up to power Colorado’s lineup.
3. Ralphy Velazquez — Cleveland Guardians
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .265 / .342 / .497 (Level: High-A/AA)
2025 HR: 22
2025 RBI: 85
2025 SB: 1
2025 OPS: .839
Drafted 23rd overall in 2023 as a top offensive high school prospect, Velazquez overcame a slow professional start to break out in his second season, leading the High-A Midwest League in home runs and thriving after a promotion to Double-A. His success is driven by plus left-handed power, impressive bat speed, and a disciplined approach that allows him to hit effectively to all fields against both left and right-handed pitching. Although originally drafted as a catcher, the Guardians permanently moved him to first base to maximize his offensive production, where he has developed into an average defender despite possessing below-average speed and limited range for the outfield.
2026 outlook: Still just 21 on Opening Day, Velazquez will likely return to Double-A Akron and could see Triple-A Columbus before season’s end. He’s on pace for a 2027 debut, but a big 2026 could put him on the fast track in Cleveland’s plans.
4. Bryce Eldridge — San Francisco Giants
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .260 / .333 / .510 (Level: AA/AAA)
2025 HR: 25
2025 RBI: 84
2025 SB: 1
2025 OPS: .843
Drafted 16th overall in 2023 as a premier two-way talent, Eldridge signed with the Giants as a full-time hitter and rapidly ascended to become the youngest position player in the Majors by September 2025, despite battling injuries. Standing 6-foot-7, he possesses top-of-the-scale raw power, evidenced by 25 minor league homers and elite exit velocities comparable to Aaron Judge, but his aggressive approach and struggles with non-fastballs have led to a concerning 30 percent strikeout rate. While his background as a pitcher provides him with a strong arm, his value is almost entirely offensive, as he remains a well-below-average runner and an erratic, developing defender at first base.
2026 outlook: Eldridge’s Spring Training will dictate where he starts the season. Personally, I think we see him in Triple-A to start the year. Sorry, Giants fans.
5. Ryan Clifford — New York Mets
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .237 / .356 / .470 (Level: AA/AAA)
2025 HR: 29
2025 RBI: 93
2025 SB: 7
2025 OPS: .826
Acquired by the Mets in the Justin Verlander trade after originally signing for over-slot money with the Astros, Clifford delivered a strong age-21 season in 2025, posting a 148 wRC+ in Double-A before reaching Triple-A. He is a high-upside lefty slugger knocking on the door of 30-homer power, though he must continue to refine his approach against low breaking balls to address lingering contact concerns. Defensively, he offers versatility by rotating between first base and the corner outfield with a strong arm, and he is well-positioned to seize a Major League role following the offseason departures of key veterans like Pete Alonso, provided his bat continues to force the issue.
2026 outlook: Clifford will likely start in Triple-A Syracuse as a 22-year-old, where he’ll work on improving contact against off-speed pitching. If he continues to mash, he could force his way into the Mets’ lineup by late 2026 as a power boost at first base or DH.
6. Cam Collier — Cincinnati Reds
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .279 / .391 / .384 (Level: High-A/AA)
2025 HR: 4
2025 RBI: 48
2025 SB: 12
2025 OPS: .775
Following a strong 2024 season, Collier’s progress was hampered in 2025 by a torn thumb ligament. While his strikeout rate rose and power dipped, the Reds attribute these struggles to the injury and view the season as a wash. He will spend 2026 as a 21-year-old splitting time between first and third base. With his high-end raw power and arm strength intact, the organization remains confident he is a future impact bat in the majors.
2026 outlook: Collier should get a full, healthy season in Double-A Chattanooga to focus on driving the ball with more authority. Still very young, he’s more likely aiming for a 2027 MLB debut, but a rebound in power could accelerate his timeline to reach Triple-A by late 2026.
7. Jonathon Long — Chicago Cubs
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .305 / .404 / .479 (Level: AAA)
2025 HR: 20
2025 RBI: 91
2025 SB: 2
2025 OPS: .883
Long looks like one of the more “ready” bats in this group based on performance against Triple-A pitching over a full season. A .404 OBP across 140 games and 20 homers with a .305 average suggests he can be productive in Chicago. Cubs have been trying him out at other positions, and well, he isn’t very athletic. With Michael Busch blocking first base, it will be interesting to see when we see Long in the majors.
2026 outlook: Long will enter Spring Training with a shot to win a spot on the Cubs’ roster. Even if he opens back in Triple-A, he’s one of the first call-ups for Chicago and should make his MLB debut in 2026, potentially platooning at first base or filling a corner bench role as needed.
8. Luke Adams — Milwaukee Brewers
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .231 / .417 / .436 (Level: High-A/AA)
2025 HR: 11
2025 RBI: 42
2025 SB: 10
2025 OPS: .853
Adams gets on base more than anyone on this list. A lot of this is due to him being plunked 85 times since 2023, but he also knows how to work a walk. He also showed some pop in Double A in 2025 (.859 OPS)
2026 outlook: Adams will likely return to Double-A Biloxi to start, with an eye on reaching Triple-A Nashville by mid-season. If he continues to get on base at an elite clip and shows a bit more power, he’ll put himself in the Brewers’ 2027 plans as an on-base machine.
9. Tre’ Morgan — Tampa Bay Rays
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .274 / .398 / .412 (Level: AAA)
2025 HR: 8
2025 RBI: 45
2025 SB: 8
2025 OPS: .810
Morgan is a plus-plus defender who began to regress slightly offensively after moving up in the minors. He finished his 2025 strong and won a Minor League Gold Glove.
2026 outlook: Morgan will likely return to Triple-A to start and try to build on his strong September. The Rays don’t really have a place for him right now with Aranda and Diaz on the roster. He can play left, but his glove at first is generational, so don’t be shocked to see him come up late in the year if the Rays are in contention.
10. Xavier Isaac — Tampa Bay Rays
2025 MiLB Slash Line (AVG/OBP/SLG): .201 / .366 / .446 (Level: AA)
2025 HR: 9
2025 RBI: 22
2025 SB: 1
2025 OPS: .812
The Rays are reporting that Isaac is fully recovered after life-saving brain surgery in July. Prior to that, he was quickly climbing the minors (.916 OPS in 2023 and .580 in 2024).
His 2025 numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt due to him only playing
2026 outlook: The Rays will likely have Isaac repeat Double-A Montgomery to start 2026, focusing on staying healthy and making more contact over a full season. Look for him to break into Tampa in 2027.
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