Rankings season is heating up, and today I’m turning my attention to my 2026 Dynasty Baseball First Base Rankings. At FantraxHQ, my dynasty rankings are built to help fantasy baseball managers stay ahead of the curve, whether you’re contending now or building for the future.
First base remains one of fantasy baseball’s premier power positions, and the landscape in 2026 blends established sluggers with a new wave of young talent. The position is a bit easier to evaluate than, say, catcher; a first baseman’s value is almost entirely tied to offensive production, but dynasty baseball managers still must balance present production with future upside. Many veteran first basemen continue to mash well into their 30s, while several prospects and recent call-ups are forcing their way into the long-term conversation with their bats.
These dynasty first base rankings are strictly fantasy-driven. Playing time, offensive skill sets, age, and category impact matter far more here than defensive versatility or past accolades. While I respect industry lists like MLB Pipeline or Baseball America, this list is built with one goal in mind: maximizing long-term fantasy value. Some proven veterans remain ranked highly due to elite production and stability, while certain high-upside youngsters crack the list despite limited MLB résumés, owing to their immense talent and potential.
How I Approach Dynasty Rankings
- Fantasy Focused: Rankings are based solely on projected fantasy value (power, ratios, counting stats, etc.), not defensive prowess.
- Criteria: Production (especially Statcast indicators), park context, age curves, durability, and role stability all factor into these rankings.
- Position Eligibility: Players are ranked at first base if that is where their fantasy value is derived. Some names here have multi-position eligibility, but they’re included at 1B because of their impact with the bat at this position.
- Your Team, Your Vision: Use these rankings as a guide, not gospel. A win-now contender might favor a 34-year-old still raking, while a rebuilding team might target a younger player with upside. Adjust accordingly for your team’s competitive window.
More Dynasty Rankings coming soon: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP | RP
Top 20 Dynasty First Basemen
20 | Nolan Schanuel | LAA | MLB | 23
Schanuel’s dynasty value is driven by elite on-base skills and a highly advanced approach. He consistently runs strong walk rates, controls the strike zone, and posts an OBP well above his batting average. While the power hasn’t fully arrived yet, there’s enough raw strength to project growth as he continues to develop. With everyday playing time in Anaheim and his age firmly on his side, Schanuel is a high-floor dynasty first baseman, especially valuable in OBP and points formats.
https://twitter.com/FanDuelSN_West/status/1821685657833795898?s=20
19 | Munetaka Murakami | CWS | MLB | 25
Murakami arrives as a prime-age power bat with elite raw strength and middle-of-the-order upside. There will be an adjustment period, especially with strikeouts, but the upside is obvious in fantasy formats that value home runs and RBI. Chicago will give him every chance to hit through growing pains. Dynasty managers should view him as a high-risk, high-reward power play.
Munetaka Murakami.
That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/BzuR0zC7Ix
— Mike (@ChiSoxFanMike) January 12, 2026
18 | Alec Burleson | STL | MLB | 27
Burleson quietly established himself as a reliable everyday bat with strong contact skills and growing power. He offers a solid batting average floor with 18–22 homer upside, even without speed. Multi-position flexibility helps his playing time outlook. In dynasty leagues, he’s a steady contributor rather than a ceiling play.
Alec Burelson opened the fifth inning with a game-tying home run.
Andrew Knizner has given them the lead with this 379 foot home run to the Home Run Porch. pic.twitter.com/Jgcb3hInhS
— Henry Palattella (@HellaPalattella) May 28, 2023
17 | Coby Mayo | BAL | MLB | 24
Mayo’s raw power remains undeniable, but opportunity is the question after Baltimore locked down first base. He still profiles as a potential 30-homer bat if the hit tool stabilizes. A trade or role change would dramatically boost his value. Dynasty managers should remain patient with the long-term upside.
Coby Mayo had a 13 percent barrel rate against left handed pitching last year pic.twitter.com/d3gzlksh2U
— Victor (@HalToHell) December 10, 2025
16 | Willson Contreras | STL | MLB | 33
Now functioning primarily as a first baseman and DH, Contreras offers stable power, solid OBP, and everyday run production. Age caps the long-term ceiling, but the floor remains playable for contenders. He’s a win-now asset rather than a cornerstone. In dynasty leagues, his value hinges on the competitive window.
¡QUÉ TABLAZO! ¡JONRÓN 14 DE WILLSON CONTRERAS! #ForTheLou | #ElExtrabase⚾️🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/2lLyuwIWbG
— El Extrabase ⚾️ (@ElExtrabase) July 25, 2025
15 | Yandy Diaz | TB | MLB | 34
Díaz continues to age gracefully thanks to elite contact skills and plate discipline. He won’t carry a fantasy roster, but high average, OBP, and run totals keep him relevant. Power has ticked up enough to matter. Dynasty value is short-term but reliable.
Today is a good day to trade for Yandy Diaz 🙏🏽 #mets
pic.twitter.com/YTeMQThNu2— Master Flip | Phillip Feliz 🇩🇴 (@Masterflip_) December 27, 2025
14 | Kyle Manzardo | CLE | MLB | 25
Manzardo’s first full MLB season showed exactly what dynasty managers hoped for: real power with room for average growth. With first base now clear in Cleveland, playing time is locked in. The hit tool should improve with experience. He profiles as a long-term middle-of-the-order bat.
Kyle Manzardo in 2024 (53 G) – 5 HR
Kyle Manzardo in 2025 (20 G) – 6 HR pic.twitter.com/GDpR2FJjdW
— MLB (@MLB) April 20, 2025
13 | Jonathan Aranda | TB | MLB | 27
Aranda finally received an extended run and responded with a strong average and on-base production. His hit tool is legitimate, and the power plays enough to project 18–22 homers. Playing time volatility remains the risk. In dynasty formats, he’s a late bloomer with near-term value.
Jonathan Aranda caps off the comeback with a #Walkoff home run! pic.twitter.com/2RV9HkvFT7
— MLB (@MLB) April 19, 2025
12 | Spencer Torkelson | DET | MLB | 26
Torkelson’s power breakout re-established him as a cornerstone bat. The batting average still fluctuates, but the homer totals and RBI potential are real. Entering his prime, he looks far closer to his draft pedigree than his early struggles suggested. Dynasty managers should buy into the power floor.
Spencer Torkelson has 80 HR in his career which is tied for 46th most in Tigers history.
Milestones he could reach this season:
20 HR – Top 36
27 HR – Top 30
32 HR – Top 27
37 HR – Top 25pic.twitter.com/KQVa9lTz0n— DataBase Hit (@DatabaseHit) December 27, 2025
11 | Bryce Eldridge | SF | MLB | 21
Eldridge is the lone true prospect here, and the upside justifies it. His raw power is enormous, and the approach is advanced for his age. The hit tool still needs refinement, but the Giants are clearly invested in his bat. Dynasty managers should view him as a high-ceiling, long-term play.
BRYCE ELDRIDGE CLEARS THE BASES FOR HIS FIRST @MLB HIT pic.twitter.com/FYSOOy6271
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 21, 2025
10 | Ben Rice | NYY | MLB | 26
Rice forced his way into the Yankees’ plans with elite underlying metrics and disciplined power. He profiles as a strong OBP and home run contributor, even if his batting average fluctuates. First base and DH at-bats should be available. He’s one of the better dynasty risers at the position.
Early 2026 ADP positional preview: 1B
(NFBC ADP)
Target: Ben Rice (65.7, 1B#8) 🎥
Sleeper: Michael Busch (110.6, 1B#13)
Bust: Freddie Freeman (64.8, 1B#7)
Deep Sleeper: Miguel Vargas (301.4, 1B#26)
Breakout: Sal Stewart (225.5, 1B#20)
Bounce Back: Triston Casas (473.7, 1B#30)… pic.twitter.com/C74g7sJmeU— Owen Hurd (@Owen_FBB) December 18, 2025
9 | Vinnie Pasquantino | KC | MLB | 28
Pasquantino blends power and plate discipline better than almost anyone at the position. When healthy, he’s a four-category contributor with a strong batting average floor. Injury history is the main concern. In dynasty leagues, he’s a prime-age anchor bat.
Vinnie Pasquantino, two-run laser! pic.twitter.com/XkHmESgnIc
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 19, 2025
8 | Freddie Freeman | LAD | MLB | 36
Freeman remains an elite ratio stabilizer even as age creeps in. The power is still there, and his run production benefits from an elite lineup spot. His Dynasty value depends on the contention window, but the floor remains extremely high. He’s a short-term difference-maker.
JUST IN: Freddie Freeman’s 18th inning walk-off home run is now a 1/1 autographed card 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HjvHEj3Qt8
— Topps (@Topps) October 28, 2025
7 | Michael Busch | CHC | MLB | 28
Busch’s power surge looks legitimate, backed by strong contact quality and plate discipline. He’s locked into the heart of Chicago’s lineup and entering his prime. Strikeouts remain part of the profile, but the upside outweighs the risk. Dynasty managers should treat him as a rising power bat.
Michael Busch brings in PCA. pic.twitter.com/uqDCTIflf2
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 3, 2025
6 | Josh Naylor | SEA | MLB | 28
Naylor offers one of the safest profiles at first base thanks to contact ability and consistent production. He may not lead the league in homers, but he contributes across average, RBI, and OBP. Seattle’s commitment stabilizes his role. Dynasty value is high-floor, mid-ceiling.
JOSH NAYLOR THE BEAUTIFUL MAN THAT YOU ARE pic.twitter.com/U52QZyNEE0
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 10, 2025
5 | Bryce Harper | PHI | MLB | 33
Harper remains an elite fantasy asset even as he shifts more fully to first base. Power, OBP, and even some speed keep him special at the position. Age and injuries are the only concerns. In win-now dynasty builds, he’s still a foundational bat.
Players in the second half who play 1B and had a Barrel% over 12% as well as a HH% over 50%.
Bryce Harper
Matt Olson
Spencer Torkelson pic.twitter.com/ifXG99zQcF— Michael Simione (@SPStreamer) November 16, 2023
4 | Matt Olson | ATL | MLB | 31
Olson continues to deliver elite power and run production in a premier lineup spot. The batting average rebounded, reinforcing his high floor. He’s durable, consistent, and squarely in his prime. Dynasty managers can pencil him in for elite four-category output.
Matt Olson 2026 Fangraphs projections
686 plate appearances
256/349/478
.827 ops
129 wRC+
32 homeruns
31 doubles
11.9 BB%
24.1 K%
3.4 fWAR
-2.2 BsR
21.0 offensive value
-10.4 defensive value*Olson won the 25’ golden glove with -4.2 defensive value* pic.twitter.com/V7lgi8vsnD
— ChopAbusador (@ChopAbusador) December 25, 2025
3 | Pete Alonso | BAL | MLB | 31
Alonso remains one of fantasy’s safest power bets. The move to Baltimore keeps him in a strong run-producing environment. His batting average is stable enough to pair with 40-homer upside. Dynasty value remains elite for contenders.
Pete Alonso in his career at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (10 G):
5 HR
11 RBI
1.039 OPS pic.twitter.com/aih8vrPXTo— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) December 10, 2025
2 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | TOR | MLB | 26
Guerrero offers a rare blend of elite contact, OBP, and power entering his prime. Even in “down” seasons, the floor is exceptional. There’s still MVP-level upside if the launch angle rebounds. He’s a long-term dynasty cornerstone.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr after he gets 5 days to work on his pre-swing mechanics and to heal up any residual injury issues: pic.twitter.com/Sou9UAUyN7
— Damon (@Damon98_) September 28, 2025
1 | Nick Kurtz | ATH | MLB | 22
Kurtz has already changed the dynasty baseball landscape. The power is elite, the age is perfect, and the bat looks ready to anchor a lineup for a decade. Strikeouts are the only real concern, but even with regression, he profiles as a top-tier fantasy producer. In dynasty formats, he’s the clear No. 1 at first base.
Best Fantasy Games of 2025:
7/25/25 – Athletics rookie first basemen Nick Kurtz had an unreal fantasy performance and career game.
Kurtz went 6-for-6 with 19 total bases (tying the MLB record), 8 RBIs, and 6 runs scored!
That’s 33 fantasy points in one game THIRTY THREE! 🔥🔥… pic.twitter.com/wBooK3Z2HM
— Fantasy Baseball (@fbaseballexpert) January 10, 2026
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