2026 First Base Prospects: Top Players to Watch (2026)

Imagine a world where hitting home runs is the only thing that matters. That's the brutal reality for first basemen. Forget fancy fielding or blazing speed – it's all about the power at the plate. If you're not crushing baseballs, you're out. This creates an incredibly competitive environment, especially for up-and-coming prospects. League-average just doesn't cut it; you have to drastically exceed expectations to even have a shot. Get ready to meet the future sluggers of baseball, the first base prospects of 2026 who are tearing up the minor leagues, hungry and ready to pounce on any opportunity to take someone's job. They're like sharks circling, just waiting for their moment to strike.

The first base prospect pool for 2026 is surprisingly deep, but here's where it gets controversial... There's another factor squeezing these young hitters: players from other positions are increasingly being shifted to first base. This trend is amplified as teams become more flexible with moving prospects around in the minor league system. We're talking catchers like Samuel Basallo and Josue Briceno, third basemen such as Sal Stewart and Cam Collier, and outfielders like Edward Florentino and Charlie Condon – all vying for a spot at first. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about talent; it's about opportunity and positional flexibility.

In fact, Bryce Eldridge was practically the only first base prospect in the top ten who exclusively played 1B/DH in 2025. Everyone else has experience at other positions, even if it's just a few games to explore defensive options. On the bright side, because defense is less crucial at first base, comparing and ranking these prospects becomes simpler. Player A is ranked higher than Player B? Simple: because Player A is projected to hit with more power. It's a pure power play (pun intended!).

But here's a harsh truth: you have to be an exceptional talent to even get a chance at first base. You need to be ready to contribute immediately. Even a player like Jonathon Long, who dominated Triple-A in 2025 and arguably deserves a major league role, might not start the year in the big leagues (unless he gets traded). Why? Because the Cubs already have Michael Busch at first. Not everyone can be the next Nick Kurtz, hitting like an MVP candidate from day one. Some of these prospects might reach that level, but the bar is incredibly high. Still, I'm betting at least one of them will come close. Which one do you think has the best shot?

Now, let's dive into the top first base prospects for 2026, ranked according to our November fantasy prospect update:

2. Bryce Eldridge (SFG #17), 1B (MLB)
160 PLIVE+, Peak Projection: 32 HR, 1 SB, 9.2% BB, 27.8% K, .261/.329/.492, 127 wRC+

Bryce Eldridge entered 2025 as one of the most anticipated prospects yet to debut in the majors, spending most of the season in Triple-A despite being only 20 years old. The 6'7" first baseman possesses immense raw power potential. While he struggled in his ten-game stint with the Giants in late September (.476 OPS), his minor league performance is a better indicator of his long-term potential. In 66 games with Triple-A Sacramento, Eldridge slashed .249/.322/.514 with 18 home runs, resulting in an impressive .265 ISO. His strong power numbers are backed by equally impressive batted-ball data, including an elite hard-hit rate (64.5%) and a 90th-percentile exit velocity (108.6 mph). A high strikeout rate often accompanies such power, so his 30.8% K-rate isn't surprising, though it is a concern. Recent news indicates that Eldridge underwent wrist surgery but should be ready for Spring Training. He's expected to compete for the Giants' first base job in Spring Training 2026, but be prepared for some growing pains (and possibly a temporary demotion) if his strikeout issues persist. - Lucas Morel

3. Edward Florentino (PIT #19), 1B, OF (A)
169 PLIVE+, Peak Projection: 26 HR, 35 SB, 9.9% BB, 24.3% K, .253/.333/.461, 121 wRC+

Few prospects saw their stock rise as dramatically as Edward Florentino in 2025. The lanky outfielder dominated in the Complex League, posting an OPS over 1.000, before continuing to impress with his power, speed, and disciplined swing decisions at Single-A. He maintained a zone contact rate of nearly 90% over 54 games at that level, while also posting above-average exit velocities and stealing 29 of his 35 total bases on the season. While his strikeout rate is slightly elevated and could become more pronounced as he advances through the system, he possesses more upside than all other hitting prospects in the Pittsburgh system except for Konnor Griffin (the top prospect in baseball). Expect him to begin the year in High-A at 19, where a strong start would catapult him even further from top-25 status into the stratosphere as one of minor league baseball's most exciting talents. - Lucas Morel

4. Josue Briceño (DET #25), C, 1B (AA)
164 PLIVE+, Peak Projection: 26 HR, 1 SB, 11.1% BB, 20.4% K, .268/.353/.480, 133 wRC+

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So, what do you think? Are these rankings accurate? Which of these prospects are you most excited about? And do you agree that first base is becoming increasingly crowded with players from other positions? Let's discuss in the comments below!