One of the worst mistakes any fantasy manager can make is thinking that any player, just because they are a starter or good in the real world, is a one-for-one fantasy asset. I made that mistake several times in my early fantasy days, focusing too much on name value or a winning team rather than seeing how a player’s on-field performance translated to fantasy scoring. Just food for thought as we approach Opening Day, and no matter your format, the clock is ticking on getting the 2025 roster set ahead of the lengthy season ahead.
So, to avoid that trap once again, let’s look at the Top 20 first basemen for dynasty drafts. These rankings aren’t necessarily the best first basemen in baseball today, but they are the best for your dynasty team moving forward. Weighing their age and projected performance, how do these players stack up?
All statistics are courtesy of FanGraphs and Dan Szymborksi’s ZiPS projection system.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .287/.369/.493, .863 OPS, 26 HR, 82 R, 88 RBI, 4 SB
Top 5: BA (1st), SLG (2nd), OPS (2nd), OBP (3rd)
Bottom 5: None
First base may not be the deepest position in fantasy baseball, but Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains the best dynasty option at the position. Managers don’t have to sacrifice floor or ceiling with the Canadian native as he enters his age-26 season. After a relatively quiet 2023, he rebounded with a stellar 2024 campaign at the plate. Many of his fantasy-relevant stats—such as runs, batting average, and on-base percentage—were second only to his historic 2021 season that cemented his stardom. From a fantasy perspective, he was the top-scoring first baseman by a country mile, ranking 10th overall in Fantrax’s Point Scoring system in 2024.
In 2024, Guerrero slashed .323/.396/.544, with 30 home runs, 44 doubles, and 103 RBI, hitting for both power and contact. It also marked his fourth consecutive season playing at least 156 games, reinforcing his durability and reliability. Guerrero’s advanced metrics further solidify his status as an elite hitter. He maintained an 85% contact rate on pitches in the strike zone and a 78.5% overall contact rate in 2024. His disciplined approach was evident with a 10.2% walk rate and a 13.8% strikeout rate. Additionally, his quality of contact ranked in the 95th percentile or higher in key categories such as average exit velocity, hard-hit rate, expected slugging percentage (xSLG), and expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA).
Still well on the right side of 30, Guerrero is entering the prime of his career. His combination of youth and proven performance makes him an elite long-term asset for dynasty fantasy managers. His consistent track record and age advantage set him apart from older first basemen, ensuring sustained production for years to come.
Bryce Harper
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .275/.370/.495, .865 OPS, 27 HR, 86 R, 88 RBI, 9 SB
Top 5: SLG (1st), OPS (1st), OBP (2nd), HR (3rd), R (3rd), SB (3rd), BA (4th)
Bottom 5: Age (16th)
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper remains one of the top dynasty assets in fantasy baseball. Now 32, the Phillies slugger still delivers elite offensive production, making him a top-tier option at first base despite losing his coveted outfield eligibility. Harper was a force at the plate in 2024, slashing .285/.373/.525 with 30 home runs, 42 doubles, 87 RBI, and 85 runs scored. He stayed healthy, playing 145 games and logging 550 at-bats, reminding fans just how impactful he can be across a full season.
His elite quality of contact continues to back up his production. Harper posted a 91.1 mph average exit velocity and a 48.2% hard-hit rate, keeping him among baseball’s most consistent sluggers. His .357 xwOBA further highlights his ability to generate offensive value at an elite level.
While his move to first base and the loss of outfield eligibility may have slightly dulled his fantasy luster, it doesn’t change the fact that Harper remains one of the most reliable, high-upside bats in the game. Even in his early 30s, his track record and skill set suggest he’ll be a fantasy force for years to come.
Freddie Freeman
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .285/.374/.464, .838 OPS, 19 HR, 90 R, 83 RBI, 8 SB
Top 5: OBP (1st), BA (2nd), R (2nd), OPS (3rd), SLG (4th), SB (4th)
Bottom 5: HR (15th), Age (20th)
At 35, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman remains a force in dynasty fantasy baseball, blending veteran experience with elite production. Despite some recent injury concerns, his consistency and resilience keep him among the most valuable fantasy assets at first base. Freeman put together another strong season in 2024, slashing .282/.367/.484 with 22 home runs and 89 RBI over 147 games. However, injuries played a role in his campaign—he suffered a fractured finger in August and a severe right ankle sprain in late September. Even so, he battled through the postseason, capping off his grit-filled run with a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series, a moment that helped him secure World Series MVP honors.
Following the season, Freeman underwent surgery on November 30, 2024, to remove a bone chip near his Achilles tendon and address multiple bone spurs. The procedure was intended to relieve discomfort and prevent future complications. Fortunately for fantasy managers, Freeman himself has expressed optimism about returning to full baseball activities in spring training.
While his age and injury history may raise some concerns, Freeman’s elite skill set and durability continue to shine. His 2024 advanced metrics—including a .287 expected batting average (xBA) and .367 xwOBA—prove he remains one of baseball’s most consistent offensive forces. In dynasty formats, Freeman remains a high-floor, reliable bat and a cornerstone fantasy asset. His ability to deliver in big moments only adds to his value, and while monitoring his recovery is prudent, his track record suggests he’ll remain a top-tier first-base option for years to come.
Triston Casas
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .248/.351/.465, .816 OPS, 27 HR, 75 R, 86 RBI, 0 SB
Top 5: HR (3rd), SLG (3rd), OPS (4th), OBP (5th)
Bottom 5: SB (17th)
If you’re looking for stolen bases, Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas isn’t your guy. But if you need a well-rounded hitter with serious power potential entering his prime, Casas should be on your radar. His ADP might not be high, but there’s a good reason for that—his 2024 season was derailed by injuries, limiting him to just 63 games. Even in that small sample, he posted a .241/.337/.462 slash line with 13 home runs and 32 RBI over 212 at-bats. That kind of production in limited action is why he deserves more fantasy attention than he’s getting.
Casas was among the best in baseball at barreling up the ball in 2024, posting a 13.3% barrel rate—a near mirror image of his 2023 numbers, suggesting this is a repeatable skill fantasy managers can bank on.
The Florida native won’t offer much speed and is still a work in progress defensively, but in fantasy, that doesn’t matter. He gets on base, hits the ball hard, and has the raw power to be a middle-of-the-order threat. With Alex Bregman now in the mix, the Red Sox lineup is deeper, which should boost Casas’ ceiling over the next few years.
Matt Olson
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .246/.338/.461, .799 OPS, 26 HR, 77 R, 91 RBI, 1 SB
Top 5: RBI (4th), OPS (5th)
Bottom 5: None
At 30, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson remains a powerhouse in dynasty fantasy baseball. While his 2024 numbers took a dip compared to his dominant 2023 campaign, his power and run production still make him a high-value fantasy asset. Olson finished 2024 with a .247/.333/.457 slash line, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI—a noticeable drop from his MLB-leading 54 homers and 139 RBI in 2023. Even so, he remained a well-above-average hitter and showcased elite durability, playing 162 games for the third straight season.
Olson found his groove late in the year, heating up in August before a strong finish in September. As the Braves get healthier heading into 2025, he looks like a prime rebound candidate in one of baseball’s most potent lineups.
Batting deeper in Atlanta’s loaded order only helps his fantasy outlook, especially with Truist Park’s hitter-friendly dimensions. While age-related decline is always a factor, Olson’s elite power, experience, and durability position him for continued fantasy relevance. Dynasty managers should expect a bounce-back year and keep a close eye on his early-season performance to gauge his long-term trajectory.
Josh Naylor
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .264/.331/.445, .776 OPS, 22 HR, 67 R, 97 RBI, 7 SB
Top 5: RBI (2nd), SB (5th), BA (5th)
Bottom 5: R (15th)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have strengthened their lineup by acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians, looking to replace Christian Walker, who departed for the Houston Astros. At 27, Naylor brings power and run production, making him a prime fantasy target as Arizona’s likely cleanup hitter. In 2024, he earned his first All-Star nod, slashing .243/.320/.456 with 31 home runs and 108 RBI. His .776 OPS was his lowest since 2021, which only underscores how consistently productive he was in Cleveland’s middle of the order.
Naylor also brings underrated value on the basepaths, swiping 22 bags over the past three seasons—a rare asset for a first baseman. ZiPS projections suggest a similar season in 2025, but Arizona is betting on him returning to his 2023 form, which would make him an even bigger fantasy weapon. Even in 2024, Naylor finished just 26 fantasy points behind Bryce Harper among first basemen, proving how valuable he can be in multiple formats.
Fantasy managers should monitor how he adjusts outside of Cleveland, but his lineup placement will ultimately dictate his fantasy ceiling. With his power, production, and physical prime still ahead, Naylor projects as a Top-8 fantasy first baseman for the next three seasons and is well worth this ranking.
Pete Alonso
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .240/.333/.455, .788 OPS, 27 HR, 74 R, 90 RBI, 3 SB
Top 5: HR (3rd)
Bottom 5: BA (16th)
There were few bigger free agency stories this offseason than New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear ultimately opted to stay with his original club on a two-year, $54 million contract with a player option for 2026, but that move may have boosted his pocketbook and fantasy value.
Alonso was already a valuable batter behind All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but the Mets adding superstar Juan Soto to the fold only doubles down on Alonso’s fantasy potential. Both of those players excel at reaching base, and Alonso’s signature power significantly enhances his RBI prospects. It looks like a mutually dynamic relationship, but Alonso already has three seasons under his belt with 118 RBI or more, so he can make it happen no matter who is in the lineup ahead of him.
Vinnie Pasquantino
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .260/.331/.463, .794 OPS, 25 HR, 67 R, 89 RBI, 1 SB
Top 5: SLG (5th)
Bottom 5: R (15th)
The Kansas City Royals lineup doesn’t start and end with shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.; Vinnie Pasquantino has a pretty heavy presence in the three-hole behind Witt. In 2024, he hit .262 with 19 home runs and 97 RBI over 128 games, proving he can be a consistent run producer in Kansas City’s lineup. His .315 OBP and .446 SLG suggest there’s still room for growth, especially with advanced metrics like his strong walk-to-strikeout ratio and expected wOBA hinting at even better future results.
Pasquantino may lack speed, but his combination of power, patience, and positional stability makes him a reliable first-base option in any format. With Kansas City committed to him as a key piece in the lineup, he should continue to see ample RBI opportunities. His age, skill set, and potential for continued development make him a high-floor, high-upside dynasty investment, particularly for teams looking for a long-term, steady bat at first base.
Michael Busch
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .244/.332/.433, .765 OPS, 26 HR, 94 R, 88 RBI, 2 SB
Top 5: R (1st)
Bottom 5: BA (15th)
Following a January 2024 trade from the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch has quickly become a good fantasy value. In his first full MLB season, he played 148 games, slashing .252/.333/.446 with 21 home runs, 65 RBI, and 73 runs scored. His five-game home run streak in April tied a Cubs franchise record, highlighting his ability to generate power in bunches. Busch’s disciplined approach, strong strike-zone awareness, and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him a promising long-term option at first base, though his struggles against left-handed pitching remain a concern.
For fantasy managers, Busch’s blend of power and on-base skills makes him an intriguing dynasty piece, especially in OBP leagues. While his platoon struggles may limit his ceiling, his consistent playing time and potential to grow into a middle-of-the-order bat in Chicago add to his appeal. His eligibility at first base—and potentially second or third base in some formats—offers additional roster flexibility. Given his age and developing power, Busch could be a sneaky long-term investment for dynasty teams looking to secure first-base production without paying a premium for a more established star.
Kyle Manzardo
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .251/.339/.451, .790 OPS, 23 HR, 82 R, 82 RBI, 1 SB
Top 5: Age (5th), R (5th)
Bottom 5: None
Kyle Manzardo, the 24-year-old first baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, is an intriguing dynasty asset with raw power but limited MLB experience. In 2024, he showcased his bat at Triple-A Columbus, blasting 20 home runs in 292 at-bats, though his .234 batting average and .282 OBP suggest there’s work to be done in his plate approach. His brief MLB stint (53 games) saw him primarily at designated hitter, raising questions about his immediate role and first-base eligibility in some fantasy formats. However, with Cleveland parting ways with Josh Naylor, Manzardo has a clearer path to regular at-bats—assuming he continues developing and outperforms returning veteran Carlos Santana.
Despite some uncertainty, Manzardo remains a notable dynasty investment due to his age and power upside. He ranks 292nd in NBC Sports’ dynasty rankings and 163rd on Baseball America’s list, reflecting both his potential and risk. His ability to hit for power makes him an appealing upside play, particularly in leagues that value home runs and slugging percentage. While his batting average and on-base skills need refinement, he has a real opportunity to cement himself as a key piece of Cleveland’s lineup.
Dynasty managers should monitor his development closely, as consistent playing time could significantly boost his long-term fantasy value. Nearly every projection model expects improvement at the plate, and his over-the-fence power remains tantalizing. If he puts it all together, Manzardo could be a long-term fantasy asset at first base.
Cody Bellinger
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .259/.318/.428, .746 OPS, 21 HR, 85 R, 88 RBI, 11 SB
Top 5: SB (2nd), R (4th)
Bottom 5: None
Cody Bellinger, now with the New York Yankees, brings valuable versatility with experience at both outfield and first base. While he’s expected to primarily play center field, his ability to shift to first base gives manager Aaron Boone added flexibility in defensive alignments and roster management.
Bellinger’s left-handed power bat is a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium, where the short porch in right field could boost his offensive production. His presence in the lineup should bolster the team’s run production and provide the Yankees with another impact bat as they look to strengthen their offensive consistency in the upcoming season. His stolen base projection could prove to be his driving value, at worst.
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .240/.294/.460, .755 OPS, 32 HR, 74 R, 100 RBI, 1 SB
Top 5: HR (1st), RBI (1st)
Bottom 5: BA (16th), OBP (19th)
The Texas Rangers‘ new first baseman Jake Burger is a compelling dynasty target for managers seeking consistent power production. At 28 years old, he’s already established himself as a reliable home run threat, and his move to a more hitter-friendly ballpark only enhances his fantasy appeal. In 2024 with the Miami Marlins, he launched 29 home runs with 76 RBI, backed by an 18.4% home run-to-fly ball ratio and a 12.3% barrel rate. His transition from Miami to Texas should further boost his power numbers, as Globe Life Field has a higher home run factor for right-handed hitters. Additionally, his eligibility at both first and third base adds valuable lineup flexibility for fantasy managers.
While Burger’s power is a major asset, his plate discipline remains a concern. A 25.9% strikeout rate and 5.4% walk rate suggest he may struggle to sustain a high batting average and on-base percentage. Additionally, his projected spot in the lower half of the Rangers’ lineup could limit his run and RBI totals compared to elite first basemen. Despite these drawbacks, dynasty managers looking for reliable power should strongly consider Burger, especially in formats that prioritize home runs and RBI. His raw power and favorable hitting environment make him a sneaky long-term investment for teams needing a steady home run producer.
Spencer Steer
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .231/.311/.424, .735 OPS, 19 HR, 76 R, 91 RBI, 14 SB
Top 5: SB (1st)
Bottom 5: HR (15th)
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer offers strong dynasty fantasy value heading into 2025, thanks to his legitimate 20/20 potential. In 2024, he became one of the few Reds players since 1996 to record 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases, showcasing a rare mix of power and speed at first base. Despite hitting just .225, his ability to contribute across multiple categories keeps him highly relevant in fantasy leagues. Projections for 2025 suggest a modest improvement, but if everything clicks, Steer could emerge as one of the most well-rounded fantasy first basemen. At 27 years old, he’s entering his prime, making him an intriguing dynasty target for managers seeking a first baseman who offers more than just power.
Christian Walker
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .249/.337/.431, .768 OPS, 28 HR, 71 R, 82 RBI, 4 SB
Top 5: HR (2nd), RBI (4th)
Bottom 5: OPS (15th), OBP (15th), SLG (16th), Age (17th), BA (19th)
First baseman Christian Walker could be in line for another career resurgence, setting up for a strong 2025 season after signing a three-year, $60 million deal with the Houston Astros. In 2024, he remained a steady power threat, slashing .251/.325/.462 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. A move to Minute Maid Park—with its hitter-friendly left field—should further boost Walker’s home run potential. However, his spot in Houston’s deep lineup remains uncertain. Depending on lineup construction, he could hit anywhere from cleanup to the seventh spot, which could impact his RBI opportunities and overall run production. Despite that variability, Walker’s proven power and elite defense make him a valuable asset for the Astros, and he remains a solid fantasy option at first base heading into 2025.
Bryce Eldridge
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .251/.310/.417, .727 OPS, 20 HR, 72 R, 81 RBI, 3 SB
Top 5: Age (1st)
Bottom 5: RBI (16th), OBP (16th), SLG (17th), OPS (17th)
The first true blue prospect on this list, Bryce Eldridge is a gem for the San Francisco Giants. At 6-foot-7, he leverages his towering frame to generate elite left-handed power while maintaining a disciplined approach at the plate. At just 19 years old, Eldridge climbed all the way to Triple-A, a clear indication of how highly the Giants value their 2023 first-round pick. Now, with a big-league camp invite for spring training, he’ll get his first real taste of major league action. With no clear long-term first baseman blocking his path, Eldridge has a legitimate opportunity to carve out a role in San Francisco’s future lineup sooner rather than later.
Nick Kurtz
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .260/.315/.387, .701 OPS, 15 HR, 72 R, 54 RBI, 3 SB
Top 5: Age (3rd)
Bottom 5: HR (17th), RBI (19th), SLG (19th), OPS (19th)
IT was only a matter of time before the fourth overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft showed up here. Elite plate discipline and raw power define Nick Kurtz’s game, and he wasted no time proving his potential in his first professional stint. Across Single-A Stockton and Double-A Midland, he slashed .368 with four home runs and 13 RBI, flashing an advanced approach at the plate and a high walk rate that suggests a quick rise through the minors. Now a non-roster invitee to the Athletics’ 2025 spring training, Kurtz is a must-watch prospect with a clear path to the majors in an organization lacking a long-term first baseman. If he continues his rapid development, he could force his way into the MLB conversation soon.
Salvador Perez
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .253/.305/.425, .730 OPS, 25 HR, 65 R, 96 RBI, 0 SB
Top 5: RBI (3rd)
Bottom 5: OPS (16th), SB (17th), OBP (17th), R (18th), Age (19th)
The Kansas City Royals’ veteran catcher Salvador Perez gets a dynasty value boost thanks to his positional versatility and power-hitting ability. While his 2023 season was a down year, his role as the Royals’ cleanup hitter and the ability to spend more time at DH should help preserve his bat and keep him fantasy relevant in 2025 and beyond. Perez is far from a long-term option and offers nothing on the basepaths, making him a bat-or-bust player in dynasty formats. However, his power still plays, and as long as he’s hitting in the heart of Kansas City’s lineup, he remains a solid short-term fantasy investment.
Yandy Díaz
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .279/.355/.410, .764 OPS, 15 HR, 67 R, 69 RBI, 0 SB
Top 5: BA (3rd), OBP (4th)
Bottom 5: R (15th), SB (17th), Age (17th), HR (18th), RBI (18th), SLG (18th)
Yandy Díaz, the 33-year-old first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, remains a steady fantasy option, though he isn’t an ideal first-year add in dynasty leagues. In 2024, he slashed .281/.352/.420 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI, maintaining his consistent offensive production. Despite his age limiting long-term upside, Díaz’s elite plate discipline and strong contact skills suggest he can sustain his current level of performance for at least the near future. While he lacks power and speed, his dependable bat makes him a valuable short-term asset for fantasy managers seeking stability at first base.
Tyler Soderstrom
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .235/.301/.425, .726 OPS, 27 HR, 62 R, 85 RBI, 0 SB
Top 5: HR (3rd), Age (4th)
Bottom 5: SB (17th), BA (18th), OBP (18th), OPS (18th), R (19th)
Tyler Soderstrom has showcased significant offensive potential since being selected 26th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. Primarily a catcher, Soderstrom has also seen time at first base, reflecting his fantasy versatility. In the 2024 season, he slashed .233/.315/.429, with nine home runs and 26 RBI in 61 games. Soderstrom wasn’t perfect, but showed he is ready for more opportunities in 2025 and could establish himself as a foundational piece for the Athletics. Despite these initial struggles, Soderstrom’s advanced hitting tools and power potential suggest a bright future.
Jac Caglianone
Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .221/.266/.353, .618 OPS, 13 HR, 58 R, 71 RBI, 4 SB
Top 5: Age (2nd)
Bottom 5: RBI (17th), HR (19th), R (20th), BA (20th), OBP (20th), SLG (20th), OPS (20th)
Selected sixth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, Jac Caglianone brings massive power potential to the Royals organization. The former two-way star from Florida set a school record with 35 home runs in his junior year, but his aggressive approach at the plate has led to strikeout concerns. In his first professional stint, he hit .241 with two home runs over 29 games at High-A, followed by a .749 OPS in the Arizona Fall League, showing flashes of his raw power but also inconsistency. While the Royals have committed to developing him as a hitter—forgoing his pitching talents, where his fastball once touched 100 mph—his ability to adjust to advanced pitching will dictate how quickly he ascends through the system. If Caglianone refines his plate discipline, he has the tools to become a legitimate middle-of-the-order force. However, dynasty managers should temper short-term expectations, as his hit tool remains a work in progress. While the rankings among these 20 first basemen may not favor him just yet, his ceiling is too tantalizing to overlook in long-term fantasy formats.
For the full Google Sheets document with ranks and stats, click here.
Photo by Icon Sportswire | Featured Image by Justin Redler (@reldernitsuj on Bsky/Twitter)