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# Ranking MLB First Basemen: From Worst to Best

As part of the ongoing 12 Days of MLB Rankings series, today's focus is on evaluating every first baseman in Major League Baseball from the worst to the best. With previous rankings involving catchers already discussed, we dive right into the detailed analysis of first baseman performances as we head into the 2025 season.

## Bottom of the Barrel: Numbers 35 to 31

At the bottom of the rankings, John Singleton of the Houston Astros takes the 35th spot. His performance has been lackluster, heavily relying on a below-average teammate. With a decent on-base percentage, Singleton's 13 homers and doubles across 119 games raise questions about his suitability as an everyday player at 33.

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Following Singleton is Jonah Bride of the Miami Marlins, ranked 34th. While Bride displayed promise with a decent 70-game stretch last season, he has struggled over his 160-game career in the majors, combining patience at the plate with limited power.

Juan Yepez of the Washington Nationals sits in the 33rd spot after a mixed season with a brief showing of talent — his potential remains unfulfilled going into his 27-year-old season.

Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox lands at 32nd. Despite a promising career trajectory, he has failed to provide the breakout many anticipated after repeated seasons of average play.

Tyler Soderstrom of the Oakland A’s is 31st, having shown glimpses of improvement in his second year. However, the consistency isn't there to earn him a higher spot just yet.

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## The Struggling Stars: Numbers 30 to 26

The 30th ranking goes to Ben Rice from the New York Yankees. After an impressive start, Rice's lack of playing time and extended cold streaks have hampered his performance, rendering him uncertain as a full-time option.

Pavin Smith of the Arizona Diamondbacks follows at 29. Smith's confusing year raised expectations after an explosive game, but overall inconsistencies have kept him from being a reliable starting option.

Anthony Rizzo’s decline continues as he ranks 28th while grappling with injuries and performance setbacks. Meanwhile, José Miranda of the Minnesota Twins holds down the 27th spot, showcasing potential but lacking consistency over the past season.

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Finally, at 26 is Michael Toglia of the Colorado Rockies. Despite a promising profile, his three true outcome playstyle raises concerns about sustainability.

## Mid-Tier Rankings: Numbers 25 to 21

A disappointing debut season earns Jamer Candelario from the Cincinnati Reds the 25th position, as he grapples with consistent hitting.

Nolan Schanuel of the Los Angeles Angels occupies the 24th spot, with his on-base skills shining through despite needing more power as he continues to mature.

Spencer Torkelson from the Detroit Tigers, once a highly-touted prospect, finds himself at 23, struggling to find rhythm after a rocky previous season.

Reese Hoskins, despite showing earlier potential, drops to 22nd with performances hampered after returning from injury.

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Josh Bell, sitting at 21st, exemplifies the rollercoaster of dramatic transformations with his performance split between Miami and Arizona.

## Entering the Top 20: Numbers 20 to 16

Ranking at number 20, Justin Turner defies age with decent performance numbers. However, his place in the top 20 seems precarious given the influx of younger talent.

Paul Goldschmidt, once an MVP, has witnessed a rapid decline, now holding down 19th due to dwindling performance numbers.

Lamont Wade of the San Francisco Giants is up next at 18, performing better than many in tougher conditions.

Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres, who won the batting title last year, lands at 17. His overall value as a first baseman comes into question despite an impressive batting average.

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Finally, Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals holds the 16th spot, having shown solid performance with room for future growth.

## The Competitive Top 15: Numbers 15 to 11

Starting the top 15, Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles captures attention with potential for increased production thanks to changes at his home field.

Veteran Carlos Santana anchors the 14th position, showcasing an impressive career revival with excellent on-base skills.

Following him is Michael Bush from the Chicago Cubs, who has displayed noteworthy performance in his first full season.

Luke Raley of the Seattle Mariners surprises at 12, showing incredible offensive abilities and consistency, hinting at his potential.

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Nathaniel Lowe of the Texas Rangers narrowly misses the top ten, demonstrating reliable performance, though not as explosive as prior seasons.

## The Elite Top 10: Numbers 10 to 1

The tenth position showcases Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians, who has quietly become one of the better-hitting first basemen with impressive power numbers.

Tristan Casas takes ninth place with a solid first season, presenting hints of elite capabilities moving forward.

Yandy Díaz of the Tampa Bay Rays finds himself at eighth, with consistent performance and massive potential, though slightly below expectations.

Wils Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals grabs the seventh position, adapter to first base, now presenting himself as a powerful and effective hitter.

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Christian Walker from the Arizona Diamondbacks sits at sixth, offering solid offensive production coupled with valuable defensive contributions.

Entering the top five, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets secures the fifth spot, still delivering technically strong offensive numbers despite defensive shortcomings.

In fourth, Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves demonstrates solid power, though a step back in homers limits his higher placement.

Freddie Freeman, despite leading in impressive stats, earns the third position thanks to slight declines overshadowing his otherwise stellar career.

Bryce Harper firmly holds down second place, showcasing a tremendous 2024 season filled with power-hitting.

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Finally, leading the charge as the best first baseman in MLB, Vlad Guerrero Jr. makes a dramatic return to the top of the rankings with an outstanding 2024 stat line.

## Conclusion

The 2025 first baseman rankings present a blend of emerging talent, established stars, and veterans grappling with the realities of performance in Major League Baseball. As the rankings continue, the anticipation builds for the following positional analyses. Fans can express their thoughts and opinions in the comments and stay tuned for further updates as we unravel the complexities of MLB player evaluations.