Top 10 First Basemen 2026: Projected Points and IPO Prices

Quick takeaway: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Josh Naylor, and Matt Olson lead the top 10 first basemen by projected points for 2026. On AthX, projected points (PP) are each player’s IPO price—the price at which their shares first become available. Use this list to size up the position and plan your AthX portfolio. Browse first basemen on AthX

How This Ranking Works

The table below ranks the top 10 first basemen by projected fantasy points for the 2026 season. On AthX, that projected-points number is the player’s IPO price when they go to market. After IPO, prices move with dynamic pricing—performance, playing time, and market activity all move the needle. Research from SI, Sporting News, CBS Sports, and Yahoo Sports informed our tier order and context.

Top 10 First Basemen for 2026 (Projected Points = IPO Price)

Player spotlights

1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (401 PP)

Vladdy’s the clear No. 1 first baseman in pretty much every 2026 ranking—and for good reason. He’s got plus batting average, serious run production, and he’s durable; his exit velo and hard-hit rates are still among the best in the game. That 401 PP IPO puts him at the top of the 1B board on AthX. For shareholders, he’s your highest-floor, highest-ceiling option at the position and the guy most likely to deliver both dividends and price appreciation if he meets or beats the projection. The only real question is whether you want to pay up for the top of the tier.

2. Josh Naylor (391 PP)

Naylor’s turned into the Guardians’ middle-of-order anchor—power and contact in one package, and he’s right in his prime. He’s locked in at first and DH, and that 2024 All-Star run (31 HR, 108 RBI) put him on the map as one of the top run producers at the position. His hard-hit rates and approach give AthX shareholders a nice floor. He’s a stable 1B target with upside if he keeps doing what he’s been doing; the 391 PP IPO is right where you’d expect for a guy in that tier. No flashy nickname needed—he just hits.

3. Matt Olson (379 PP)

Olson’s your classic 40+ homer threat with a steady glove at first and a permanent spot in the heart of the Braves’ order. He’s their cleanup guy and has shown he can sustain that power year in, year out. High floor because of the homer volume, high ceiling as long as he stays healthy and keeps doing his thing—he’s been a fantasy and AthX staple for a reason. At 379 PP he’s a reliable anchor for a 1B slot: you’re not getting a lot of surprises, and that’s exactly what some portfolios want.

4. Freddie Freeman (376 PP)

Freddie’s still one of the best in the game for average and on-base—he sets the table and drives in runs for the Dodgers from the heart of that lineup. You pretty much know what you’re getting: consistency, track record, low drama. His 376 PP IPO reflects that premium for a veteran cornerstone. For AthX, he’s your steady dividend and price anchor; the number is justified by his ability to pile up hits, runs, and RBI year after year. Not the flashiest pick, but he’s the guy you trust when you want stability.

5. Yandy Díaz (367 PP)

Yandy’s got a batting-title profile—great contact, great on-base—and he’s the Rays’ main 1B/DH anchor. He doesn’t rely on huge homer totals; he just piles up hits, walks, and runs, which keeps his floor high and his volatility lower than the power-first guys. That makes him a strong value in the second tier on AthX: steady dividends and a share price that tends to track his reliable production. At 367 PP he’s a solid mid-tier 1B with less boom-bust than the sluggers above him. If you like consistency without paying Vladdy or Olson prices, he’s your guy.

6. Vinnie Pasquantino (365 PP)

Pasquantino finally stayed healthy in 2025 and showed the power-and-approach combo that made him a prospect standout—plus power, plus plate discipline, everyday at-bats at first for the Royals. He’s their guy at first now, and the 365 PP IPO reflects that he’s past the injury concerns that limited him earlier; he’s in the “established regular with upside” tier. If he keeps the 2025 gains, he could outperform the IPO and deliver strong dividends. For AthX, he’s the kind of mid-tier 1B where you’re buying the breakout and hoping he keeps it going.

7. Pete Alonso (362 PP)

Pete’s one of the game’s premier power hitters—homers and RBI from the Mets’ cleanup spot, year in and year out. He’s heading into a free-agent year, so you’ve got narrative and volatility: the market will react to his performance and contract buzz. His 362 PP IPO is in line with other elite power 1Bs; the question is whether he can beat it and push his share price higher. For shareholders willing to ride the narrative, he’s a high-upside play with real dividend potential if he stays healthy and keeps slugging. The Polar Bear’s still a force.

8. Michael Busch (351 PP)

Busch took over as the Cubs’ everyday first baseman in 2025 and broke out: 34 homers, 90 RBI, .866 OPS, and he cut his strikeout rate while ranking in the 90th percentile or above in barrel rate and exit velo. He’s a left-handed power bat with discipline and a clear path to 500+ plate appearances. If he keeps those gains and stays consistent against both righties and lefties, he’s got room to outperform his 351 PP IPO. For AthX, he’s the kind of mid-tier 1B where you’re buying the breakout and hoping it sticks—and so far, it’s stuck.

9. Bryce Harper (343 PP)

Bryce has moved to first base full-time and is still a star bat in the heart of the Phillies’ order. Name recognition and production make him a liquid AthX asset—fans know him, and his performance drives both dividends and trading interest. The 343 PP IPO reflects that he’s not in his absolute peak years anymore but is still a high-impact bat with a secure role. For portfolio builders he’s a “brand” pick with a solid floor; for traders he’s the kind of asset that reacts to big games and playoff moments. You know what you’re getting with Harper—and that’s still plenty.

10. Nick Kurtz (321 PP)

Kurtz broke out as a rookie in 2025 with the A’s—.290/.383/.619 with 36 homers in 117 games—and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young first basemen in the game. He’s the youngest name in the top 10 and the most affordable: 321 PP gets you in at a lower IPO with real room for price appreciation if he builds on the rookie year. For AthX he’s the classic “growth” 1B—higher variance than the veterans above him, but with the kind of upside that could pay off nicely. If you’re okay with a little more risk, he’s the guy to watch.

What It Means for AthX

On AthX, each player’s projected points are their IPO price. When a first baseman goes to market, that’s the starting share price; from there, dynamic pricing adjusts for performance, playing time, and trading activity. Higher PP means a higher IPO—Guerrero Jr. at 401 and Naylor at 391 cost more to get in at launch, while Kurtz at 321 offers a lower entry point with upside. Use this list to compare 1B options, plan diversification, and target dividends from players you expect to meet or beat their projection. Browse the marketplace to see first basemen and all MLB player values on AthX. *Sources: SI – 2026 fantasy baseball rankings top 5 first basemen; Sporting News – Fantasy baseball 1B rankings and tiers for 2026; CBS Sports – Toughest players to rank at first base for 2026; Yahoo Sports – 2026 fantasy baseball first base preview. Projected points and IPO pricing per AthX. Fact-checked February 25, 2026.*