MLB State of the Position 2025: Every Team's 5-Year Plan at First Base
First base does not have the same star power it did during the 1990s and 2000s, but there are still some elite sluggers who call the position home, including Freddie Freeman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bryce Harper, Pete Alonso and Matt Olson.
Looking to the future, Xavier Isaac (TB), Bryce Eldridge (SF), Ralphy Velazquez and 2024 first-round picks Jac Caglianone (KC) and Nick Kurtz (ATH) represent the next wave of top-tier talent at the position.
Ahead, we've broken down each team's present and future outlook at first base, highlighting their current starter and their top prospect, followed by a prediction for who will start for each of the next five seasons.
Included with each top prospect is his tier ranking, which reflects where he was slotted in Bleacher Report's most recent farm system rankings.
Think of this as the team's five-year plan at the position.
Catch up on the State of the Position series: Shortstops, Third Basemen
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Present: Josh Naylor (Age: 27)
The D-backs acquired Naylor to replace departing free agent Christian Walker, though they could find themselves in a similar position next winter as he too is headed for free agency next offseason. He posted a 118 OPS+ with 31 home runs and 108 RBI last season to earn his first All-Star selection, and he could be an extension candidate given his age.
Future: Ivan Melendez (Tier 3)
Melendez hit .387/.508/.863 with 32 home runs and 94 RBI in 67 games at the University of Texas in 2022 to win Golden Spikes honors, but his lack of secondary value outside of the batter's box caused him to slip to the second round. He posted a .923 OPS with 30 home runs in 96 games between High-A and Double-A in 2023, but took a step backward in a full season at Double-A last year. The 25-year-old will need to hit his way into an everyday role.
Five-Year Prediction: Naylor (2025), Melendez (2026-29)
Athletics
2 of 30
Present: Tyler Soderstrom (Age: 23)
The No. 26 overall pick in the 2020 draft and the No. 21 prospect in baseball prior to the 2022 season, Soderstrom posted a 114 OPS+ with 10 doubles, nine home runs and 26 RBI in 61 games last season to stake his claim to the starting first base job. He was originally developed as a catcher, but spent just four innings behind the plate last year. He could shift to designated hitter once Nick Kurtz arrives.
Future: Nick Kurtz (Tier 1)
Kurtz hit .333/.510/.725 with 61 home runs and 182 RBI in 164 games over three seasons at Wake Forest, and the Athletics called his name with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft. He hit .368/.520/.763 over 50 plate appearances in his pro debut, closing out the year at Double-A, and he could be pushing for a spot on the MLB roster later this year.
Five-Year Prediction: Soderstrom (2025), Kurtz (2026-29)
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Present: Matt Olson (Age: 30)
Olson has five years and $110 million remaining on the extension he signed with the Braves shortly after being acquired from Oakland, and that deal also features a $20 million club option for the 2030 season. In a down year last season relative to his huge 2023 numbers, he still posted a 118 OPS+ with 29 home runs and 98 RBI while playing in all 162 games for the third year in a row.
Future: David McCabe (Tier 3)
McCabe is the next man up at both infield corner spots as far as prospects are concerned, which means his ticket to the big leagues will likely be carving out an offensive-minded bench role. The 24-year-old played just 35 games in 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Five-Year Prediction: Olson (2025-29)
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Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Present: Ryan Mountcastle (Age: 27)
The O's have utilized a platoon of Mountcastle and Ryan O'Hearn at first base the last few seasons, and that's how they will open things once again in 2025. That said, O'Hearn is entering the final season of his contract and Mountcastle has seen his name surface in trade rumors, so this year could be the end of the line for that tandem.
Future: Coby Mayo (Tier 1)
The development of Mayo will be the biggest factor in whether Mountcastle is still a member of the Orioles roster in 2026. The No. 7 prospect on the B/R Top 100 list, he has little left to prove in the minors after posting a .926 OPS with 23 doubles, 22 home runs and 67 RBI in 89 games at Triple-A. However, the 23-year-old went just 4-for-41 with 22 strikeouts in his first taste of the big leagues.
Five-Year Prediction: Mountcastle (2025), Mayo (2026-29)
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Present: Triston Casas (Age: 25)
Assuming Rafael Devers either stays put at third base or shifts into a regular DH role, first base should belong to Casas for the foreseeable future. The 6'5", 244-pound slugger battled through an injury-plagued 2024 season, but he has flashed major offensive potential while posting a 125 OPS+ in 840 career plate appearances. He is controllable through the 2028 season, but could emerge as an extension candidate in the coming years.
Future: Blaze Jordan (Tier 3)
A hyped prep prospect who signed an above-slot deal as a third-round pick in 2020, Jordan needs to wow offensively to find a role in the big leagues as he does not provide much secondary value. The 22-year-old hit a lackluster .261/.305/.388 with seven home runs and 61 RBI in 89 games at Double-A last season.
Five-Year Prediction: Casas (2025-29)
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Present: Michael Busch (Age: 27)
Busch was one of the most productive rookies in baseball last season, posting a 118 OPS+ with 28 doubles, 21 home runs, 65 RBI and 2.8 WAR in 152 games after he was acquired from the Dodgers last offseason. There are some regression red flags in his underlying metrics, but for now he profiles as the first baseman of the present and future with club control through 2029.
Future: Cole Mathis (Tier 3)
Mathis hit .335/.472/.650 with 17 doubles, 14 home runs, 57 RBI and more walks (46) than strikeouts (32) at College of Charleston last spring before the Cubs made him the No. 54 overall pick in the second round. He also pitched in college, and the Cubs are giving him a look at third base to utilize his arm, but his long-term home is likely across the diamond at first base.
Five-Year Prediction: Busch (2025-29)
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Present: Andrew Vaughn (Age: 26)
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Vaughn has yet to live up to lofty expectations, posting a 101 OPS+ while averaging 32 doubles, 21 home runs and 79 RBI per 162 games over four seasons. He is arbitration-eligible through the 2026 season, but could be on the move via trade before then if he gets off to a strong start this year.
Future: Jeral Perez (Tier 3)
The White Sox acquired Perez last summer in the three-team deal that sent Michael Kopech to the Dodgers, and while he has played primarily second base, he has a defensive profile similar to Luis Arraez and could eventually wind up at first base. The 20-year-old hit .262/.370/.423 with 25 doubles, 12 home runs and 52 RBI in 105 games at Single-A.
Five-Year Prediction: Vaughn (2025-26), Perez (2027-29)
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Present: Spencer Steer (Age: 27)
Steer has seen regular action at first base, third base and in left field for the Reds since breaking through as an everyday player in 2023, and he has led the team in RBI in back-to-back seasons following a 20-homer, 92-RBI season in 2024. He is controllable through 2028 and should settle in as the primary first baseman, though Jeimer Candelario and Christian Encarnacion-Strand could also see time there.
Future: Cam Collier (Tier 1)
Working under the assumption that Elly De La Cruz will eventually shift to third base, Collier's best long-term fit is at first base. Still only 20 years old, the No. 18 overall in the 2022 draft is well ahead of the developmental curve after leaving high school early, getting his GED and spending a year at JUCO powerhouse Chipola College. One of the youngest players in the High-A Midwest League last year, he hit .248/.355/.443 with 21 doubles, 20 home runs and 74 RBI in 119 games.
Five-Year Prediction: Steer (2025-26), Collier (2027-29)
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Present: Carlos Santana (Age: 38)
Still highly productive in his late-30s, Santana is back for his third go-around in Cleveland after posting a 109 OPS+ with 26 doubles, 23 home runs and 71 RBI in a 2.5-WAR season with the Twins. He was signed to a one-year, $12 million deal shortly after Josh Naylor was traded to the D-backs.
Future: Ralphy Velazquez (Tier 1)
The Guardians have two of the best first base prospects in baseball in Velazquez and C.J. Kayfus, and there's a good chance Kayfus will be first to the majors, though he is also capable of playing the outfield. Velazquez, 19, has a 55-hit, 55-power offensive profile and he could reach Double-A before the 2025 season is over.
Five-Year Prediction: Santana (2025), Kayfus (2026-27), Velazquez (2028-29)
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Present: Michael Toglia (Age: 26)
Toglia was a bright spot for a 101-loss Rockies team in 2024, posting a 105 OPS+ with 25 home runs in 458 plate appearances. He also batted just .218 with a 32.1 percent strikeout rate, so he doesn't have the most well-rounded offensive profile, but he will not even be arbitration-eligible until after the 2026 season with club control through 2029.
Future: Jared Thomas (Tier 3)
Thomas hit .349/.435/.635 with 15 doubles, 16 home runs and 47 RBI in 60 games at the University of Texas last spring, and the Rockies selected him with the No. 42 overall pick in the second round. Defensively, he has a profile similar to Cody Bellinger as a capable center fielder who has also seen regular time at first base, and with a long list of quality outfield prospects in the Rockies system he could end up on the dirt.
Five-Year Prediction: Toglia (2025-29)
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Present: Colt Keith (Age: 23)
The addition of Gleyber Torres in free agency has pushed Keith from second base to first base, which has in turn left Spencer Torkelson without an everyday spot in the Detroit lineup. The Tigers inked Keith to a six-year, $28.6 million deal before he made his MLB debut last season, and he hit .260/.309/.380 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, 61 RBI and 1.1 WAR in 148 games as a rookie.
Future: Josue Briceño (Tier 2)
Briceño gave his prospect stock a major boost when he won 2024 Arizona Fall League MVP honors, hitting .433/.509/.867 with 10 home runs in 106 plate appearances. The 20-year-old has split his time evenly between catcher and first base early in his pro career, but Thayron Liranzo looks like the catcher of the future.
Five-Year Prediction: Keith (2025-29)
Houston Astros
12 of 30
Present: Christian Walker (Age: 33)
The Astros still owe José Abreu another $19.5 million in 2025 and Jon Singleton is projected for a spot on the bench, but the first base position was addressed in a major way when Walker was signed to a three-year, $60 million deal. His 11.4 WAR over the past three seasons trails only Freddie Freeman (17.4), Matt Olson (14.5), Paul Goldschmidt (12.3) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (12.2) among all first basemen.
Future: Zach Dezenzo (Tier 3)
After a breakout 2023 campaign, Dezenzo continued to impress last season, hitting .300/.385/.492 in 226 plate appearances over three minor league levels. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut in August and gained some added experience in the Puerto Rican Winter League as he gears up to compete for a roster spot this spring.
Five-Year Prediction: Walker (2025-27), Dezenzo (2028-29)
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Present: Vinnie Pasquantino (Age: 27)
Pasquantino ranked among the AL RBI leaders before missing the final 27 games for the 2024 regular season with a broken right thumb. He still finished with 30 doubles, 19 home runs and 97 RBI while posting a 111 OPS+ in 131 games, and he will be counted on to continue serving as a key run producer alongside Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Pérez.
Future: Jac Caglianone (Tier 1)
A dynamic two-way talent at the University of Florida, Caglianone hit .419/.544/.875 with 35 home runs last spring while also posting a 4.76 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 73.2 innings on the mound. The Royals took him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and first base will be his once he's ready with Pasquantino shifting to designated hitter.
Five-Year Prediction: Pasquantino (2025-26), Caglianone (2027-29)
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Present: Nolan Schanuel (Age: 23)
The Angels selected Schanuel with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 draft and less than three months later he made his MLB debut, showing enough upside to stake claim to the starting first base job. He hit .250/.343/.362 for a 101 OPS+ with 19 doubles, 13 home runs, 54 RBI and 10 steals in 147 games last year, and with club control through 2029 he should be a fixture at first base.
Future: Niko Kavadas (Tier 3)
At 26 years old, Kavadas does not offer a ton of upside, but he has posted a .908 OPS and a .410 on-base percentage across 1,436 plate appearances in the minors. He is useful organizational depth and could compete for a bench spot this spring after making his MLB debut during the second half last year.
Five-Year Prediction: Schanuel (2025-29)
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Present: Freddie Freeman (Age: 35)
Freeman is halfway through the six-year, $162 million deal he signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2022 season, and he has already put his stamp on the organization by winning the 2024 World Series MVP and racking up 17.4 WAR in three years with the team. He will be 38 years old when his contract runs out, but he has shown no signs of slowing down.
Future: Dalton Rushing (Tier 1)
With Will Smith blocking him behind the plate and a crowded outfield, Rushing does not have an obvious path to playing time in the majors. He hit .271/.385/.512 with 21 doubles, 26 home runs and 85 RBI in 114 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year, and he could push his way onto the roster as a backup catcher/fourth outfielder before eventually shifting to first base if Freeman departs after the 2027 season.
Five-Year Prediction: Freeman (2025-27), Rushing (2028-29)
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Present: Jonah Bride (Age: 29)
A 23rd-round pick by the Athletics back in 2018, Bride was acquired in exchange for cash considerations last February. He went on to post a 121 OPS+ with 10 doubles, 11 home runs and 39 RBI in 272 plate appearances as one of the few offensive standouts in the Marlins lineup, and he could start the 2025 season penciled into the cleanup spot.
Future: Deyvison De Los Santos (Tier 2)
After failing to catch on in Cleveland as a Rule 5 pick, De Los Santos returned to the D-backs system before he was traded to the Marlins at midseason in the A.J. Puk trade. All told, he hit .294/.343/.571 with 25 doubles, 40 home runs and 120 RBI in 137 games between Double-A and Triple-A, and while he has limited athleticism and value outside of his power, he could end up leading the Marlins in home runs in 2025.
Five-Year Prediction: Bride (2025), De Los Santos (2026-29)
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Present: Rhys Hoskins (Age: 31)
Despite missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL, Hoskins still managed to land a two-year, $30 million deal from the usually thrifty Brewers in free agency. He hit .214/.303/.419 with 26 home runs and 82 RBI in his return to action last season, though that was only good for a 98 OPS+ in 131 games. His contract contains an $18 million mutual option and $4 million buyout for 2026.
Future: Tyler Black (Tier 1)
Black is a MLB-ready bat without a defensive home, and after seeing time at second base, third base and in the outfield in the minors, he could ultimately settle in at first base once Hoskins departs. The 24-year-old posted an .803 OPS with 14 doubles, 14 home runs, 67 RBI and 20 steals in 102 games at Triple-A in 2024.
Five-Year Prediction: Hoskins (2025), Black (2026-29)
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Present: Ty France (Age: 30)
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has already announced that he plans to use France as his primary first baseman after the 2022 All-Star was signed to a one-year, $1 million deal. He hit just .234/.305/.365 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI in 535 plate appearances last season and logged minus-0.6 WAR in 140 games. That raises the question of where José Miranda will play, though he could also see time at third base.
Future: Luke Keaschall (Tier 1)
A bat-first, super-utility type, Keaschall profiles best at second base, but with Brooks Lee and Carlos Correa expected to occupy the middle infield spots going forward, he could end up at first base out of necessity. The 22-year-old hit .303/.420/.483 with 21 doubles, 15 home runs, 48 RBI, 80 runs scored and 23 steals in 102 games between High-A and Double-A last year.
Five-Year Prediction: France (2025), Miranda (2026), Keaschall (2027-29)
New York Mets
19 of 30
Present: Pete Alonso (Age: 30)
After a long, winding trip to free agency, Alonso found his way back to the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal that includes an opt-out in the form of a $24 million player option for 2026. He will not have to deal with another qualifying offer, which he believes hurt his market value, but it could have just as easily been a shift in the way teams value one-dimensional, power-centric players. Either way, pencil him in at first base for at least one more year, and possibly two.
Future: Ryan Clifford (Tier 1)
Clifford was one of the prospects acquired from the Astros in the deal that sent Justin Verlander back to Houston at the 2023 trade deadline, and he has a strong 6'2", 200-pound frame and 60-grade raw power. He posted a .793 OPS with 19 home runs and 68 RBI in 129 games between High-A and Double-A last year, though questions remain about his hit tool after he batted .218 with a strikeout rate near 30 percent.
Five-Year Prediction: Alonso (2025-26), Clifford (2027-29)
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Present: Paul Goldschmidt (Age: 37)
The Yankees went from one aging veteran to another when they swapped out Anthony Rizzo for Goldschmidt this offseason, signing the former D-backs and Cardinals star to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. Despite diminished production last year, he still posted a 98 OPS+ with 33 doubles, 22 home runs and 65 RBI in 154 games, and his strong batted-ball metrics suggest he is capable of bouncing back.
Future: Rafael Flores (Tier 3)
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Rio Hondo Junior College in 2022, Flores put together a breakout 2024 season, hitting .279/.379/.495 with 31 doubles, 21 home runs and 68 RBI in 122 games between High-A and Double-A while posting big exit velocity numbers. He has a power-over-contact profile and will need to prove himself against upper-level pitching, but his arrow is pointing straight up heading into 2025.
Five-Year Prediction: Goldschmidt (2025), FA (2026), Flores (2027-29)
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Present: Bryce Harper (Age: 32)
Used primarily as a designated hitter in 2022 and 2023 following Tommy John surgery, Harper made the full-time move to first base last season and ended up being a Gold Glove finalist at his new defensive home. The two-time MVP is signed through the 2031 season on a massive 13-year, $330 million deal, so he will be a fixture at first base in the years to come.
Future: Carson DeMartini (Tier 3)
DeMartini posted a 1.072 OPS with 21 home runs and 57 RBI in 54 games at Virginia Tech last spring, though his strikeout rate climbed from 17.1 to 27.7 percent in the process. The Phillies took him in the fourth round of last year's draft and he hit .315/.385/.478 across 104 plate appearances at Single-A in his pro debut. He has played all over the infield, but could end up fitting best at first base.
Five-Year Prediction: Harper (2025-29)
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Present: Spencer Horwitz (Age: 27)
Horwitz made the most of his first extended opportunity last season, posting a 125 OPS+ with 19 doubles, 12 home runs and 40 RBI in 381 plate appearances. The Pirates acquired him in the three-team deal that sent Luis L. Ortiz to Cleveland, and he was slated to be the Opening Day first baseman before undergoing wrist surgery in early February that will keep him sidelined 6-8 weeks. Former top prospect Endy Rodríguez could get the starting nod until he returns.
Future: Tony Blanco Jr. (Tier 3)
With a towering 6'7", 243-pound frame and 55-grade power, Blanco has some intriguing offensive upside. The 19-year-old signed for $900,000 during the 2022 international signing period, and he hit .305/.385/.505 across 30 games in rookie ball while making his stateside debut in 2024.
Five-Year Prediction: Horwitz (2025-29)
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Present: Luis Arraez (Age: 27)
Despite winning three straight batting titles, Arraez has been at the center of trade rumors once again this offseason. It looks like he will stay put and be the Padres everyday first baseman in 2025, but free agency awaits next winter, so there is a good chance he will be on the move again in the near future. Once he departs, Jake Cronenworth could shift back to first base after playing primarily second base since he was acquired.
Future: Romeo Sanabria (Tier 3)
It looks like the Padres might have uncovered a gem when they took Sanabria in the 18th round of the 2022 draft. The 22-year-old hit .288/.396/.427 with 30 doubles, 11 home runs and 78 RBI in 125 games across three minor league levels last year, closing out the season at Double-A.
Five-Year Prediction: Arraez (2025), Cronenworth (2026-29)
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Present: LaMonte Wade Jr. (Age: 31)
With a 115 OPS+ in 1,552 plate appearances over the past four seasons, Wade has been a solid offensive contributor for the Giants, even if he does not possess prototypical power for a first baseman. A free agent after the 2025 season, he has also seen semi-regular time in the outfield.
Future: Bryce Eldridge (Tier 1)
Eldridge is the top prospect in the Giants system and one of the best offensive prospects in all of baseball following a 2024 season where he hit .292/.374/.516 with 27 doubles, 23 home runs and 92 RBI in 116 games across four levels. He will be 20 years old for the entire 2025 season, but he could force his way into the team's plans in the near future.
Five-Year Prediction: Wade (2025), Eldridge (2026-29)
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Present: Luke Raley (Age: 30)
Raley split his time between first base, both corner outfield spots and designated hitter in his first season with the Mariners last year, and he posted a 129 OPS+ with 22 home runs and 58 RBI in 455 plate appearances. The late-bloomer is controllable through the 2028 season, though he may be most valuable in a super-utility role.
Future: Tyler Locklear (Tier 2)
Locklear hit .272/.382/.468 with 27 doubles, 16 home runs and 67 RBI in 111 games between Double-A and Triple-A, but he struggled in his first MLB action. The 24-year-old went just 7-for-45 with 20 strikeouts over 16 games in the big leagues, but he should get another shot to carve out a role in 2025.
Five-Year Prediction: Raley (2025), Locklear (2026-29)
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Present: Willson Contreras (Age: 32)
The Cardinals announced in early November that Contreras will be shifting to first base as he enters the third season of a five-year, $87.5 million contract. A fractured forearm and fractured finger limited him to 84 games last season, but he posted a 136 OPS+ and 3.0 WAR when healthy, and without the grind of catching his offensive numbers could see a nice boost.
Future: Rainiel Rodriguez (Tier 3)
Rodriguez had one of the best pro debuts of any 2024 international signing, hitting .345/.462/.683 with 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 38 RBI over 41 games in the Dominican Summer League. He is a bat-first catching prospect who could end up at first base, and if he continues to rake at the plate the organization might make that shift sooner than later.
Five-Year Prediction: Contreras (2025-27), Rodriguez (2028-29)
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Present: Yandy Díaz (Age: 33)
After starting the All-Star Game and winning AL Silver Slugger in 2023, Díaz hit .281/.341/.414 for a 116 OPS+ last season. He is in the final guaranteed season of his contract, though he does have a $12 million club option for 2026 that does not have a buyout. He could be traded at the deadline if the Rays fall out of the race as one of the highest-paid players on the roster.
Future: Xavier Isaac (Tier 1)
Isaac and Tre' Morgan are two of the best first base prospects in baseball and both are rising the ranks in the Tampa Bay system, though Morgan can also play left field. Isaac, 21, hit .264/.370/.480 with 21 doubles, 18 home runs and 78 RBI in 102 games between High-A and Double-A in his age-20 season, and he is just scratching the surface of his huge offensive upside.
Five-Year Prediction: Díaz (2025), Isaac (2026-29)
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Present: Jake Burger (Age: 28)
The Rangers cut costs by swapping out Nathaniel Lowe ($10.3 million) for Burger ($800,000) in a pair of offseason trades, and they should provide similar production in 2025. Burger has slugged 63 home runs over the past two seasons, and he is a much better fit defensively at first base than he was at third base.
Future: Abimelec Ortiz (Tier 3)
Ortiz had a huge 2023 season, posting a .990 OPS with 33 home runs and 101 RBI in 109 games between Single-A and High-A. The 22-year-old struggled a bit making the jump to Double-A last season, but still hit .243/.328/.432 with 21 doubles, 18 home runs and 64 RBI in 115 games. His power is the real deal, it's just a question of whether he can consistently tap into it against top-tier pitching.
Five-Year Prediction: Burger (2025-28), Ortiz (2029)
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Present: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Age: 25)
The Blue Jays failed to come to terms on an extension with Guerrero before his self-imposed deadline of Feb. 17, and now all signs point to the young star hitting the open market. His age and offensive track record make him an attractive candidate for a long-term deal in what will be his first trip to free agency, and the likelihood that he is traded between now and the deadline has increased significantly.
Future: Will Wagner (Tier 3)
Wagner was acquired in the deal that sent Yusei Kikuchi to the Astros last summer, and he hit .305/.337/.451 for a 124 OPS+ in 86 plate appearances after making his MLB debut on Aug. 12. The 26-year-old produced at every level in the minors, and he becomes the in-house heir apparent to Guerrero if he is dealt in-season.
Five-Year Prediction: Guerrero (2025), Wagner (2026-29)
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Present: Nathaniel Lowe (Age: 29)
The Nationals added a pair of first basemen this offseason by signing Josh Bell and acquired Lowe in a trade with the Rangers, and Lowe is expected to be the starting first baseman with Bell serving as the primary designated hitter. Lowe won a Silver Slugger in 2022 and a Gold Glove in 2023, and he comes with two remaining years of club control.
Future: Yohandy Morales (Tier 3)
A three-year starter at the University of Miami, Morales hit .408/.475/.713 with 20 home runs and 70 RBI in 61 games during his junior season with the Hurricanes. Widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, he instead slipped to the Nationals at No. 40 overall, and he has one of the highest offensive ceilings in the system.
Five-Year Prediction: Lowe (2025-26), Morales (2027-29)
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