Ranking the Top 12 MLB Fantasy 1B: Who is Drafted First in 2025?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
1. Bryce Harper - The Premier First Baseman for 2025
Bryce Harper’s combination of power and consistency places him atop this list. Despite a modest 30 homers in 2024, he usually lands around 35-40 home runs, providing impressive stats across the board. As a key player on one of baseball’s best teams, Harper’s ability to consistently produce in key categories makes him an invaluable asset in fantasy baseball.
12. Josh Naylor - A Mystery of Power and Potential
Josh Naylor’s fluctuating stats, from a .308 average in 2023 to a power surge in 2024, make him a wild card. While his power profile is promising, his lack of consistency raises questions. For fantasy managers seeking upside, Naylor could be a high-risk, high-reward option.
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11. Luis Arraez - Contact King with Consistent Batting Average
Luis Arraez’s elite contact skills make him a rare breed in today’s OPS-heavy game. Although he lacks power, he’s a valuable asset for those seeking a high batting average and solid run production. Arraez’s skills at the plate remain a significant fantasy asset, even if he doesn’t bring home runs.
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10. Spencer Steer - Power and Speed in a Unique Combo
Spencer Steer’s 20/25 season in 2024 makes him a rare find at first base. Playing half his games in Great American Ball Park further boosts his appeal. Under Terry Francona’s management, the Reds' offense could see a boost, making Steer a dynamic choice with both power and speed upside.
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9. Vinnie Pasquantino - A Reliable Option with a High Floor
Vinnie Pasquantino’s thumb injury hindered his 2024 season, yet he showed solid performance when healthy. While his ceiling may not be the highest, he’s a stable choice at first base for those seeking a balanced, low-risk player who can deliver solid stats across the board.
8. Jake Burger - Steady Power with Dual Eligibility
Jake Burger offers unique value with first and third-base eligibility and dependable power, hitting around .250 over the last three seasons. Entering his age 29 season, he’s set to bring solid stats in both home runs and batting average, making him a great addition for managers looking for reliability and flexibility.
7. Pete Alonso - Home Run Dependence for Fantasy Value
Pete Alonso’s fantasy value lies almost entirely in his home run production. His 2024 saw a slight dip, but his 34 homers are still impressive. For fantasy players seeking power, Alonso is ideal. However, his high draft cost may require careful consideration based on power output projections.
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6. Christian Walker - Reliable Power with an Uncertain Future
Christian Walker’s 2024 was stellar, but his uncertain team environment for 2025 makes him a riskier pick. At age 34 and potentially without the Diamondbacks’ lineup support, his numbers may fluctuate. Nonetheless, his power remains a dependable asset for fantasy managers seeking consistent homers.
5. Triston Casas - Young Talent with High Ceiling
Triston Casas showed promise with 13 homers in 63 games and an .800 OPS in 2024. His ability to hit to all fields and his high ceiling make him an intriguing choice for 2025. If Casas can control his strikeouts, he has the potential to be a significant fantasy contributor.
4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - High Potential but at a High Price
Vladimir Guerrero’s potential is undeniable, but the price tag is steep. While some project him as the top first baseman, Guerrero’s consistency has yet to match his 2021 48-homer season. His recent stats indicate he may be evolving into more of a doubles hitter, making him a solid pick but perhaps not the standout many anticipate.
3: Matt Olson - Ready for a Comeback Season
Matt Olson’s 54-homer season in 2023 showcased his power, though 2024’s injury-riddled Braves lineup impacted his production. With key players returning in 2025, Olson is expected to regain form, making him a high-potential option for home run categories and overall fantasy value.
2. Freddie Freeman - Stability and Reliability
Freddie Freeman’s year may have been impacted by off-field issues and minor injuries, but his reliability is undoubted. Though he falls just short of Harper in power, Freeman’s consistency and ability to deliver in critical moments keep him as one of fantasy baseball’s top picks. His minor power drop is offset by his steady performance, making him a solid choice.
1. Bryce Harper - The Premier First Baseman for 2025
Bryce Harper’s combination of power and consistency places him atop this list. Despite a modest 30 homers in 2024, he usually lands around 35-40 home runs, providing impressive stats across the board. As a key player on one of baseball’s best teams, Harper’s ability to consistently produce in key categories makes him an invaluable asset in fantasy baseball.
12. Josh Naylor - A Mystery of Power and Potential
Josh Naylor’s fluctuating stats, from a .308 average in 2023 to a power surge in 2024, make him a wild card. While his power profile is promising, his lack of consistency raises questions. For fantasy managers seeking upside, Naylor could be a high-risk, high-reward option.
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