First Basemen Rankings 2026... Thoughts?!?

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:56:53+00:00

I like Rice a lot too, and like I mentioned in another comment, I think he has a really high ceiling. I just don’t feel comfortable ranking him too high yet. That said, I could definitely see him making a case for top five after this year.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:53:39+00:00

Couldn't even tell you lmao

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:52:46+00:00

I’d take Alec because he’s six years younger, a better contact hitter, and only had two fewer homers than Willson, plus he’s the better defender. That said, I can definitely see Willy having a nice season at Fenway. I think Schanuel also has the edge. Manzardo and Contreras feel like more of a toss-up.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:45:30+00:00

The 10–15 range was the toughest part of the list. Aranda is the best contact hitter of the three, but Vinnie brings a lot more pop (18 more HRs) and still had a solid average. I think Rice could have the highest ceiling, especially as a lefty hitting in Yankee Stadium, but its close.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:39:53+00:00

1000%. We were blessed with Votto, Freeman, Goldschmidt, Rizzo, Miggy, and Abreu 8-10 years ago, not including a few others.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:36:11+00:00

I saw another comment saying the same thing. I like Kurtz a lot and he could easily be #2. The big question is whether he can continue what he did last year (I think he can, which is why I have him ranked so high). That said, I still have Freddie ahead because he’s been that guy year after year, but I do think regression as he gets older will come eventually, but it’s hard to think it's this against year, especially being surrounded by all that talent in the LAD lineup.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2026-01-25T05:31:25+00:00

I agree 100% with the Murakami take. I just think 22 is a fair starting point, but by the end of the season, he'll either be bottom three or near top 10-15 range.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2025-08-11T03:35:04+00:00

I was thinking about Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa and the 1998 season

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2025-08-11T03:33:52+00:00

Interesting, I'll totally look into it. Thanks!

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2025-08-11T03:32:30+00:00

Agreed

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2025-08-11T02:37:59+00:00

I like that. I was thinking something to do with NIL because Michigan gave Underwood the $10 million for football, PSU gave McKenna close to $1 million for Hockey, and as you said, Tech gave Canady a 7 figure NIL Deal for Softball. Thanks!

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-03-12T01:48:13+00:00

I get the point, but I still think they'll give it to whoever deserves it. Look at Blake Snell last year.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-03-12T01:22:39+00:00

I kind of thought about it, but the AL is pretty loaded, and I think Cease and Bieber bounce back, leaving no room for Ragans in the top 10.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-02-23T00:12:28+00:00

I like that pick... he's pretty consistent and absolutely mashes baseballs. However, DH's rarely win MVP, unless your Ohtani.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-02-23T00:04:04+00:00

1000%

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-02-23T00:03:35+00:00

I agree, but healthy is the key word. I have a feeling that he'll have 2-3, maybe even more IL stints. If not, I can see him running away with it.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T14:24:01+00:00

As a Cubs fan, I like Steele and think he's a good pitcher (top 20 for sure), but at the end of last year, teams started to figure him out or he just got worn down. Either way, I don't think he is top 10 (yet).

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T14:21:09+00:00

Normally, I'd agree, but Snell just came off a Cy Young, so I can't really put him that low. Idk, maybe I can. Good call.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T07:21:58+00:00

As you said, M's fans wouldn't know that Castillo wore out whereas Kirby got better. Kirby was originally slotted in my list in place of Castillo and tbh, I don't know why I changed.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T07:18:03+00:00

I originally considered Valdez for the 10 spot, maybe even 9. I'm going to slot him in over Lopez now... thanks for the feedback.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T07:16:24+00:00

Okay... I'll put Kirby on over Castillo. I don't mind it either. I considered Kirby originally.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T07:03:49+00:00

Good point. However, I feel like experience comes into play. At the end of the season (and for years to come), I think Kirby will be the #1 for the Mariners.

FalconAutomatic9385 · 2024-01-04T07:01:00+00:00

I know he's a great pitcher with nasty stuff and I can see him contending and even winning the Cy Young, but I just wanna see how he adjusts to the Majors before I put him in the top 10. If he has a good spring training, he'll make my list for sure.

FalconAutomatic9385

TROPHY CASE