Hey there, fantasy baseball enthusiasts! Let's dive into a thrilling review of the 2025 First Base Fantasy Rankings and uncover some surprising twists and turns. The journey to preseason perfection is a challenging one, and our Rotographers are here to share their insights and rankings, updated weekly, as we navigate the unpredictable world of fantasy baseball.
In this article, we'll explore the preseason rankings for first basemen, analyze how they fared throughout the season, and uncover the dollar value they earned. Get ready for some intriguing insights and a deep dive into the world of fantasy baseball!
But here's where it gets controversial... The ever-changing landscape of player eligibility adds a layer of complexity. New players gain eligibility, pushing others down the rankings, but no one loses their spot. Take Rafael Devers, for instance; he earned the fifth-most value among first basemen, but his late eligibility meant he couldn't be ranked. This shift impacted everyone ranked below him.
Let's take a look at the preseason rankings, along with the end-of-season rankings and dollar values. Get ready for some surprises!
First Base Rankings
| Preseason Rank | Name | Team | Preseason ADP | Preseason $ | End of Season Rank | End of Season $ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | TOR | 13 | $28 | 6 | $20 |
| 2 | Bryce Harper | PHI | 22 | $25 | 14 | $12 |
| 3 | Freddie Freeman | LAD | 26 | $24 | 8 | $19 |
| 4 | Matt Olson | ATL | 34 | $19 | 7 | $19 |
| 5 | Pete Alonso | NYM | 48 | $16 | 1 | $25 |
| 6 | Christian Walker | HOU | 106 | $12 | 18 | $8 |
| 7 | Jake Burger | TEX | 111 | $11 | 48 | $5 |
| 8 | Triston Casas | BOS | 128 | $8 | 117 | $22 |
| 9 | Paul Goldschmidt | NYY | 175 | $11 | 29 | $2 |
| 10 | Josh Naylor | ARI | 100 | $12 | 2 | $24 |
| 11 | Vinnie Pasquantino | KCR | 115 | $13 | 10 | $17 |
| 12 | Luis Arraez | SDP | 187 | $8 | 17 | $8 |
| 13 | Alec Bohm | PHI | 167 | $9 | 31 | $2 |
| 14 | Cody Bellinger | NYY | 95 | $12 | 3 | $21 |
| 15 | Yandy Díaz | TBR | 197 | $10 | 9 | $18 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
And this is the part most people miss... The top 10 at the end of the season can be found within the top 15 of the preseason rankings, but there are also some major surprises and disappointments.
Let's break down the names and analyze their performances.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., our top-ranked first baseman, had a disappointing season. While he wasn't a complete bust, earning $8 less than his preseason value, his owners might have expected more. The underperformance can be attributed to his lowest home run and RBI totals since his debut. His Statcast metrics were impressive, but his HR/FB rate and FB% were lower than expected. With age on his side, he might be a good value pick in 2026.
Bryce Harper, ranked second, finished as the 14th most valuable first baseman. His wrist injury in June certainly impacted his ranking. The drop in BABIP affected his batting average and OBP, which reduced his runs scored. At 33 years old, injury risks remain, and his ability to steal bases might be a concern.
Pete Alonso, our fifth-ranked first baseman, emerged as the top dog at the end of the year. His impressive performance wasn't a shock, given his history, but it's worth noting that the first base crop this year wasn't as impressive as in previous seasons. Alonso's career-best BABIP and RBI total contributed to his success.
Jake Burger, ranked seventh, was the first true bust in our rankings. His move to the Rangers didn't pan out as expected, with injuries and a minor league demotion affecting his performance. Despite these setbacks, he might be worth another look at a discounted price next season.
Triston Casas, ranked eighth, followed Burger as our second bust. A prolonged slump and injury knocked him out for the rest of the year, leaving his future uncertain. However, his skills are worth noting, and it might be wise not to give up on him just yet.
Paul Goldschmidt's performance was a surprise, especially considering his move to a park favorable for right-handed home runs. His HR/FB rate plummeted, and his lack of patience at the plate, combined with reduced power, raises questions about his future at age 38.
Josh Naylor, ranked tenth, exceeded expectations with his stolen base prowess. His decision to run wild on the bases resulted in an impressive stolen base total. The question now is how much regression fantasy owners anticipate and how it will impact his value next season.
Cody Bellinger, ranked fourteenth, delivered a strong performance in his new Yankee Stadium home. He cut his strikeout rate and posted a career-best FB%, resulting in a $9 profit. However, his home run power remains a concern, and it's uncertain if he'll ever replicate his early-career success.
Yandy Díaz, ranked fifteenth, had a powerful season, but his performance is unpredictable. His HR/FB rate jumped, but his walk rate has slipped, affecting his OBP. It's a guessing game as to which version of Díaz we'll see next year.
Andrew Vaughn, ranked nineteenth, had a poor season with the White Sox but found success with the Brewers. His improved strikeout rate and BABIP contributed to his .373 wOBA. However, his power numbers didn't improve, and it's unlikely he'll maintain this level of performance.
Alec Burleson, ranked twenty-eighth, exceeded expectations with a negative preseason projected dollar value. He posted fewer counting stats but a higher batting average. While his skill set is intriguing, his lack of power needs improvement.
Michael Busch, ranked thirtieth, had a breakout season, despite limited PAs against left-handers. His improved strikeout rate and HR/FB rate, driven by Statcast metrics, contributed to his success. Some regression is expected, but he could build on his 2025 performance.
Spencer Torkelson, ranked thirty-second, had a mixed preseason ranking but ultimately replicated his 2023 performance. His high fly ball rate affects his batting average, but his wRC+ against right-handers is a concern. At 26 years old, he has the potential to increase his power and become a more consistent performer.
Tyler Soderstrom, ranked thirty-third, was another post-30 ranking breakout. His FB% plunge affected his home run pace, but a massive BABIP jump offset the power loss. The power is real, but his batting average and stolen bases are questionable.
So, there you have it! The 2025 First Base Fantasy Rankings had its fair share of surprises and disappointments. Will the position bounce back next year? Only time will tell. Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Are there any players you think will make a comeback or surprise us all? Let's discuss!
