Buster Olney's 2026 top 10 at every MLB position: First basemen - ESPN

ESPN

by Buster Olney

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Buster Olney's latest rankings of the top 10 first basemen in Major League Baseball highlight the rising talent and established stars shaping the position in the upcoming 2026 season. Leading the list is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose dominance in the postseason elevated him to potential MVP status, while Matt Olson continues his Hall-of-Fame trajectory with consistent power and elite defensive skills. However, the most compelling story centers on Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics, a 23-year-old phenom who shocked the league by smashing 36 homers and posting an OPS+ of 173 in just 117 games during his rookie season. His college-level performance (.306/.531/.763) was nearly identical to his major league debut, suggesting a player who has already mastered the game's intricacies. Olney's rankings, part of ESPN's comprehensive 2026 MLB preview series, aim to identify the best performers for the upcoming season rather than projecting long-term potential. The article underscores how Kurtz's rapid success challenges the notion that young players need multiple seasons to adjust to professional pitching. His ability to maintain such high production at a young age has evaluators excited about his future dominance. The rankings also emphasize the importance of defensive contributions, with Olson leading all first basemen in defensive runs saved and outs above average. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the position, where both offensive prowess and defensive reliability are critical for top-tier performance. For readers following baseball trends, these rankings provide valuable insights into which players will drive

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/19/2026