2019 Position Rankings: First Base

Cody Bellinger, Rhys Hoskins and Matt Olson burst onto the scene as rookies in 2017, representing the newest wave of power-hitting first basemen in the majors.

The prospect ranks have yet to be replenished since that wave came through. The 2018 season saw a largely uninspiring showing from the rookie first base crop, and the prospect class of 2019 lacks a standout near the level of a Bellinger, or likely even a Hoskins.

Peter Alonso tied for the minor league home run lead last year and reached Triple-A, while Nate Lowe broke through to reach the highest level of the minors as well. Both have the best chance of impacting their big league clubs while actually playing first base, although both face some questions about their ability to consistently hit better pitching. Yordan Alvarez and Josh Naylor are natural first basemen in the upper minors who have a track record of mashing, but both have begun spending more time in left field than first base and may end up as outfielders in the long run.

Beyond them is a group of kids largely in the lower levels of the minors, mixed in with some more experienced prospects who have received decidedly mixed reviews. A big debut from Alonso or Lowe can make this class look better in retrospect, but for now, first base is one of the weaker position groups in the minors.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

1. Yordan Alvarez, Astros
2. Peter Alonso, Mets
3. Nate Lowe, Rays
4. Josh Naylor, Padres
5. Evan White, Mariners
6. Grant Lavigne, Rockies 
7. Brent Rooker, Twins
8. Triston Casas, Red Sox
9. Nick Pratto, Royals
10. Bobby Bradley, Indians
11. Tyler Nevin, Rockies
12. Edwin Rios, Dodgers 
13. Seth Beer, Astros
14. Matt Thaiss, Angels
15. Gavin Sheets, White Sox
16. Luken Baker, Cardinals 
17. Jared Walsh, Angels 
18. Jake Gatewood, Brewers
19. Will Craig, Pirates
20. Pavin Smith, D-backs

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