There’s one deluxe option and a handful of useful bats on this year’s free agent first baseman market. So for many Major League Baseball teams, significantly upgrading the position might only be possible by scratching a massive check to New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso.
Otherwise? It will be tough to make anything more than a lateral move.
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Still, there’s some down-lineup productivity to be had even if elite production might have to be found elsewhere on the market. With that, a look at the top nine free agent first basemen:
(Ages as of Opening Day 2025)
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1. Pete Alonso (30, 1B, Mets)
To what extent is Alonso’s fate tied to that of Juan Soto? It’s unclear if Mets owner Steve Cohen will make a drive for Soto, and even more intriguing is how badly he wants Alonso back and whether new baseball chief David Stearns is willing to bid irrationally to keep him. The price probably went up when Alonso – who hit 226 homers in six seasons – sparked an epic playoff run with a season-saving shot at Milwaukee.
2. Christian Walker (34, 1B, Diamondbacks)
As the Best First Base Option Not Named Pete Alonso, Walker will be in solid demand this year, perhaps even by the Polar Bear’s former team. He’s coming off three excellent seasons in Arizona, with home run totals between 26 and 36 and adjusted OPS marks from 121 to 125. A really good veteran fit for contenders missing a last piece.
3. Paul Goldschmidt (37, 1B, Cardinals)
There’s a first baseman on the market who hit 22 homers with a .302 OBP and a career-high tying 173 strikeouts. Does it change the impression if it turns that is indeed Goldschmidt, who just two years ago was named NL MVP? Yet in 2024, Goldschmidt slipped below league average as a hitter, though he was still worth 1.3 WAR. His market will likely reflect his reclamation project status, but the right situation – perhaps in his Houston hometown? – could unearth more production.
4. Anthony Rizzo (35, 1B, Yankees)
New York declined Rizzo’s $17 million team option, and now the sides must debate whether to renew acquaintances a third time after his 2021 trade from the Cubs. It’s complicated: Rizzo and franchise player Aaron Judge are close friends and clubhouse leaders, but Rizzo has been limited to 99 and 92 games (posting a .673 OPS) the past two seasons and the club needs roster flexibility.
5. Carlos Santana (38, 1B/DH, Twins)
As if the man wasn’t valued enough already for his elite on-base skills and veteran savvy, now Santana will take a Gold Glove with him to the market. At 38, he was a 2.5 win player who drilled 23 homers. Always room for an elite first base glove that can switch hit.
6. Josh Bell (32, 1B, Diamondbacks)
Not a great year for the 6-foot-4 slugger, whose .720 OPS was his lowest in a full season, yet Arizona still saw fit to acquire him from Miami. Nineteen homers, 23 doubles and league-average OPS will always have a home.
7. Justin Turner (40, 1B, Mariners)
Word is J.T. is not yet ready to hang ‘em up, and the veteran can still bring value: A .354 OBP and 114 adjusted OPS for Toronto and Seattle. His 11 homers were his fewest since 2014.
8. Joey Gallo (31, 1B, Nationals)
Very much a part-time player these days, Gallo hit 10 homers for the Nationals in 76 games, eight of them against right-handers. Still young enough for someone to bite on that lefty power off the bench.
9. Donovan Solano (37, 1B, Padres)
A .343 OBP and 112 adjusted OPS for Donnie Barrels, who still makes for a decent right-handed bench bat.
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