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The 2026 MLB season is through seven weeks, and we have seen some surprising performances thus far. There is a lot of baseball left, and player statistics and team performances will see a lot of movement. As the league enters week eight, here are the top ten first basemen rankings.
MORE: 5 MLB hitters who are underperforming based on their advanced metrics
May 1, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Rice has feasted on opposing pitching to start the season. Entering the week, he leads MLB first basemen in OPS. The first baseman is making an early case for AL MVP.
Olson’s greatest ability is availability. He doesn’t miss games, and he consistently produces. Entering the week, he’s second in home runs among MLB first basemen.
The veteran is on fire. Entering the week, he has four home runs in the last seven days. Harper continues to produce each season.
The veteran has run away with the starting first base job in Arizona. Entering the week, he has one of the best batting averages among MLB first basemen. He’s on pace for the best season of his career.
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) looks skyward after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Murakami enters the week leading MLB first basemen in home runs. He’s shown the ability to hit for power as well as strike out. He’s aided in the White Sox staying competitive in the AL Central.
Walker continues his successful season. He’s getting on base and is the Astros’ best hitter, not named Yordan Alvarez. Walker will need to stay consistent as Houston competes for the division.
Stewart has cooled off but is still having a great start to his rookie season. Entering the week, he’s tied for fourth in home runs among MLB first basemen. The Reds need him to produce throughout the season.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) flies out against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Freeman continues to be the game’s most consistent first baseman. He’s getting on base and driving in runs. It’s only a matter of time before his home run total starts to increase.
Contreras is having success in key situations. He’s getting on base and driving in base runners. He’s been a bright spot for a Red Sox team trying to right the ship.
Aranda has become an underrated first baseman. He possesses great hitting abilities and is one of Tampa Bay’s best hitters. He’s on pace to set career highs in every statistic category.
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MORE: 5 MLB hitters who are underperforming based on their advanced metrics
1. Ben Rice, New York Yankees
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May 1, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Rice has feasted on opposing pitching to start the season. Entering the week, he leads MLB first basemen in OPS. The first baseman is making an early case for AL MVP.
2. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Olson’s greatest ability is availability. He doesn’t miss games, and he consistently produces. Entering the week, he’s second in home runs among MLB first basemen.
3. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
The veteran is on fire. Entering the week, he has four home runs in the last seven days. Harper continues to produce each season.
4. Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks
The veteran has run away with the starting first base job in Arizona. Entering the week, he has one of the best batting averages among MLB first basemen. He’s on pace for the best season of his career.
5. Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox
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Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) looks skyward after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Murakami enters the week leading MLB first basemen in home runs. He’s shown the ability to hit for power as well as strike out. He’s aided in the White Sox staying competitive in the AL Central.
6. Christian Walker, Houston Astros
Walker continues his successful season. He’s getting on base and is the Astros’ best hitter, not named Yordan Alvarez. Walker will need to stay consistent as Houston competes for the division.
7. Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds
Stewart has cooled off but is still having a great start to his rookie season. Entering the week, he’s tied for fourth in home runs among MLB first basemen. The Reds need him to produce throughout the season.
8. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) flies out against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Freeman continues to be the game’s most consistent first baseman. He’s getting on base and driving in runs. It’s only a matter of time before his home run total starts to increase.
9. Willson Contreras, Boston Red Sox
Contreras is having success in key situations. He’s getting on base and driving in base runners. He’s been a bright spot for a Red Sox team trying to right the ship.
10. Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays
Aranda has become an underrated first baseman. He possesses great hitting abilities and is one of Tampa Bay’s best hitters. He’s on pace to set career highs in every statistic category.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
