MLB Free Agency 2025: Top First Baseman Targets to Watch

There’s a plethora of MLB free agent first basemen available this offseason, with plenty of teams that could use one. Some of these players are in their prime, while others are seasoned veterans. Each player possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as pros and cons. Let’s take a look at where the top first basemen could land.

Will Alonso Become the Face of a New Franchise?

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Let’s start with the best first baseman free agent on the market, Pete Alonso. Pete will be turning 31 soon and is likely looking for a contract of 5 to 7 years, with an average annual value of approximately $29 million. 

While he is a poor baserunner and an even worse defender, he is also one of the best hitters in the league. His versatility makes him intriguing for any team that needs power in its lineup. He can consistently score 30 or more home runs, excel as a double hitter, and maintain a high OPS+ for the upcoming seasons.

While there was some disagreement between him and Steve Cohen last off-season during contract negotiations, the Mets still have the best chance of re-signing him. It would definitely be in their best interest, as he has been the face of the franchise for some time now, and he’s expressed that he enjoys playing in Queens.

The Red Sox could use Alonso’s services. Currently, it’s unclear who will play for space for them, and they could use a veteran presence in their lineup, considering they have such a young team. For a team aiming to qualify for the postseason for the second consecutive year, it would be an advantageous move. 

Pete Alonso also fits quite well in Seattle. With Josh Naylor being a free agent, the Mariners desperately need corner infielders. Imagine how much power the lineup could have with Alonso batting next to Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez. Such an arrangement would give their stellar pitching staff more insurance.

Alonso would complement Milwaukee’s lineup, as they are a contact-oriented team that could use some more power. They’re unlikely to bring back Rhys Hoskins and need to figure out what they’re doing at first base.

 If Alonzo signs with the Brewers, he would likely hit more multi-run home runs because of how proficient the Brewers are at getting guys on base. However, Milwaukee might pursue other options, considering they usually don’t spend a lot of money and like to stick with a defensive-minded scheme in the field.

After trading Josh Naylor to Seattle, Arizona could certainly use a first baseman. Similar to Milwaukee, Arizona is also a defensive-minded team and may not find Alonso's poor defense appealing. He does provide the lineup something it could use more of, which is a power-hitting batter.

Is Another Bellinger Big Bet Worth It?

Next up, let’s examine Cody Bellinger’s market. He is a great first baseman, but he mostly plays the outfield, unlike other first basemen. At 30 years old, he is demanding about $30 million per year. Most teams are probably more willing to give that money to an outfielder rather than a first baseman; however, he is versatile. 

The Phillies have been rumored to have interest in Bellinger, in which case they’d likely play him in the outfield with Bryce Harper remaining at first.

Bellinger seemed pleased playing in New York, and it is more than a possibility that they bring him back, as they are still trying to figure out their first base situation.

Bellinger also fits the Reds perfectly. This would be a win-now move for them, as they made it to the playoffs this past season for the first time in a long time, and they’re looking to make it back to the postseason in 2026. Bellinger also fits the play style of San Diego, Arizona, and Milwaukee quite well.

Naylor Is the Underrated Power Bat Every Team Needs

There should be a respectable market for Josh Naylor, who will likely demand about $15 million per season. While he’s not a skilled defender, he does provide a stellar bat at 28.

If they’re interested, Seattle can always bring him back, of course. Despite having some debt, San Diego typically likes to spend money; they may be interested in his services. It could make sense for Naylor to go back to the place where he spent his rookie year, plus he’ll give San Diego more well-roundedness than Arraez.

The Padres are trying to stay competitive, and a lineup of Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Josh Naylor would be scary.

The Nationals were a team that was worse than expected last season. The Nathaniel Lowe contract didn’t work out so great for them; they’re young and could use someone with a little more experience. Naylor could help bring them back to the playoffs.

First Base Sleeper to Watch

At 32 years old, Ryan O’Hearn is a more balanced player than Alonso or Naylor. Several teams could use him, as he provides above-average defense and an above-average bat. The Padres could bring them back. But as for other teams, the Yankees could use the solid defender who doesn’t strike out a lot and hits for contact. Ohearn fits that to a T.

The Brewers, Reds, and Diamondbacks are all teams where O’Hearn would fit perfectly, too. Seattle would also be an intriguing destination for Ohearn.

Contact

Luis Arraez’s market will certainly be intriguing. He is considered a one-dimensional hitter, but he can still provide value for a team that needs a contact hitter who doesn’t strike out a lot. 

The Rangers have no clear first baseman. They’re trying to find their way back to contention, and Arraez can be a solid leadoff hitter to set up Seager and Semien. The Nationals and Cardinals need a first baseman. He could also land himself on either of those teams and be a worthy contributor.

Veteran Leadership

Guys like Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, Josh Bell, and Wilmer Flores are seasoned veterans but can still provide a team with solid defense or come off the bench. Arizona would reunite with Goldschmidt. The Nationals or Pirates could use Santana’s veteran leadership. Flores or Josh Bell will find themselves in a place like Cincinnati, Miami, Texas, or Houston.

Rhys Hoskins is looking to have a bounce-back year. He is in his 30s now and should be pretty cheap. It could be worth throwing him a one-year prove-it deal for any team that is desperate for a first baseman.

So there you have it. The first baseman market should be exciting to see how everything plays out. There are several talented players at the position looking for new contracts. If your preferred team needs a first baseman, pay close attention to these players!

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