The 2026 MLB season's first basemen rankings for week four highlight players with strong starts, including Ben Rice of the New York Yankees, who is on track to surpass last season's 26 home runs and aims for an All-Star Game spot.
The 2026 MLB season is through three weeks. Numerous players are off to hot starts, while others are still working on timing and rhythm. The biggest stories are the players that come out of nowhere and have tremendous starts to their season. Here are the top 10 first basemen rankings in MLB heading into week four.
Rice continues his hot start to the season. He’s on pace to break last season’s total of 26 home runs. The young first baseman is aiming to represent the AL in this year’s All-Star Game.
2. Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds
Stewart is having the best start to the season of any National League rookie. He’s become one of the most relied upon bats in Cincinnati’s offense. Sal Stewart is making an early case for NL Rookie of the Year.
3. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
Olson is as hot as any first baseman early in the 2026 season. He’s single-handedly keeping Atlanta in games. His current pace is positioning him to have one of the best seasons of his career.
4. Willson Contreras, Boston Red Sox
Contreras is doing damage in his first season with Boston. He’s getting clutch hits and is leading Boston’s lineup. Through three weeks, he’s been one of the best offseason acquisitions in baseball.
5. Christian Walker, Houston Astros
Walker has rebounded after last season’s struggles. He’s on pace to reach 30 home runs for the first time as a member of the Astros. He will be one of the team’s offensive leaders throughout the season.
6. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are starting slower than they had hoped. However, Harper is starting to heat up, and this will help the team’s offense. Bryce Harper is due to have a monster season.
7. Jake Bauers, Milwaukee Brewers
Bauers keeps producing and is making it tough to keep him out of the lineup when the Brewers face a left-handed starter. He’s locked in and continues to be a bright spot in the order. If he produces, he will continue seeing his name on the lineup card.
8. Jonathan Aranda, Tampa Bay Rays
Aranda was one of the most underrated hitters a season ago. He doesn’t produce high home run totals, but his contact skills are unmatched. He can be one of this season’s breakout stars.
9. TJ Rumfield, Colorado Rockies
Rumfield has run away with the starting first base job for Colorado. He’s consistently produced through three weeks. Playing home games in Denver will only help his production throughout the season.
10. Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox
Murakami has cooled off since his monster opening week. However, he’s still a tough out while hitting in Chicago’s lineup. It’s only a matter of time before he heats up again.
Who is the top-ranked first baseman in MLB week 4 of 2026?
Ben Rice of the New York Yankees is the top-ranked first baseman heading into week four.
What are Ben Rice's home run stats for the 2026 MLB season so far?
Ben Rice is on pace to break his previous total of 26 home runs from last season.
Which first basemen are performing well in the 2026 MLB season?
The rankings include players who have had strong starts, with the full list detailing the top 10 first basemen as of week four.
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