MLB Pipeline will unveil its 2024 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 26, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Ahead of the release, the site has been exploring baseball’s top 10 prospects at each position.
In an ideal scenario, teams would have a powerful hitter at first base to anchor their lineup. The prospects highlighted in this top 10 list hope to fit this mold for the infield corner position.
There has been significant turnover from the 2023 preseason version of this list, with top prospects like Triston Casas of the Red Sox and the A’s Tyler Soderstrom graduating off the prospect lists. The top spot on the list has been snatched up by the Rays’ Xavier Isaac, while Kyle Manzardo moves up to the second spot.
The Cubs may have a potential logjam in the future at first base, with the possibility of Michael Busch settling in at the position, and two prospects on the top 10 list waiting for an opportunity.
Here’s a look at the top 10 first base prospects:
1. Xavier Isaac, Rays (2026)
2. Kyle Manzardo, Guardians (2024)
3. Nolan Schanuel, Angels (2024)
4. Abimelec Ortiz, Rangers (2025)
5. Tyler Locklear, Mariners (2024)
6. Matt Mervis, Cubs (2024)
7. Blaze Jordan, Red Sox (2025)
8. Nathan Martorella, Padres (2025)
9. Spencer Horwitz, Blue Jays (2024)
10. Haydn McGeary, Cubs (2025)
MLB Pipeline will continue to reveal the top prospects by position leading up to the Top 100, so stay tuned for more exciting news.
Historically, first base has been a position for power hitters capable of producing runs. The top prospects highlighted in this list are seen as future stars who could make a significant impact in their respective teams’ lineups.
Xavier Isaac, with a power rating of 65, has displayed impressive hitting abilities in the minor leagues and is seen as having the highest ceiling among the prospects on the list. Nolan Schanuel, with a batting average of .447 during his junior year at Florida Atlantic University, is highlighted for his hitting capabilities, while Kyle Manzardo is seen as a contender for the Rookie of the Year Award.
One prospect to keep an eye on is Garrett Forrester of the Pirates, known for his advanced approach at the plate. As MLB Pipeline continues to unveil the top prospects at each position, baseball fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, with these talented players waiting in the wings to make their mark in the major leagues.