Here are the Top 10 first base prospects for 2025
MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2025 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we'll examine baseball's top 10 prospects at each position.
MLB Pipeline will reveal its 2025 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 24, with a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Leading up to the release of the Top 100, we'll examine baseball's top 10 prospects at each position.
Buoyed by an influx of premium Draft talent and position changes, the pool of prospect talent at first base is stronger than it has been in years. Six first basemen will make our 2025 Top 100 Prospects list, the most in a single preseason ranking since 2009.
Xavier Isaac (Rays) ranked as baseball's best first-base prospect a year ago and still offers tantalizing power potential. But he has been surpassed by Jac Caglianone (Royals) and Nick Kurtz (Athletics), two of the top six picks in the 2024 Draft, and Bryce Eldridge (Giants), a 2023 first-rounder who became a full-time first baseman after spending his pro debut in right field.
Tre' Morgan (Rays) and C.J. Kayfus (Guardians), both 2023 third-rounders, exceeded expectations in their first full pro seasons, which further helped the first-base cause. So did Josue Briceño (Tigers), Ryan Clifford (Mets) and Ralphy Velazquez (Guardians) becoming primary first basemen after seeing more time elsewhere in the past.
The Top 10 (ETA)
1. Jac Caglianone, Royals (2026)
2. Bryce Eldridge, Giants (2026)
3. Nick Kurtz, Athletics (2026)
4. Xavier Isaac, Rays (2026)
5. Tre' Morgan, Rays (2026)
6. Josue Briceño, Tigers (2027)
7. Ryan Clifford, Mets (2026)
8. Ralphy Velazquez, Guardians (2027)
9. C.J. Kayfus, Guardians (2025)
10. Tyler Locklear, Mariners (2025)
Complete list »
Top tools
Hit: Kurtz, Morgan (60)
While Kurtz's signature tool is his well above-average power to all fields, he's also a complete hitter with exemplary plate discipline and led NCAA Division I with 78 walks at Wake Forest last spring. Morgan topped all full-season Minor League first basemen in wRC+ (158) while ranking second in batting (.324), and scouts thought he showed the best approach of any hitter in the Arizona Fall League.
Power: Caglianone, Eldridge, Isaac (70)
All three of these guys are potential big league home run champions. Caglianone may have the most usable power in the Minors and ranked second in D-I with a Florida-record 35 homers last spring after leading the nation with 33 as a sophomore. Eldridge reached Triple-A at age 19 in his first full pro season, topping all Minor League teenagers in homers (23) and slugging (.516). Isaac also generates impressive raw power and exit velocities, and he slammed 18 homers while advancing to Double-A at age 20.
Run: Morgan (50)
Morgan is more athletic than most first basemen and is the only player on this list with average speed. He stole 20 bags in 27 attempts and also displayed good baserunning instincts.
Arm: Caglianone, Clifford, Eldridge (60)
Caglianone and Eldridge were both legitimate pitching prospects as amateurs, with Caglianone pushing his fastball to 99 mph in college and Eldridge hitting 96 in high school. Clifford also features plus arm strength and has recorded 11 assists in 129 pro outfield starts.
Field: Morgan (70)
The best defensive first baseman in the Minors, Morgan famously made a spectacular game-saving play on a safety squeeze in the 2023 College World Series semifinals, without which Louisiana State wouldn't have won the championship. He has tremendous range, soft hands and an aggressive nature.
WOW...@tremorgann! 🤯#MCWS x 🎥 ESPN2 / @LSUbaseball pic.twitter.com/tsbY3QRYQN
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 23, 2023
Superlatives
Highest ceiling: Caglianone
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Caglianone hits balls harder and farther than most mortals, and he makes a stunning amount of hard contact considering his tendency to chase pitches out of the strike zone. He has legitimate 40-homer power with 50-homer seasons not out of the question.
Highest floor: Kurtz
Kurtz has the best all-around tools of any of these first basemen. Some evaluators thought he offered the best combination of swing decisions, contact and exit velocities in the 2024 Draft, and he's also a quality defender.
Rookie of the Year candidate: Locklear
None of these guys has a clear path to a full-time big league job in 2025, and Locklear may be the only member of this list to graduate this year. The slugger went 7-for-45 with two homers (one off Garrett Crochet) in his first taste of the Majors last summer.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Highest riser: Kayfus
Kayfus didn't make our preseason Guardians Top 30 a year ago, then slashed .291/.393/.511 with 17 homers in 107 games while moving to Double-A in his first full pro season. He did a better job of hunting pitches he could do damage against early in counts and of driving them in the air to his pull side in 2024.
Humblest beginning: Kayfus
Kayfus received the lowest bonus of this group, signing for $700,000 as the 93rd overall choice in the 2023 Draft. He performed well in two seasons as a starter at Miami and in the Cape Cod League, but he still had a hit-over-power tag that isn't the most desirable at first base.
Most to prove: Clifford
Part of the Justin Verlander trade with the Astros in 2023, Clifford struggled in High-A to begin last season before batting .231/.359/.456 with 18 homers in 98 Double-A games. But he also struck out at 30 percent clip overall (29 percent in Double-A) and he'll need to demonstrate that he can make consistent contact against upper-level pitching.
Keep an eye on: Tyler Black, Brewers
Though Black has yet to find a role in the big leagues, he offers hitting ability, on-base skills and plus speed. A 2021 supplemental first-rounder from Wright State, he has batted .272/.402/.453 with 114 extra-base hits and 93 steals in 315 games over four pro seasons.
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Fightin Phils to Play as Reading Flapjacks for 22nd Annual Morning Game September 9
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that they'll be playing as the Reading Flapjacks for the 22nd Annual Morning Game on Tuesday, September 9. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. against the Somerset Patriots. The R-Phils will continue
Fightin Phils to Play Jersey Shore BlueClaws in April 1 Exhibition Game
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will host the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws in a preseason exhibition game on Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m. Tickets for the game will go on sale at a later date and all tickets will be $5.
Al Pedrique to Return as Fightin Phils Manager for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Friday that Al Pedrique will return as the manager of the Reading Fightin Phils for the 2025 season. Pedrique returns to Reading after leading the R-Phils the last two seasons. Pedrique, 64, finished 59-78 with Reading in 2024, but his team boasted
Fightin Phils to Become Reading Prost on September 13
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will become the Reading Prost on Saturday, September 13. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. against the Somerset Patriots in the penultimate game of the 2025 season. Berks County, home of the R-Phils, is host of
Fightin Phils to Welcome Professional Wrestler "Swoggle" on July 18
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that professional wrestler "Swoggle" will be coming to FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, July 18. Swoggle will be in attendance for that night's game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston
R-Phils to Celebrate Military Appreciation Night on July 3
(Reading, PA) – On Thursday, July 3rd the R-Phils will celebrate Military Appreciation Night at America’s Classic Ballpark when the team takes on the Somerset Patriots (Yankees) at 7 p.m. Fans can honor a special military member in their life by reserving a group outing to receive a personalized game-worn
Honor a Loved One on Fightin Cancer Night June 17
(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate Fightin Cancer Night at FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, June 17. R-Phils fans will have the opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones with specialty jerseys. The R-Phils are proud to stand up and raise money and awareness for one of baseball's
Eight 2024 Fightin Phils Invited to Phillies Major League Spring Training
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Tuesday that eight members of the 2024 Reading Fightin Phils received invites to Major League spring training. In total, 11 former R-Phils will join the Phillies in big league camp next month. Headlining the group of 2024 Fightin Phils are Phillies No.
Golf Movie Tribute Night with Chris McDonald on July 25
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will host a Golf Tribute Night with actor Chris McDonald on Friday, July 25. Reading will welcome the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the New York Mets Double-A affiliate, at 7 p.m. McDonald is best known for his role
IM ABLE Foundation Honored as Community Hero by Phillies Charities
We're grateful to share that IM ABLE Foundation was recently honored as a Community Hero at the Phillies Charities Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park through a nomination from the Reading Fightin Phils/Baseballtown Charities! 🎉 We joined 35 other organizations from PA, NJ, and DE that are making a
Fightin Phils to Begin America's Classic Ballpark's 75th Season with Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to begin its 75th season at America's Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium, in 2025. In celebration of the stadium's Diamond Anniversary, the first 4,000 adults at the R-Phils April 4 game against the Portland Sea Dogs
Fightin Phils Unveil Tasting Festival Dates for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to share their tasting festival dates for the upcoming 2025 season. The tasting festivals are presented by Classic Harley-Davidson. Fans aged 21 and older will have the opportunity to sample a variety of beers, wines,
Fightin Phils Announce Redner's Event Center Sales Team
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the sales team for the Redner's Event Center for the 2025 season: Andrew Nelson: Executive Director of Redner's Event Center Margaret Morgan: Director of Redner's Event Center Stephen Thomas: Director of Events Vince
Fightin Phils Announce Promotions to Director and Assistant Director
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the following front-office members have been promoted to Director or Assistant Director: Stephen Thomas has been promoted to Director of Events/Community Relations/Baseballtown Charities. Thomas is entering his 11th season with the Fightin Phils.
Fightin Phils Announce Promotions to Executive Directors
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the following front-office members have been promoted to Executive Directors: Tonya Petrunak has been promoted to Executive Director of Marketing and Baseballtown Charities. Petrunak is entering her 16th season with the Fightin Phils.
Fightin Phils Announce Additions to Full-Time Staff
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the additions of Kyle Serman, Aaron Jarrett and Shane Clinton to their full-time staff. All three previously worked as interns for the Fightin Phils during the 2024 season. Serman began with the Fightin
Margaret Morgan Named Director of Redner's Event Center
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the addition of Margaret Morgan to their full-time staff, as the Director of the Redner's Event Center. Morgan brings a wealth of experience in event and hospitality management to the Fightin Phils organization.
Fightin Phils Unveil 2025 Fireworks Dates
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to unveil their fireworks schedule for the 2025 season. There will be 27 scheduled fireworks shows throughout the year, which includes eight Carpenter MEGABLAST displays, which are the largest firework shows in stadium history. The eight Carpenter MEGABLAST shows in 2025
Keaton Anthony Named Minor League Baseball Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner
(Reading, PA) - Minor League Baseball, along with Rawlings Sporting Good Company, announced on Monday that Keaton Anthony was named a recipient of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award as the best defensive first baseman in Minor League Baseball for the 2024 season. Anthony, 23, split the season between three levels
Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Home Game Times for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to share their home game times for the upcoming 2025 season, in addition to road dates and opponents for next year. This upcoming season will be the 75th Anniversary of America's Classic Ballpark. The Fightin
Fightin Phils to Host Toys for Tots Sunday, November 3
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils and Classic Harley-Davidson are excited to partner for a Toys for Tots event at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be the 18th annual Eastern PA Toy Run. Proceeds from the event will benefit the
Multiple Fightin Phils to Play for Adelaide Giants in Australian Baseball League
(Reading, PA) - The Adelaide Giants of the Australian Baseball League have announced their roster for the 2024-25 season, which features a contingent of Philadelphia Phillies prospects, including multiple who spent the 2024 season with the Reading Fightin Phils. 2024 Fightin Phils who will be suiting up for Adelaide are
Tent Sale, Event Center Public Tours and More this Sunday
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies will host their annual tent sale, public tours of the Redner’s Event Center, along with a season-ticket party and more for fans on Sunday, October 6, beginning at 10 a.m. The event center will also be open
Fightin Phils Seeking Applicants for 2025 Internship
The Reading Fightin Phils, Class AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are seeking hard working, goal-oriented and enthusiastic individuals for our 2025 internship program. Interns will handle day-to-day operational tasks and learn how the organization prepares for the upcoming season. The Internship program will provide a great opportunity for interns
Multiple 2024 Fightin Phils on Arizona Fall League Rosters
(Reading, PA) - Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday that six members of the 2024 Reading Fightin Phils will participate in the upcoming Arizona Fall League. Gabriel Rincones Jr., Jordan Dissin, Christian McGowan, Wesley Moore, Otto Kemp and Tristan Garnett will play for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the AFL,