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.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his
Trash Pandas ignite Hometown Throwdown Series in 2025
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a special series of nights dedicated to celebrating local communities around North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2025. The Hometown Throwdown Series, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is set to ignite community pride and support throughout
Trash Pandas to host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, February 8
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host National Anthem Auditions at the Parkway Place Mall on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. Individuals, ensemble groups, and choirs are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before one of the
Toyota Field set to host 35 college and high school baseball and softball games this spring
MADISON, Alabama – Signs of spring are almost here in Rocket City, as baseball - and for the first time - softball is set to take place at Toyota Field in less than a month. Before the Trash Pandas hit the diamond on April 4 against Chattanooga, Toyota Field will
Trash Pandas Foundation Announces Return of Color the Can Contest
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation, in partnership with WHNT News 19, is excited to announce the return of the popular Color the Can contest. The contest and submission form details can be found online at TrashPandasFoundation.com. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to submit a
Inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon set for February 18
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Inaugural Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, at Toyota Field on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Trash Pandas Launch Free Culinary Program 'Cooking Up Success'
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the launch of 'Cooking Up Success,' a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This four—to six-week semi-intensive program, which begins on January 27, is open to individuals aged 16
Alabama baseball to host UNA at Toyota Field on March 25
MADISON, Alabama — The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:05 pm to face off against the North Alabama Lions. Gates will open at 4:30 pm. Tickets start at just $8 and they can be purchased online at trashpandasbaseball.com/rolltide, in person
Trash Pandas single-game tickets on sale January 17
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce that single-game tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase beginning Friday, January 17, at 10 am. The fifth season in team history will begin and end at Toyota Field, with action beginning on Friday, April
Sprocket to Deliver Panda-Grams For Valentine's Day
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PANDA-GRAM MADISON, Alabama — Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas are spreading the love across North Alabama with the help of the most romantic mascot in the cosmos, Sprocket! For the third consecutive year, the Trash Pandas are giving fans
Auburn baseball to host UT Martin at Toyota Field on March 11
MADISON, Alabama — The Auburn Tigers baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tickets start at just $8 and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 10, at 10 AM. They
2025 Rocket City Softball Showcase Announces PNC Bank as Presenting Partner
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE & TICKETS MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to name PNC Bank as the presenting partner of the inaugural Rocket City Softball Showcase, a six-day event at Toyota Field featuring 13 NCAA programs and 12 local high school programs. Throughout the event,
Trash Pandas Hosting 2025 Job Fair on January 16 & 18
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hiring! Ahead of the fifth season of baseball in 2025, the team will be hosting a gameday job fair on two separate dates at Toyota Field: Thursday, January 16, from 5-7 pm and Saturday, January 18, from 10 am to 12
Rocket City Christmas Light Show & Winter Wonderland Returns from November 22 to December 29
CLICK HERE TO GET CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW PASSES MADISON, Alabama – The fifth annual Rocket City Christmas Light Show and Winter Wonderland makes its way back to Toyota Field this month, presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club. From November 22nd to December 29th, guests can experience the musically synchronized drive-through show
Trash Pandas Announce Game Times
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, are excited to reveal official game times for the 2025 season. The fifth season in team history will both start and finish at Toyota Field, with 50 of the 69 home games featuring the traditional 6:35
2025 Trash Pandas Mini Plans and Ticket Vouchers On Sale Now
MADISON, Alabama – 20-game Mini Plans and single-game ticket vouchers are now available for the 2025 season of Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball, which begins at home on April 4th against the Chattanooga Lookouts. There are three Mini Plan options available, each with a variety of dates and promotions. All
North Alabama Welcomes Army to Toyota Field
MADISON, Ala. – The North Alabama Lions and Army Black Knights will play the final games on the current surface at Toyota Field. A three-game weekend set featuring the first appearance by Army West Point at Toyota Field in its history will mark the final games before the field is
The Top Pitching Performances of 2024
We saw some tremendous pitching talent come through Rocket City during the 2024 season, which included three arms who made it to the Majors. Here were the best performances on the mound this year: 5. RHP Chase Chaney (6/21 vs. BLX) - 7 IP, 2 H, 7 K, 1 BB
The Top Hitting Performances of 2024
The Trash Pandas used contributions from up and down the lineup in 2024, with eight different players notching 30 or more RBI and six different players registering 70 or more hits. Here were the best individual performances at the plate this season: 5. OF Nelson Rada (6/7 vs. CHA) -