MLB Network’s “The Shredder”, an annual ranking system, chose Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman as the best first baseman in MLB.
Freeman has topped the list three years in a row.
The Shredder uses past performances, offensive and defensive metrics and MLB Network’s research team’s analysis determine each player’s position on the list.
The other players listed include the Boston Red Sox’s Willson Contreras, the Chicago Cubs’ Michael Busch, the Baltimore Orioles’ Pete Alonso, the Tampa Bay Rays’ Yandy Diaz, the San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers, the Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Atlanta Braves’ Matt Olson and the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz.
How Did Freddie Freeman Earn His Spot?
Freeman maintained his spot on the list after yet another fantastic season, grading as well above average in most offensive fields.
he hit 20 or more home runs for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons, and managed an .800 OPS or higher for the 14th consecutive year. He batted .295 last season, placing third in the NL, and made his fifth consecutive appearance in the All-Star Game.
Having topped the list last year, it wouldn’t have made sense to move Freeman from the top spot when his numbers improved from 2024. Freeman’s batting average, slugging percentage and OPS all increased from two seasons ago, and he also had more homers and RBIs in the same amount of games.
As the active hits, runs and RBIs leader, it’s hard to imagine anyone claiming his spot as long as he continues producing at the level he has been.
What Do Freddie Freeman’s Projections for 2026 Look Like?
FanGraphs Depth Charts projects a slight regression from Freeman heading into his 17th season, but believes he’ll match his 24 homers from 2025.
They project he’ll bat .284 with a .849 OPS, and finish the year with a 135 wRC+.
If Freeman can maintain these numbers, as he has for most of his career, he’ll surely place towards the top, if not at the top, of the first baseman rankings come next offseason. Freeman surely has bigger things on his mind, though, as the Dodgers are currently in pursuit of their third consecutive World Series title.
