As we inch closer to the 2026 season, I am going to give top three prospects at each position. This will be based on where they currently play and also where they may end up. This will culminate with my newly updated top 30 prospects before the season starts. This week, we are looking at the first base position.
Previous Top Three:
1. Ethan Frey
Frey was selected by the Astros in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft, with the team going over slot to secure his signing. The former LSU standout enjoyed a breakout junior year, batting .331 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs across 62 games. Standing 6’6″, Frey combines impressive size with surprising athleticism and speed. He offers above-average power and has the tools to play center field, though he could eventually settle into a corner outfield role or first base as some scouts project him there. The 21-year-old hit .330 with 5 doubles, 3 home runs, 17 runs batted in and an impressive 20 walks to 25 strikeouts. This worked out to an impressive 166 wRC+ in his debut.
2. Will Bush
Bush took an interesting route to professional ball, spending one year at Tyler Junior College before being selected by the Astros in the 16th round of the 2023 draft. The left-handed hitting Bush has some above average raw power and solid plate discipline. He has split time between catcher and first base, and may end up at first base long term. The 21-year-old started the season in High-A and posted a .812 OPS with 12 homers before getting a promotion to Double-A. For the Hooks he added another 3 home runs and 14 walks in 24 games. Overall he posted a 121 wRC+, which was near the top in the Astros system.
3. Luis Baez
The Astros signed Baez for $1.3 million during the 2022 international signing period. He is a solid athlete, though his conditioning came into question last year. He won’t provide a ton on the bases either and will be a corner outfielder or first baseman if he continues to move up. Baez has shown off the bat at times, but he hasn’t walked much and strikeouts are a little high, though he has been young for the leagues he is in. He had a really rough 2025 season hitting .246 with just 2 home runs in 66 games in Double-A. He’s still just 22 years old though.
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