All articles tagged with #first baseman
Paul Goldschmidt, a highly accomplished MLB first baseman, plans to play in 2026 despite recent offensive decline and age, potentially taking a one-year deal and serving in a platoon role due to his strong performance against left-handed pitchers and veteran status.
The Mariners have designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment to make room for Luke Raley, who has been activated from the injured list. Tellez, in his eighth MLB season, has shown power but low on-base percentage and limited defensive mobility. The team may trade him or place him on waivers within five days, with potential options including a trade, waiver claim, or free agency if unclaimed.
Keston Hiura, a former Tigers first baseman and first-round draft pick, has been promoted to the Colorado Rockies' MLB roster after signing a minor-league deal and performing well in Triple-A Albuquerque, marking his return to the majors following stints with the Brewers organization and the Angels.
Paul Goldschmidt has rebounded from a career-worst season to become a key player for the Yankees in 2025, showcasing improved contact, strategic rest, and strong defense, making him one of the team's most valuable contributors this season.
The Cincinnati Reds have signed first baseman/designated hitter Mike Ford to a minor league deal with incentives. Ford, known for his power and high strikeout rate, had a strong 2023 season with the Mariners. The left-handed hitter provides depth for the Reds' infield and DH spot, competing with other promising young infielders for playing time.
The Chicago Cubs have reached a minor league deal with free agent first baseman Dominic Smith, with a $1.75MM base salary if he makes the MLB roster and a potential max of $3.5MM with incentives. Smith, previously with the Nationals, has seen a decline in offensive performance over the last three seasons and underwent wrist surgery in January. The Cubs are adding an experienced left-handed hitter to compete for a spot behind Michael Busch at first base.
Bryce Harper is content with the decision to permanently shift him to first base, expressing a willingness to stay there and aiming to excel in the position. The Phillies' move to improve team defense and the departure of Rhys Hoskins were factors in this decision. Harper, who has eight seasons left on his contract, is interested in renegotiating to play into his 40s and stay with the Phillies, but lacks leverage without an opt-out provision.
The Detroit Tigers have signed Keston Hiura to a minor-league contract with an invitation to MLB spring training, offering him a chance to earn $2 million if he makes the majors with additional bonuses. The 27-year-old, known for his power hitting, fills a need for upper-level depth at first base for the Tigers. With a track record of hitting for power in the majors and minors, Hiura played 284 games with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2019-22, hitting .238 with 50 home runs. This low-risk deal provides the Tigers with a potential power hitter and depth at first base.
The Milwaukee Brewers are finalizing a two-year, $34 million deal with former Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins, including an opt-out after the first season. Hoskins missed the entire last season due to a torn ACL but is expected to be fully healed for 2024. While he is a poor defender, his hitting metrics remain strong, and he would provide a significant offensive upgrade for the Brewers, particularly against left-handed pitchers.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly agreed to sign free agent first baseman Rowdy Tellez to a one-year, $3.2 million deal, pending a physical. Tellez, who spent the past two and a half seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, struggled in 2023 with a .215/.291/.376 line and below-average defense. The Pirates hope Tellez can regain his previous form and provide a power boost to their lineup. Pittsburgh had a need at first base after trading Carlos Santana and losing Alfonso Rivas to waivers. Tellez is expected to platoon with Connor Joe and will have the opportunity to become a free agent again after the season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed free-agent first baseman Rowdy Tellez to a 1-year deal worth $3.2 million. Tellez, who previously played for the Milwaukee Brewers, will likely platoon at first base with Connor Joe for the Pirates in the upcoming season.
The Philadelphia Phillies have decided to make Bryce Harper their full-time first baseman, signaling the end of Rhys Hoskins' tenure with the team. Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, stated that Harper's versatility and willingness to adapt made him the best option at first base. Harper, who transitioned to first base after Tommy John surgery, had a successful season at the position, hitting .293 with 21 home runs and 72 RBIs. The Phillies are expected to have a strong infield next season, with Harper at first, Bryson Stott at second, Trea Turner at shortstop, and Alec Bohm at third.
Joey Votto's tenure with the Cincinnati Reds is coming to an end as the team declined to exercise his $20 million club option and instead paid him a $7 million buyout. The decision was driven by the lack of playing time available for Votto due to the team's rebuilding program and the emergence of young players. Votto, a generational player for the Reds, is now a free agent for the first time in his career and can negotiate with other teams. However, a return to the Reds seems unlikely at the moment. Over his 17 seasons with Cincinnati, Votto has been a six-time All-Star, won the 2010 NL MVP, and is second all-time in franchise history in several categories.
The Los Angeles Angels have made a surprising move by calling up their 2023 first-round draft pick, Nolan Schanuel, from Double-A. Despite only playing 21 minor league games, the Angels see Schanuel as their future first baseman and want to prepare him for that role while filling a short-term hole on the big league team. This move reflects the Angels' focus on the present and their determination to stay competitive, even though their playoff chances are slim.
The Los Angeles Angels have called up Nolan Schanuel, their 2023 draft pick who was selected 11th overall, less than six weeks after the draft. The 21-year-old first baseman has played just 21 games in the minors, but has shown promise with a .370 batting average and one home run. The Angels have struggled at first base this season and hope Schanuel can provide a boost to their lineup.