MLB Pipeline is set to unveil its 2024 Top 100 Prospects list at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 26, through a one-hour show on MLB Network and MLB.com. Preceding the release, an exploration of baseball’s top 10 prospects at each position is underway.
In an ideal scenario, teams seek a potent presence at first base, a player capable of slotting into the heart of the lineup and generating runs. The prospects featured in this top 10 list aspire to embody the ideal profile for the infield corner position.
The 2023 preseason version of this list has witnessed notable changes, with Triston Casas of the Red Sox and Tyler Soderstrom of the A’s, the top two, graduating from prospect status. Additionally, Jordan Diaz from the A’s and Michael Toglia from the Rockies have also moved on. Xavier Isaac of the Rays rises to the top spot, while Kyle Manzardo advances from three to two with a change in organization.
The Cubs face a potential logjam in the future, with the recently acquired Michael Busch possibly settling in at first in Chicago. This could result in two players from the top 10 waiting for an opportunity at the upper levels of the system.
Here is the current ranking of the top 10 first-base prospects:
1. Xavier Isaac, Rays (2026)
2. Kyle Manzardo, Guardians (2024)
3. Nolan Schanuel, Angels (2024)
4. Abimelec Ortiz, Rangers (2025)
5. Tyler Locklear, Mariners (2024)
6. Matt Mervis, Cubs (2024)
7. Blaze Jordan, Red Sox (2025)
8. Nathan Martorella, Padres (2025)
9. Spencer Horwitz, Blue Jays (2024)
10. Haydn McGeary, Cubs (2025)
The top tools assessment includes:
– Hit: Nolan Schanuel (60)
– Power: Xavier Isaac (65)
– Run: Nolan Schanuel (50)
– Arm: Xavier Isaac, Nolan Schanuel, Tyler Locklear, Matt Mervis, Blaze Jordan, Nathan Martorella, Haydn McGeary (50)
– Field: Xavier Isaac, Kyle Manzardo, Nolan Schanuel (50)
Superlatives are assigned as follows:
– Highest ceiling: Xavier Isaac
– Highest floor: Nolan Schanuel
– Rookie of the Year Award candidate: Kyle Manzardo
– Highest riser: Abimelec Ortiz
– Humblest beginning: Haydn McGeary
– Most to prove: Matt Mervis
– Keep an eye on: Garrett Forrester, Pirates
