After waiting all winter, MLB’s Opening Day is Thursday. The much-anticipated 2025 season is about to kick off, and below are the top 10 catchers, first basemen, second basemen, third basemen, and shortstops heading into Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Catchers:
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 12: William Contreras #24 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts to a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at American Family Field on August 12, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
1. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers: Contreras enters 2025 after finishing last season with 23 home runs, 92 RBI, and a .365 OBP.
2. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 9: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates after hitting a walk-off single to defeat the Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium on April 9, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
Perez enters 2025 with four straight seasons of 23+ home runs and 76+ RBI.
3. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
Raleigh finished 2024 with a second straight season of 30+ home runs and 75+ RBI.
4. Shea Langeliers, Athletics
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 01: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Oakland Athletics drives in two runs with a double in the tenth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 01, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Langeliers enters 2025 after having his best Major League season finishing with 29 home runs, 80 RBI, and a .739 OPS.
5. Yainer Diaz, Houston Astros
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 01: Ronel Blanco #56 celebrates with Yainer Diaz #21 of the Houston Astros after pitching a no hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Diaz finished his second full season with 16 home runs, a career-best 84 RBI, and a .299 average.
6. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his three run home run, to take a 7-1 lead over the San Diego Padres, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
2024 may have been a “down year” but Smith reached 20 home runs and 75 RBI.
7. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 04: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles gets a lead-off hit in the first inning during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 4, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Baltimore catcher came close to a career year but finished 2024 with 19 home runs and 79 RBI.
8. Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds
2024 was Stephenson’s best season, reaching 19 home runs and 66 RBI.
9. Logan O’Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels
O’Hoppe enters 2025 looking to build off his strong 2024 season that saw him finish with 20 home runs and 56 RBI.
10. Ryan Jeffers, Minnesota Twins
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 20: Ryan Jeffers #27 of the Minnesota Twins runs against the Detroit Tigers on April 20, 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
Jeffers finished a career year in 2024 with 21 home runs, 64 RBI, and three stolen bases.
First Base:
TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 13: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 Jr. of Toronto Blue Jays swings against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on August 13, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays: Guerrero Jr. finished 2024 with 30 home runs, 103 RBI, and a .323 average.
2. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 22: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies is congratulated by Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies after hitting a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 22, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Harper saw a power resurgence, finishing last season with 30 home runs and 87 RBI.
3. Luis Arraez, San Diego Padres
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 28: Luis Arraez #4 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run on a single by Jurickson Profar #10 during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park on May 28, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Arraez enters 2025 with three straight seasons of 200+ hits.
4. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 17: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on August 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
2024 was a down year, but Freeman finished with a .282 average, 22 home runs, and 89 RBI.
5. Christian Walker, Houston Astros
Walkers joins the Astros for 2025 after finishing last season with 26 home runs and 84 RBI as a member of the Diamondbacks.
6. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 30: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on March 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Olson took a step back in 2024 but finished with 29 home runs and 98 RBI.
7. Michael Busch, Chicago Cubs
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 17: Michael Busch #29 of the Chicago Cubs bats during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 17, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 5-3. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Busch’s first full season saw him hit 21 home runs while driving in 65 runners.
8. Vinnie Pasquantino, Kansas City Royals
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Vinnie Pasquantino #9 of the Kansas City Royals hits a two run home run in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Pasquantino leaped in 2024 reaching 19 home runs while posting 97 RBI.
9. Josh Bell, Washington Nationals
Bell rejoins Washington in 2025 after finishing 2024 with 19 home runs and 71 RBI as a member of Miami and Arizona.
10. Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay Rays
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – AUGUST 12: Yandy Diaz #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a double during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on August 12, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
A consistent hitter, Diaz finished 2024 with 14 home runs, 65 RBI, and a .281 average.
Second Base:
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 29: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on September 29, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
1. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks: Marte had a career year in 2024 finishing with 36 home runs and 95 RBI.
2. Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 5: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Globe Life Field on September 5, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. Altuve hit a home run in each of his first three at bats. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Altuve bounced back in 2024 finishing with 20 home runs, 65 RBI, and 22 stolen bases.
3. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 09: Marcus Semien #2 of the Texas Rangers waits for a pitch during the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field on April 09, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Semien had a strong 2024 season finishing with 23 home runs, 74 RBI, and eight stolen bases.
4. Luis Garcia Jr., Washington Nationals
2024 was Garcia Jr.’s best season where he hit 18 home runs, drove in 70 runs, and stole 22 bases.
5. Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 29: Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs bats in a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.(Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
Hoerner put together a third straight strong season with a .273 average, seven home runs, and 31 stolen bases.
6. Brice Turang, Milwaukee Brewers
Turang capped off a career year in 2024 reaching seven home runs, 57 RBI, and 50 stolen bases.
7. Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 02: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates a double during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 02, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Stott enters 2025 after finishing last season with 11 home runs, 57 RBI, and 32 stolen bases.
8. Colt Keith, Detroit Tigers
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 08: Colt Keith #33 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at T-Mobile Park on July 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Keith’s rookie season saw him reach 13 home runs, 61 RBI, and seven stolen bases.
9. Andres Gimenez, Toronto Blue Jays
Gimenez enters 2025 after finishing a second straight season with 60+ RBI, 9+ home runs, and 30 stolen bases.
10. Jonathan India, Kansas City Royals
India enters 2025 with Kansas City after finishing 2024 with 15 home runs, 58 RBI, and 13 stolen bases as a member of the Reds.
Third Base:
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 30: James Karinchak #99 of the Cleveland Guardians (C) with catcher Bo Naylor #23 and third baseman Jose Ramirez #11during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
1. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians: There’s no better third baseman than Ramirez, and the Guardian is coming off a career year with 39 home runs, 118 RBI, and 41 stolen bases.
2. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 14: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 and Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres react after a home run by Machado during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Machado capped off another consistent season in 2024 finishing with 29 home runs, 105 RBI, and 11 stolen bases.
3. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 02: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field on August 2, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
A move to first base, in 2025, is likely, but Devers finished 2024 with 28 home runs and 83 RBI.
4. Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox
Bregman joins Boston in 2025 after finishing 2024 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in his last season with the Astros.
5. Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks
Suarez finished his first season in Arizona with 30 home runs and 101 RBI.
6. Jake Burger, Texas Rangers
Burger joins Texas, moving to first base, after finishing 2024 with 29 home runs and 76 RBI with Miami.
7. Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 23: Matt Chapman #26 of the San Francisco Giants reacts in the dugout after hitting a three run home run on May 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Chapman saw a resurgence in power finishing 2024 with 27 home runs and 78 RBI.
8. Alex Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 15: Alec Bohm #28 of Philadelphia Phillies hits in the semi-final during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Bohm finished 2024 with back-to-back seasons of 15+ home runs and 97 RBI.
9. Christopher Morel, Tampa Bay Rays
Morel finished 2024 with 21 home runs, 60 RBI, and eight stolen bases.
10. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals
ST LOUIS, MO – JUNE 29: Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Busch Stadium on June 29, 2021 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
2024 saw a down year, but Arenado finished with 16 home runs and 71.
Shortstop:
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 20: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals hits an infield single during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium on April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
1. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: Witt Jr. enters 2025 as one of the best shortstops and players in MLB after finishing 2024 with 211 hits, 32 home runs, 109 RBI, and 31 stolen bases.
2. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run ground-rule double in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on May 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Even during a down year, Betts finished 2024 with 19 home runs, 75 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.
3. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 02: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a run during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 02, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Henderson enters 2025 coming off his best season finishing with 37 home runs, 92 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.
4. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 30: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Atlanta Braves d”uring a game at Citizens Bank Park on March 30, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Turner finished 2024 with 21 home runs, 62 RBI, and 19 stolen bases.
5. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 26: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets reacts after scoring against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Citi Field on June 26, 2024 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Lindor enters 2025 after back-to-back seasons with 30+ home runs, 91+ RBI, and 29+ stolen bases.
6. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 03: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Reds 5-3. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
De La Cruz had a monster first full season finishing with 25 home runs, 76 RBI, and 67 stolen bases.
7. Ezequiel Tovar, Colorado Rockies
Tovar is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign finishing with 26 home runs and 78 RBI.
8. Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants
Adames joins San Francisco in 2025 after finishing 2024 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, and 21 stolen bases with Milwaukee.
9. CJ Abrams, Washington Nationals
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 20: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on April 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Abrams enters 2025 after finishing last season with a career-best season reaching 20 home runs, 65 RBI, and 31 steals.
10. Zach Neto, Los Angeles Angels
Neto finished his first full season reaching 23 home runs, 77 RBI, and 30 stolen bases.
