First base in Major League Baseball is experiencing significant changes, with teams struggling to find consistent talent at the position. In 2024, first basemen recorded a batting average of just .246 and an OPS of .736, indicating a notable decline. This has prompted discussions about the evolving responsibilities of first basemen, with many players transitioning from other positions rather than being traditional towering sluggers. Current stars like Freddie Freeman and Pete Alonso represent the dwindling number of classic first basemen, raising questions about the future of the role.

The decline in production at first base can be attributed to several factors, including shifts in player development strategies and an increased emphasis on athleticism over size. Former players, including Keith Hernandez and Mark Teixeira, reflect on how the profile of a first baseman has changed, now favoring agility and defensive capabilities over the traditional power-hitting profile. The retirement of legends like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera has left a gap that the league has not yet filled, suggesting a potential cyclical downturn in first base talent.