In MLB Network's "Top 10 Right Now" lists, the Rays have had a few intriguing mentions, with reliever Edwin Uceta and second baseman Brandon Lowe cracking their official lists.
The top 10 first basemen in the game, according to The Shredder!@MLBNow | #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/xOcrc26ucO
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 29, 2025
Now Yandy Diaz joins that category, as he came in 5th on the network's ranking of first basemen in all of baseball.
Diaz is coming off of a bit of a down year in 2024, especially when you factor in his batting-title-winning 2023, but he was still a very productive player. The Cuban infielder posted a 120 wRC+, but unfortunately only an fWAR of around 2 (1.9 to be exact, but who's counting?).
The reliable Yandy Díaz looks to put up strong numbers for @RaysBaseball in 2025! pic.twitter.com/RCm49mRE0x
— MLB (@MLB) January 28, 2025
The good news for Diaz (and the Rays), is that his usually stellar advanced marks were still great.
His hard-hit rate, chase-rate, and contact-rates were all excellent, showing Diaz' rare combination of contact, plate discipline, and power.
Unfortunately it didn't translate to nearly as much on-field success, but some of that can be explained away with luck, while his slight dips in line drive and fly ball rates could have also contributed to his power numbers decreasing a bit.
Fortunately, he has another season to improve his stock, especially since he'll be hitting free agency soon (with a club option for 2026 that isn't super likely to be picked up with the Rays' spending habits), meaning that walk year motivation could really kick in.
In honor of Diaz's place in the rankings, here's RaysColoredGlasses' first basemen rankings.
1. Freddie Freeman
Is too much value being placed on his otherworldly performance in the postseason this past year, which culminated in a World Series MVP?
Perhaps, but Freeman is also only a year removed from being an MVP candidate, and he was certainly no slouch in 2024 either, but perhaps a bit of that age is starting to show.
Regardless, he's the best in baseball at this position, although if the next guy is considered to be the best, that's probably fine, too.
2. Bryce Harper
Yeah, Harper was outstanding again last year, with a 145 wRC+ in his first full season at this new position.
He was also able to make the transition look very easy, posting a 7 OAA mark at the position; another year of that with perennial winner Christian Walker in the American League and Harper could win a Gold Glove.

3. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.
Which Vladdy is the real Vladdy; the guy from last year, who looked like one of the best hitters in baseball for the second half of the season, or the guy in 2023 who struggled to hit for power, or the MVP candidate from 2022?
Maybe something in the middle, but that still makes for an excellent player, an easy number 3 on this list.
4. Matt Olson
Another guy who had a rough year (like Yandy Diaz), Olson was (like Freeman) an MVP-caliber player in 2023, but struggled at times in 2024.

He still ended up with a fine 117 wRC+ and rebounded defensively from a weird down year in 2023 in that area, so while he could be higher on this list come next season, this feels about right for him.
5. Christian Walker
GASP! Blasphemy to be ranking Yandy Diaz lower than the original list, but unfortunately he's not better than Walker, and he's definitely not better than Olson or the other 3 guys mentioned previously.
Walker is still an elite defender; he spent a lot of time on the injured list last season, but health and the Crawford Boxes in Houston spells for a very exciting bounceback candidate for 2025.
6. Pete Alonso
Man, it seems like harsh treatment for Yandy, but Alonso is a thumper.
He doesn't do much else, but he hits a bunch of home runs, and that's still a valuable trait, even for an average first baseman defensively.

His volume is also super impressive, with him barely ever missing any action.
His impending free agency is an interesting storyline to monitor for the rest of the offseason, as his value isn't super high especially as he ages, but he can still be a fun piece for a team looking to add some healthy long ball production.
7. Yandy Diaz
Alright, now here's what you've been waiting for; Diaz is great. Don't get it twisted.
But the dip in production last year was concerning, and the hope that he can regain that 2023 magic might be overly optimistic, but he can still be a very good player in 2025.
8. Willson Contreras
Will he be able to make the switch from catcher to first? Probably; he's a very good athlete, and first just isn't that hard (despite what Moneyball might say).
His bat will very much play, as he had another good year offensively in 2024, but got banged up behind the dish and had to miss time.
The hope is that his transition to first will be smooth enough and that he'll hit more playing a less demanding position.
9. Triston Casas
Another bounceback candidate, similar to Walker, Casas missed a lot of time to injury, but he's got one of the biggest upsides on this list.
He's hit to the tune of a 125 wRC+ in about a season and a half's worth of action in his career, but he's got massive pop and a great approach.
10. Vinnie Pasquantino (WC)
Vinnie P is one of the more fun follows on social media, but he's also an interesting, maybe even productive player.
When he missed time last season the Royals really felt it; while that impact is hard to quantify, and he doesn't look like a terribly valuable player when just looking at the numbers, there's something to be said about a vibes pick, and Vinny P certainly qualifies.
Plus, he hit really well in a short stint in 2022, meaning the chance for a big year is certainly there, making him a good wild card pick for this list.