Undeniably the deepest position in all of baseball, the talent is tantalizing and to drool for; third base is a fantasy baseball drafters heavenly palace where the talent and shiny stats just keep coming. It's not just gritty, old veterans that are still somehow managing to post middling to impressive offensive numbers, while holding their own at the hot corner, but a fiery bunch of premier young talent that is bursting onto the scene for years to come. The list is headlined by the first three players that will be playing the 2017 season at 26 years old or younger, which just speaks to the relative flow of youth that is taking the MLB by storm, and encourages many to strap in for the long run, pay for an MLB.com seasonal subscription, and get a front row seat to watch baseballs boppers pound pitches relentlessly over the outfield fences. It's funny to an extent just how good third base is, and how the position alone can put your fantasy team on its back, as most if not all of these players are legitimate middle-of-the-order power threats that have few to no holes in their game. There is so much depth to the position that even if you are playing in a twelve man league or deeper, missing out on the top-ten third base options isn't the end of the world, as folks like Todd Frazier, Jake Lamb, and Jung Ho Kang. Now, of course, these guys aren't top flight fantasy studs, but they provide stability and a decent trade record, as opposed to going out on a limb and drafting a less heralded option, or unknown quantity. But, the bigger question is which of these franchise cornerstones will be both the both the best and most available option come draft day for your lineup.
These rankings are solely based off of offensive capability and track record, and no consideration is given for defensive prowess or spectacular plays on the field.
1. Manny Machado BAL
2016 Stats: .294/.343/.533, 37 HR, 96 RBI, 105 R, 0 SB
2017 Projections: .288/.340/.544, 44 HR, 105 RBI, 108 R, 2 SB
A sure bet to be part of the historic 2018 free agent class, Machado has not disappointed thus far, and putting offensively superior stats than what he has done already will be hard to do. Nonetheless, playing in the confines of friendly Camden Yards, and surrounded by Chris Davis, Jonathan Schoop, and Adam Jones in the lineup, and still only 24 years old this season, Machado is set for stardom. The fact that he will be a free agent at such a young and ripe age, like his counterpart Bryce Harper, screams for him to fetch one of the most impressive contracts in MLB history yet, but not so fast, this is all based off the fact that he will be able to continue his power production and exceptional defense at third base. His payday will come, but the real question is whether or not you should draft him in the top five picks? He'll get upwards of 700 plate appearances, and should be on pace to clear the 40 homerun plateau sooner rather than later; take him while he's still available, he's a force to be reckoned with.
2. Nolan Arenado COL
2016 Stats: .294/.362/.570, 41 HR, 133 RBI, 116 R, 2 SB
2017 Projections: .301/.375/.601, 48 HR, 135 RBI, 109 R, 1 SB
Another awesome pick at the hot corner, Arenado came up in the Rockies organization as a glove first player that could hold his own with the bat, but since the tables have turned. Arenado has gone from perennial gold glover at third to perennial all-star and silver slugger at the position for his dedication and hard work to perfect his art at the plate. Considering he has put up back-to-back 40+ homerun seasons, with 130+ RBI's in a star studded lineup, Arenado is ready to grip it and rip it in regards to piling up the extra base hits and RBI totals. Playing at Coors Field for half his games certainly doesn't hurt his chances, but it definitely inflates his stats, but as long as he's a Rockie, you shouldn't have to worry about a drop off in production, baring an injury. Goes hand-in-hand with Machado for potentially the best third basemen in the game, and has been producing some of the most consistent and tantalizing production at the hot corner.
3. Kris Bryant CHC
2016 Stats: .292/.385/.554, 39 HR, 102 RBI, 121 R, 8 SB
2017 Projections: .270/.369/.521, 35 HR, 99 RBI, 108 R, 6 SB
A lot of people would undoubtedly put Bryant as one of the best players in baseball, let alone the best at third base, so this may come as a surprise to some. Bryant ranks third on the list of top third-basemen due to the fact that he doesn't have as established of a track record as Machado and Arenado do. Yes, both of those two are still very young and just broke into the league a few years ago, but Bryant has major strikeout issues to go along with a very long swing plane that may limit his ability currently to high for a .300 or higher average. But, he has prodigious power, a solid lineup around him, and the windy city can sometimes play to his advantage. Bryant won't always have Zobrist, Russell, and Rizzo around him, but for the time being he anchors a very good lineup and should look for a repeat of his 2016 MVP campaign.
4. Josh Donaldson TOR
2016 Stats: .284/.404/.549, 37 HR, 99 RBI, 122 R, 7 SB, 152 OPS+
2017 Projections: .278/.387/.565, 42 HR, 97 RBI, 100 R, 4 SB
You know third base is deep when former American League MVP Josh Donaldson is sitting at fourth on the list. Still sitting right in the midst of his prime at 31 years old, and coming off back-to-back 35+ homerun seasons where he has also registered OBP's north of .370, Donaldson is an all around fantasy contributor. He won't have big bat Edwin Encarnacion around him anymore, but Jose Bautista is being welcomed back, as well as a full year of Devon Travis and a better offensive effort from Russell Martin can help Donaldson both knock in runs, and score runs. The power is there, as he finished with a .265 isolated power, which is elite compared to league average, and Donaldson even sprinkles in a few steals for good measure, and can be trusted for 155+ games when healthy.
5. Adrian Beltre TEX
2016 Stats: .300/.358/.521, 32 HR, 104 RBI, 89 R, 1 SB
2017 Projections: .297/.351/.495, 24 HR, 108 RBI, 90 R, 1 SB
There is no doubting Beltre still swings a mean stick, but the real question here is when to sell high on the 19 year veteran. He'll be playing the 2017 season at 38 years old, and has logged a lot of mileage at this point, but still fields and hits far better than the league average third basemen. Surrounded by Nomar Mazara, Jurickson Profar, Jonathan Lucroy, and Roughned Odor, Beltre has the supporting cast to knock in runs and lead a fearsome squad of hitters that could potentially be one of the best lineups in the league in 2017. If Beltre continues his trend of excellent production, there's no reason he shouldn't be able to clear .300 and hit 20 or more homeruns, but the knack for getting base hits frequently, especially in the doubles department is where Beltre is most fearsome.
6. Matt Carpenter STL
2016 Stats: .271/.380/.505, 21 HR, 68 RBI, 81 R, 0 SB
2017 Projections: .283/.391/.510, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 103 R, 1 SB
Now playing one of the physically least demanding positions on the demand, one can hypothesize that Carpenter will be able to focus on hitting more this season. Carpenter has always been a pure and excellent bat-to ball contact hitter, with great plate coverage, but fantasy owners have enjoyed his power surge the past two seasons, which is just icing on cake for someone who gets on base at least 37% of the time and can rake to the tune of hitting 50+ doubles in a full season. He's eligible at multiple positions, which definitely works to fantasy owners advantage, but if put at the top of the Cardinals lineup, he should be able to reign in close to 100 runs scored.
7. Anthony Rendon WAS
2016 Stats: .270/.348/.450, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 91 R, 12 SB
2017 Projections: .262/.342/.462, 23 HR, 87 RBI, 98 R, 8 SB
Rendon doesn't put up eye popping numbers, but can be consistent and owners have a general understanding of what they are getting from him. Excels in the stolen base category as opposed to most third basemen on the list, and can use his speed to his advantage by stretching out doubles and scoring from first on smart basing running decisions when need be. It doesn't hurt that he's backed by Bryce Harper and has Adam Eaton in the lineup as well, making for an interesting fantasy forecast this season. Just starting to reach his prime, could possibly see a spike in the power department.
8. Evan Longoria TBR
2016 Stats: .273/.318/.521, 36 HR, 98 RBI, 81 R, 0 SB
2017 Projections: .280/.329/.509, 33 HR, 102 RBI, 77 R, 2 SB
Still only 31 years old, and the model of consistency, Longoria will provide some impressive power when putting together one of his better seasons. Owns a .490 slugging percentage, and has averaged 31 homeruns per every 162 game season, but on the flip side Longoria does play at Tropicana Field, and is surrounded by a league average offense. Could certainly fight to be one of the better third basemen in the upcoming season, with as well as people know him and his trend of production, Longoria could present a low key dark horse steal for excellent production.
9. Kyle Seager SEA
2016 Stats: .278/.359/.499, 30 HR, 99 RBI, 89 R, 3 SB
2017 Projections: .269/.355/.511, 34 HR, 98 RBI, 94 R, 6 SB
Finally put together his most impressive season yet, smashing 30 homeruns and just missing 100 RBI's in a lineup anchored by Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano. Optimistically, Seager could continue his trend of getting better and better and look to boost his fantasy value with some more power, which if done so, would push him into the next tier, especially with his .260-.270 average. Not the first selection off the board obviously, but can provide good production in stretches.
10. Jose Ramirez CLE
2016 Stats: .312/.363/.462, 11 HR, 76 RBI, 84 R, 22 SB
2017 Projections: .298/.357/.426, 12 HR, 72 RBI, 108 R, 32 SB
Offers the best blend of speed and base running instincts in the top ten on this list, and also plays in a very good and much improved lineup. With Encarnacion, and if Michael Brantley ever decides to cut it out with the injury setbacks, Ramirez's stats could be boosted by those two players abilities to drive in runs consistently. Plays all infield positions, so Ramirez can be deployed at other positions where his bat probably profiles better, but wouldn't be a bad fallback option if you miss on all top tier options at third. If he doesn't hit well though, and falls below .260, he could revert to a significantly below league average option, but displayed good skills at the dish next year, and should look to build off his most successful campaign yet.
