The State of Third Base in Fantasy Baseball
The American League reigns supreme at third base, boasting eight of the top 11 performers in the rankings. Veteran Jose Ramirez stands as the gold standard, combining exceptional power and speed despite being 32 years old. He narrowly missed out on a 40-40 season in 2023, falling just one home run short.
Several AL veterans will add fantasy eligibility at second base early in the season. Jazz Chisholm and Alex Bregman are set to switch positions, providing fantasy managers with versatile options. Isaac Paredes, with his pull-happy swing, looks poised to replace Bregman in Houston.
Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, 21, emerges as a potential breakout star at the position. His raw power is tantalizing, and he has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with.
Injuries hindered Austin Riley’s previous form, snapping his three-year streak of 30-homer seasons. However, he remains atop the National League ranks alongside Manny Machado. In the next tier, Mark Vientos impressed with 27 home runs in 111 games with the Mets. He should have ample RBI opportunities playing full-time in a potent Mets lineup.
Matt Chapman’s resurgence in San Francisco is worth noting. He surprised everyone with 15 stolen bases while maintaining his power. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw if he earns a starting job.
Deeper Dive into the Top Performers
Jose Ramirez (CLE): Ramirez remains an elite fantasy option, combining excellent power, speed, and a high average. He is a consistent 20-20 threat and has the potential to approach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases.
Austin Riley (ATL): Riley is a power hitter with a strong on-base percentage. He is expected to bounce back from his injury-hampered 2023 season and reclaim his status as a top-10 fantasy third baseman.
Manny Machado (SD): Machado is one of the most well-rounded players in baseball, providing power, speed, and a strong batting average. He is a consistent fantasy producer and a valuable asset to any team.
Mark Vientos (NYM): Vientos has emerged as a rising star for the Mets. He combines excellent power with a solid hit tool. With the opportunity to play full-time, he has the potential to be a top fantasy producer.
Matt Chapman (SF): Chapman surprised many with his breakout season in San Francisco. He showed that he can still be a power hitter while adding an unexpected element of speed to his game. He is a potential steal if he can repeat his 2023 performance.
Junior Caminero (TB): Caminero is a young player with immense raw power. He has shown flashes of brilliance in the minors and could be a breakout star in 2024 if given the opportunity. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his development.
Conclusion
The American League dominates the top of the third base rankings, but the National League has several intriguing options. Jose Ramirez remains the gold standard, while Austin Riley, Manny Machado, and Mark Vientos are all capable of producing at a high level. Matt Chapman has emerged as a potential sleeper, and Junior Caminero could be a breakout star. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to these players and make sure to draft them accordingly.
