We continue our look at Major League Baseball’s best at each position in fantasy with the third basemen. It’s a deep position, but there are a few who stand out more than the rest. Here’s a look at our top ten fantasy baseball third basemen in 2023, starting with a slugger from Seattle.
Related: 2023 MLB Fantasy: Ranking the Top 10 First Basemen
10. Eugenio Suarez
We could have went with Yandy Diaz or a bounce back candidate like Anthony Rendon, but we’ll start off with Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Suarez finished 2022 with the third-most home runs (31) among third basemen, and the seventh-most RBIs (87). The one issue that does hold back Suarez’s fantasy value is the batting average. While Suarez does have solid plate discipline, the power hitter will tend to whiff often, and get fooled on the breaking ball. The 31-year-old struck out 196 times in 2022, the second-most of all hitters in the league.
If you can stomach a lower batting average, Suarez should provide some punch in a formidable Mariners lineup this season.
9. Matt Chapman
Much like with Eugenio Suarez, don’t expect particularly a high batting average from Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman. Do, however, expect a lot of power and RBIs from the 29-year-old. In his first season in Toronto, Chapman hit .229/.324/.433 with 55 extra base hits, 76 runs batted in, and 83 runs scored. Chapman has cracked 27 home runs in each of the last two seasons, and has been among the league’s best in terms of Hard Hit% and exit velocity.
In a deep Blue Jays lineup, Chapman will be called upon to keep the line moving for Toronto. Just be mindful that he will strike out a lot.
8. Max Muncy
We already touched on Dodgers infielder Max Muncy in our look at the best fantasy second basemen. Muncy, who’s eligible at both second and third in fantasy leagues, did not produce up to his standards in Los Angeles last season, But the 32-year-old did have a resurgent second half, and looked much more like the Max Muncy we’ve become accustomed to over the past four years.
7. Alex Bregman
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was arguably the most valuable player at the position from 2018-19, as the two-time World Series champion smashed 72 home runs and 215 RBIs in that span. Bregman’s numbers in recent seasons have dipped from those gaudy totals, but the 28-year-old did hit 23 home runs and drove in 93 for the Astros last year. The former LSU star’s 93 RBIs ranked as the fourth-most among players at the position in 2022.
If Bregman can regain his stroke from 2018-19, the Astros infielder could be a steal. But even if he produces similar numbers from 2022 again, it’s hard to complain with those numbers.
6. Rafael Devers
Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers has been one of the league’s most potent power hitters over the last four seasons, thanks to a good approach at the plate and tremendous strength. The 26-year-old cracked 27 home runs, 88 RBIs, and batted .295 for Boston last season. Just four other third basemen and seven players in the league hit at least 25 home runs and drove in 80 runs, all while hitting at least .280 in the 2022 campaign.
With no Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez gone, and Trevor Story out for at least most of this year, Devers’ fantasy value is set to take a hit. Nonetheless, Devers should be able to hit 25 home runs for the fourth straight full season, provided he stay healthy.
5. Bobby Witt Jr.
Primarily a shortstop, Royals infielder Bobby Witt Jr. is eligible to play at third after over 50 games played at the position last year. Witt Jr. had an explosive first season in the Majors, one that saw the 22-year-old hit 20 home runs, swipe 30 bags, score 82 runs, and drive in 80 for the Royals. Just nine players in all of baseball last season hit the 20-20 marker, and only five recorded 20+ HR, 20+ SB, 80+ R, and 80+ RBI in MLB.
While Witt Jr. did record a sub-.300 OBP in 2022 and was fairly aggressive at the plate, it’s hard not to be impressed with the tools that the Royals star possesses.
4. Austin Riley
Not many players that play third base at the MLB level can match the power of Austin Riley. The Braves infielder had yet another strong season in Atlanta in 2022. Riley hit a career-high 38 home runs and drove in 93 runs for Atlanta. The 25-year-old also led all NL players in total bases (325).
Riley hit 71 home runs between 2021-22, and should be a great source of power yet again in 2023.
3. Nolan Arenado
Cardinals third baseman and NL MVP finalist Nolan Arenado‘s 2022 season was impressive. For the seventh time in his career, Arenado hit at least 30 home runs and drove in at least 100 runs in a single season. It’s almost impossible to knock anything on Arenado’s game, as the seven-time All-Star has proven be consistent and provide elite production on a yearly basis.
Despite another strong season, Arenado does end up third on our list.
2. Manny Machado
Padres star Manny Machado put up incredible numbers in San Diego last season. Machado hit .298/.367/.531 with 32 home runs, 100 runs scored, 102 RBIs, and pitched in nine steals as well. The Padres star was in rarefied air last year, as just four players in baseball last season hit 30 home runs, drove in 100 runs, and batted at least .280.
Machado profiles to be right back in the middle of an impressive Padres lineup. That should mean a fair amount of RBI opportunities, and quite possibly another brilliant season for the six-time All-Star.
1. José Ramírez
No third baseman in baseball last season had as many RBIs (126) than Guardians star José Ramírez. Ramírez proved to be the dog in last season among third basemen. The Guardians infielder posted a very solid .280/.355/.514 slash line, along with 29 home runs, 90 runs scored, and stole 20 bases as well.
An elite hitter that can hit for power, can drive in runs, and accumulate stolen bases, Ramírez enters the 2023 campaign as the top third baseman in fantasy.
