Over the last decade, third base has provided the most depth in fantasy baseball. However, Alex Rodriguez and Aramis Ramirez have recently been slowed by injuries, Mark Reynolds has struggled to make contact consistently, and the Nationals and Mets have offered little lineup support for their big bats at third base: David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman.
On the other hand, the Pirates have a mega-prospect manning third base, and Blue Jays fans sought cover last season when Jose Bautista took his swings at the plate.
There is still plenty of talent at the position, however, after the top five third basemen are off the draft board, the picks get a little more risky.
Here’s a look at the top 10 third basemen in the Major Leagues.
1) David Wright, 3B, Mets
Though Wright’s average fell below .300 for the first time since his rookie season, 2010 was an important season for Wright, as he bounced back with 29 home runs and 103 RBI. It’s his combination of power, speed, and a high average that make him a safer pick than Evan Longoria. Plus, Wright should have some more support in the lineup this season, assuming Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and Jason Bay can stay healthy.
2) Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
While the steals and batting average reached career highs last season, Longoria’s home-run total declined. While it should tick up this season, there are some concerns with whether the Rays will have runners on base with both Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford signing with big-market clubs.
3) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
Rodriguez tells us that he is in the best shape since his glory days a few years back but Rodriguez is also now in his mid-30s and his average and runs have declined for three successive seasons.
4) Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
A move to Texas should do Beltre well, as 30-home runs and 100-plus RBI are both realistic targets. He just has to prove that he remains motivated now that he is no longer playing for a big contract.
5) Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
While Zimmerman gains Jayson Werth in the Nats line-up he also loses Josh Willingham and Adam Dunn. This isn’t the best sign for a slugger who had just 85 RBI last season despite 25 dingers.
6) Jose Bautista, 3B/OF, Blue Jays
Bautista posted one of the greatest all-time seasons but that does not guarantee an encore. He is a particularly big gamble for fantasy managers since Bautista does not contribute in any of the non-power categories such as steals and average.
7) Mark Reynolds, 3B, Orioles
Reynolds moves to a nice hitter’s ballpark with greater support in the lineup. That does not necessarily erase his issues from last season, when Reynolds could not finish with his average north of the Mendoza line (.198 average).
8) Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
Injuries have certainly limited Ramirez’s career, which is a shame because he is one of the better-slugging third basemen of his generation. He somehow mustered 25 home runs last season despite missing a quarter of the season due to injury.
9) Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pirates
This is the player that Pirates fans should be most excited about. In just 95 games, Alvarez blasted 16 home runs and 21 doubles with 64 RBI. He also carries some momentum, blasting four home runs in his final eight games of the 2010 season.
10) Martin Prado, 3B/2B/OF, Braves
The elite utility player in the game, Martin Prado is simply a steady hitter who has added some power to his repertoire. Fantasy managers can depend on Prado for a .300 average with solid run production.