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Ranking the Top 20 Third Basemen for Dynasty Drafts

The third base future looks bright, as should your dynasty squad.

Let’s continue moving around the field and ranking the top dynasty options at each position! With third base, this is one of two infield spots that has a little bit of everything. Annual MVP contenders, risky but rewarding picks, steady veterans, and younger players that can pay dividends for years to come. Which players do you need to know, and how do the numbers say those players will perform in the coming years compared to their peers?

Be sure to head over to the Pitcher List dynasty page to check out other helpful articles, such as Martin Sekulski’s new-look Dynasty 350 ahead of 2025!

All statistics are courtesy of FanGraphs and Dan Szymborksi’s ZiPS projection system.

 

José Ramírez

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .265 AVG | .337 OBP | .478 SLG | .815 OPS | 26 HR | 91 R | 96 RBI | 26 SB

Top 5: RBI (1st) | R (2nd) | SB (3rd) | AVG (3rd) | SLG (3rd) | OPS (3rd) | OBP (4th)

Bottom 5: Age (19th)

 

José Ramírez further cemented his status as one of baseball’s elite in 2024, nearly posting a 40/40 season with a career-high-tying 39 home runs, a personal-best 41 stolen bases, and 114 runs scored in 158 games. After a slow April, he quickly found his groove, launching 11 homers in May and swiping 14 bags in August—both career-best monthly totals. His pull-heavy, fly-ball approach may not stand out on Statcast leaderboards, but it consistently delivers results—he has topped 23 home runs and 20 steals in every full season since 2017. Looking ahead, hitting second in the Guardians’ lineup behind emerging bats like Kyle Manzardo, Carlos Santana, and Lane Thomas could increase his plate appearances and enhance his RBI and run-scoring opportunities.

From a dynasty perspective, Ramírez remains the safest third-base investment, if not the top overall fantasy player at the position. Since his 2017 breakout, he has finished as a top-three fantasy third baseman every year, with the exception of a partially injury-shortened 2019. While replicating his explosive month-long hot streaks may be unrealistic, his year-end production remains incredibly consistent—offering a high batting average, elite counting stats, and rare stolen-base upside at a position lacking speed. Even in his early 30s, there are no signs of decline, making him a cornerstone piece for championship-level rosters in dynasty formats.

 

Rafael Devers

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .264/.345/.492 | .837 OPS | 28 HR | 85 R | 92 RBI | 3 SB

Top 5: OBP (1st) | SLG (1st) | OPS (1st) | HR (3rd) |R (4th) | RBI (5th)

Bottom 5: None

 

Rafael Devers is perched near the top of dynasty rankings thanks to his exceptional power profile and high on-base potential. Since 2019, he’s maintained a .285/.352/.524 line and a 131 wRC+, logging at least 600 plate appearances in five straight full seasons. Even while battling nagging shoulder injuries toward the end of 2024, he reached 27+ homers for the fourth straight year, and he has a track record of hovering above 30 home runs and 100+ RBI annually. Before his late-season fade, he was on pace for a career year—flirting with a 40-homer, 100-plus RBI breakout—only to slump after aggravating both shoulders on a diving defensive play. That drop-off notwithstanding, Devers’ ability to hit for power to all fields and rack up ample counting stats keeps him at the top of the leaderboard in OBP, SLG, and OPS projections for third basemen.

While the shoulder issues that ended his season prematurely are worth monitoring, the extended offseason rest should have Devers primed for a full return to form. Still only in his late 20s, there’s little reason to expect a permanent production dip as long as he’s healthy. With a stable floor that includes .280+ batting averages and 25–30 homers, dynasty managers can target Devers early, confident that his bat will anchor any fantasy lineup. In a best-case scenario—if he sustains the first-half tear he showed in 2024—Devers could reestablish himself as a legitimate MVP candidate, offering a ceiling that few hitters can match.

 

Austin Riley

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .271/.340/.491 | .831 OPS | 28 HR | 86 R | 87 RBI | 1 SB

Top 5: AVG (2nd) | SLG (2nd) | OPS (2nd) | HR (3rd) | R (3rd) | OBP (3rd)

Bottom 5: SB (T-17th)

 

Austin Riley remains a top-tier third base option, thanks to his near-elite projections and historically strong offensive profile, even after a roller-coaster 2024 season. A late-season wrist injury, caused by a 97 mph sinker, cut his year short but also highlighted his ability to bounce back once he finds his groove. Despite early-season power struggles and a brief decline in swing decisions late, his plus-plus raw power remains the foundation of his fantasy value.

For dynasty managers, the key takeaway is Riley’s high floor—he doesn’t need perfect plate discipline to hit for power. While streakiness could be a concern due to his shifting approach, there’s little evidence of a long-term decline. In the loaded Atlanta Braves lineup, he’s a lock for strong production in runs, RBI, and home runs, even if the ride is a bit bumpier than his 2022 breakout suggested. Expect a return to 30-plus (likely 35-plus) homers with steady four-category production, making Riley a dynasty cornerstone.

 

Royce Lewis

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .251/.311/.445 | .756 OPS | 25 HR | 84 R | 91 RBI | 7 SB

Top 5: R (T-5th)

Bottom 5: OBP (17th)

 

Royce Lewis might be the biggest boom-or-bust third baseman in fantasy, carrying a highly enticing blend of power and speed that could push him into the elite tier when healthy. In just 605 career plate appearances, he has slashed .268/.327/.497 with 33 home runs and six stolen bases—production that mirrors a top-15 to top-20 overall fantasy hitter. His .251/.311/.445 projection for the next few seasons undersells his upside, as evidenced by explosive stretches like his 10-homer tear in 24 games before injuries cut his season short. His multi-positional eligibility in some leagues only adds to his fantasy appeal, but the looming injury concerns remain significant.

From a dynasty perspective, the biggest question is whether Lewis can stay on the field long enough to maximize his potential. Repeated lower-body injuries and a recent moderate hamstring strain—which will cost him Opening Day—have prevented him from reaching even 350 plate appearances in a single season. When healthy, however, he’s a game-changer for the Minnesota Twins. If he can manage 130 games, his fantasy managers will reap massive rewards, making him a worthy early-round gamble in long-term formats. If you’re willing to embrace the risk, Lewis has the power-speed upside to be a league-winner.

 

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .253/.321/.451 | .772 OPS | 27 HR | 79 R | 90 RBI | 32 SB

Top 5: SB (1st) | HR (5th) | OPS (T-5th)

Bottom 5: None

 

Jazz Chisholm Jr. offers an electric fantasy profile, made even more appealing by his move from Miami to the Bronx last season. After joining the New York Yankees, his hard-hit rate jumped to 48.5%, and he racked up 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases in just 46 games. Chisholm split time between the outfield and third base, with the potential to add second-base eligibility in 2025, making him a valuable multi-position fantasy asset. Despite a drop in lineup spot after the trade—hitting in the top four just six times in 46 games—his power-speed combo suggests he could push for a 30–30 season if he stays healthy.

From a dynasty perspective, Chisholm’s upside is immense, but there are clear warning signs. Advanced metrics, including his .316 xwOBA, 9.7% barrel rate, and 24.5% strikeout rate (33rd percentile), indicate he may have overperformed. Additionally, the Yankees’ offseason moves could push him further down the batting order, limiting his counting stats. Injuries have also been a recurring concern, adding risk for managers investing an early dynasty pick. Still, Chisholm’s elite speed, developing power, and multi-position potential make him a justifiable high-upside gamble—just be prepared for volatility and have a reliable backup plan.

 

Jordan Westburg

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .260/.321/.443 | .764 OPS | 19 HR | 80 R | 82 RBI | 7 SB

Top 5: AVG (T-5th)

Bottom 5: HR (T-17th)

 

Jordan Westburg continues to look like a rising star at third base—both in real life and fantasy—after slashing .264/.312/.481 with 18 home runs and earning an All-Star nod in 2024. He’s improved his contact quality, cutting his popup rate from 12% to 6% and converting more flares into barrels, pushing his expected slugging into MLB’s top 10%. A late-season broken hand limited his overall counting stats, but he still managed plenty of extra-base hits. His well-rounded offensive profile points to a significant jump in value and playing time, and his strong spring—despite a brief back soreness setback—signals he’ll be ready for 2025.

For dynasty managers, Westburg’s multi-positional eligibility (primarily third base, with some second base time) is a major asset. He projects for a .260 average (fifth-best in these rankings) and around 19 homers, but his underlying metrics suggest even more power potential. Ranked in the top 20% for xBA, xwOBA, and speed, he’s a safe bet for well-rounded production. While breaking balls remain a weakness, his consistent success against fastballs and improved performance versus off-speed pitches hint at further upside. If he stays healthy, Westburg profiles as a perennial All-Star candidate in an elite Baltimore Orioles lineup, making him a top-10 third baseman and trending toward a top-50 dynasty player overall.

 

Mark Vientos

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .249/.313/.460 | .772 OPS | 30 HR | 74 R | 96 RBI | 0 SB

Top 5: RBI (T-1st) | HR (2nd) | SLG (T-4th) | OPS (T-5th)

Bottom 5: R (T-15th) | OBP (15th) | SB (20th)

 

Mark Vientos stands out for his prodigious power, with a projected 30 home runs and a .460 slugging percentage, signaling middle-of-the-order RBI potential. He made notable strides in his hit tool in 2024, increasing his sweet-spot percentage (24.2% to 34.6%) and lowering his ground-ball rate (51.7% to 44%), allowing him to tap into his hard-hit skills more effectively. As a result, he crushed fastballs, hitting .329 with 18 home runs, but struggled against breaking balls (.169, 6 HR) and remains near the bottom of the league in whiff rate. The outcome is a one-dimensional but dangerous power profile—if pitchers start throwing him fewer fastballs, his batting average could take a hit unless he adjusts.

For dynasty managers, Vientos remains a classic power gamble with star potential if he continues refining his approach and building on his 2024 quality-of-contact gains. Hitting behind an elite run producer (like a Juan Soto-type bat) would only boost his RBI upside. However, his 30% strikeout rate and zero stolen base threat mean managers must compensate for potential batting-average risk elsewhere. If he sustains last year’s adjustments, Vientos could be a difference-maker in home runs and RBI as he enters his prime at age 25.

 

Coby Mayo

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .245/.320/.439 | .759 OPS | 24 HR | 80 R | 91 RBI | 4 SB

Top 5: Age (3rd)

Bottom 5: AVG (15th)

 

Coby Mayo has rapidly climbed the prospect ranks since being selected in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, fueled by some of the best raw power in the minor leagues. Standing at 6’5” and 230 pounds, he’s already logged consecutive seasons of 25+ home runs and has the underlying metrics (high exit velocities, lofty launch angles, and a strong pull-side approach) to project 35+ homers at the MLB level. His Triple-A production (.279/.376/.543 with 34 homers in 151 games) underscores how potent his bat can be, and he’s now recognized as one of the Orioles’ top prospects despite a crowded system full of emerging hitters.

For dynasty managers, Mayo’s plus-plus power is the primary draw, but it comes with a need for patience. A brief MLB cameo in 2024 saw him whiff at a 45% clip over 46 plate appearances—raising concerns about how quickly his hit tool will adapt. Additionally, Baltimore’s logjam of infielders has forced him back to Triple-A, limiting his short-term opportunities for consistent big-league reps. Still, Mayo’s strong plate discipline in the minors suggests he’ll be able to adjust, and when he does, his light-tower power could make him a fixture in dynasty lineups. If you can stash him while he refines his approach, the reward could be a future fantasy cornerstone at the hot corner.

 

Manny Machado

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .258/.316/.438 | .754 OPS | 22 HR | 78 R | 84 RBI | 7 SB

Top 5: RBI (T-3rd)

Bottom 5: Age (20th)

 

Manny Machado remains one of the most reliable third basemen in fantasy, delivering consistent year-to-year production—even if it doesn’t always look that way on a game-to-game basis. He projects for a .258/.316/.438 slash line with 22 home runs, suggesting a slight dip from his peak, but his track record speaks for itself: he hasn’t hit fewer than 28 home runs since 2015. Pundits often sound alarms when Machado slumps, yet he consistently rebounds to finish with around 30 homers and 90–105 RBI, just as he did in 2024. Among active players, only Giancarlo Stanton has more 25-plus homer seasons than Machado, who is tied with Mike Trout at nine such campaigns. 2024 marked his 10th career season with at least 600 plate appearances, and he even chipped in 11 stolen bases—nearly matching his previous two seasons combined (12).

From a dynasty perspective, there’s little reason to doubt Machado’s durability or run-production ability over the next few seasons, even as the oldest player in these rankings. His walk rate has declined for four straight years, meaning his batting average may fluctuate based on batted-ball luck, but his elite contact skills and durability all but guarantee another 600-plus plate appearance season. Don’t panic if he slumps—history shows he always rebounds. In an era of volatile performances, Machado remains a dependable cornerstone at third base, offering the stability fantasy managers crave.

 

Matt Shaw

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .250/.324/.408 | .734 OPS | 20 HR | 77  R | 80 RBI | 19 SB

Top 5: Age (4th) | SB (4th)

Bottom 5: HR (T-15th) | RBI (16th) | SLG (19th) | OPS (18th)

 

Matt Shaw is one of the most exciting young hitters from the 2023 draft class, and the Chicago Cubs are already showing their trust in him. Selected 13th overall out of Maryland, Shaw has done nothing but rake in the minors, slashing .303/.383/.523 with 29 home runs and 45 stolen bases over 157 games—a profile with clear fantasy upside. Capable of playing shortstop, second, or third, he debuted at the hot corner for the Cubs in the Tokyo Series. While his immediate MLB production may not pop, his real-world performance—including a .295/.390/.541 line with seven home runs and five steals in just 33 Triple-A games—suggests he could outperform early projections once he settles in.

From a dynasty perspective, Shaw’s potential 20–20 production as a rookie makes him a high-upside option. He’s done well to limit strikeouts in the minors, but adjusting to big-league breaking balls will be key to unlocking his full potential. If he struggles early, it could lead to weak contact, but the Cubs are expected to give him ample opportunities to work through any growing pains. If you’re prioritizing youth and upside at third base or the infield in general, Shaw is well worth a look in dynasty drafts.

 

Isaac Paredes

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .242/.344/.442 | .787 OPS | 25 HR | 69  R | 91 RBI | 1 SB

Top 5: OBP (2nd) | OPS (4th)

Bottom 5: AVG (16th) | SB (T-17th) | R (20th)

 

Rarely does a new signing’s approach align with a ballpark as seamlessly as Isaac Paredes in Houston. Despite his smaller frame and modest exit velocity, Paredes excels at pulling the ball to left field—a skill that has fueled his 70 home runs over the past three seasons (2022–2024), all landing in left or left-center. Now moving to Daiken Park, one of the most hitter-friendly venues for right-handed pull hitters, he could see a significant power boost. With his already impressive on-base skills (.344 OBP projection) and solid power (.442 SLG), Paredes is poised for a noticeable uptick in home runs and RBI.

Beyond park factors, Paredes steps into a much stronger offensive environment. While the Astros lost key bats like Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, the arrival of Christian Walker, alongside Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve, keeps their lineup dangerous at the top. Paredes should have ample opportunities to drive in and score runs, elevating his fantasy ceiling in 2025. Even with limited speed (just 1 SB projected), his elite pull-hitting profile, ideal home park, and strong supporting cast make him an enticing third-base option. Managers in OBP leagues should take note of his plate discipline and RBI upside heading into the season.

 

Junior Caminero

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .260/.304/.445 | .749 OPS | 25 HR | 71 R | 88 RBI | 3 SB

Top 5: Age (1st) | AVG (T-5th)

Bottom 5: R (T-17th) | OBP (18th)

 

Junior Caminero has captured the attention of dynasty players, largely due to his youth—he’s the youngest player on this list. The potential future star of the Tampa Bay Rays boasts a high ceiling, having already dominated the minor leagues before making his MLB debut at just 19 years old. Pitcher List’s Scott Chu even noted that no one “would be shocked if Caminero put up 35-40 home runs in his first full tour of duty for the Rays,” though growing pains are expected.

As a true prospect with limited MLB experience, Caminero is an upside play in dynasty formats. His age and middle-of-the-order potential make him a strong long-term investment, but patience will be key. If you’re looking for immediate production, temper expectations. However, if you have the roster flexibility to stash a future star, Caminero could pay off in a big way. His 2025 season will be pivotal, as his career trajectory could swing significantly in either direction.

 

Alec Bohm

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .278/.331/.429 | .760 OPS | 16 HR | 70 R | 82 RBI | 4 SB

Top 5: AVG (1st) | OBP (5th)

Bottom 5: Age (15th) | SLG (15th) | HR (19th) | R (19th)

 

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm had a stellar start to the 2024 season, slashing .300 with 10 home runs and 68 RBI over 82 games while earning his first All-Star selection. However, an ice-cold second half cooled what was shaping up to be a career year, and his lackluster postseason production likely fueled some offseason trade speculation. Still, Bohm was a valuable fantasy asset in full-season formats and enters his age-28 season with room to grow.

In dynasty formats, Bohm’s value lies in his stability at the plate and the potential for incremental power gains. While he may never become a 30-homer bat, he has a path to consistent 20-homer seasons if he continues refining his approach. For managers seeking a high-floor batting average with some upside, Bohm is a safer pick than many volatile prospects. However, he offers little in stolen bases, and his home run and RBI ceiling may be lower than other established third basemen.

 

Connor Norby

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .257/.321/.430 | .751 OPS | 21 HR | 92 R | 77 RBI | 9 SB

Top 5: R (1st) | Age (5th) | SB (T-5th)

Bottom 5: RBI (18th)

 

ZiPS is high on Miami Marlins cornerman Connor Norby, projecting surprisingly strong production despite a so-so debut season split between Baltimore and Miami. The East Carolina product showed growth after joining the Marlins, finishing with an above-average OPS and seven home runs in 36 games. While swing-and-miss concerns remain at the MLB level, his power and barrel rate suggest he just needs more seasoning. Fans overlook his 94th-percentile sprint speed because he stole only three bases last year, but his above-average 2.1% stolen base attempt rate shows he’s willing to use his speed—potentially making him a sneaky steals contributor.

In dynasty leagues, Norby makes sense for managers prioritizing run-scoring potential and a balanced stat line. He may not lead your team in homers or steals, but he won’t be a liability in any category either. His OBP growth and potential RBI opportunities are worth monitoring, especially with a long leash in the Marlins’ lineup. If he builds on his late 2024 push, he could exceed projections with the right adjustments at the plate.

 

Jake Burger

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .240/.294/.460 | .754 OPS | 31 HR | 71 R | 94 RBI | 1 SB

Top 5: HR (1st) | RBI (T-3rd) | SLG (T-4th)

Bottom 5: Age (16th) | R (T-17th) | SB (T-17th) | OBP (19th)

 

The Marlins cleared the way for Norby by moving on from veteran Jake Burger, who has been well-traveled in recent years—now on his third team since 2022. That’s not necessarily a bad thing in Burger’s case, as both Texas and Miami actively traded for him. At 28 years old, he lands in a favorable spot with the Rangers and should see more RBI opportunities batting in the middle of Texas’ lineup. Burger hits the cover off the ball, ranking in the 80th percentile or better in batted-ball metrics like barrel rate and hard-hit rate. The hope is that he recaptures some of his 2023 magic in 2025 and beyond, all while still being on the right side of 30.

For dynasty managers, Burger is a solid option for immediate power production, but there are some drawbacks. His lack of speed, early-season streaky bat, and on-base struggles can be a drag in certain formats. Unlike some younger third basemen, Burger isn’t a long-term investment, but if you’re competing now and need a cheap source of home runs, he’s a viable target. If you’re rebuilding, there are younger, more well-rounded options to consider.

 

Christopher Morel

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .234/.312/.432 | .744 OPS | 26 HR | 74 R | 81 RBI | 9 SB

Top 5: SB (T-5th)

Bottom 5: R (T-15th) | OPS (T-15th) | RBI (15th) | OBP (16th) | AVG (19th)

 

Christopher Morel endured a frustrating 2024 campaign, slashing .196/.288/.346 with 21 home runs, 60 RBI, 56 runs, and eight stolen bases over 611 plate appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite those pedestrian numbers, he was one of the unluckiest hitters in baseball, posting the second-largest negative gap between his xwOBA and wOBA and the second-lowest BABIP (.233) among players with at least 500 PA. But that was last year. MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan projects Morel as one of baseball’s most improved players of 2025, and that tracks with a healthy offseason in the Rays organization.

Looking ahead to 2025, Morel remains a high-risk, high-reward gamble for fantasy managers in need of power and speed. If he can regain his early-career quality of contact and pair it with his improved plate skills, he’s a prime bounce-back candidate—especially with better batted-ball luck. His multi-position eligibility (2B, 3B, and soon-to-be OF) adds even more value as a late-draft flier. If you can stomach the risk, Morel’s power-speed combo and versatility could pay off nicely in dynasty formats.

 

Matt Chapman

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .236/.323/.422 | .744 OPS | 23 HR | 81 R | 69 RBI | 9 SB

Top 5: SB (T-5th)

Bottom 5: OPS (T-15th) | SLG (17th) | AVG (18th) | Age (18th) | RBI (19th)

 

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman enjoyed a career resurgence in his first year in the Bay, posting his best offensive season since the pandemic—good enough to secure a six-year deal with San Francisco. While his elite glove remains his calling card, his 27 home runs and career-high 15 stolen bases in 2024 are hard to ignore.

Chapman’s reliance on run production away from Oracle Park adds some uncertainty to his fantasy value, but he’s still a strong bet to be a top-10 third baseman in 2025. The real question is how long he can sustain this level of production in a pitcher-friendly home park. If he continues to pair elite exit velocities with high barrel rates, this ranking might look conservative by next year.

 

Alex Bregman

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .247/.328/.414 | .742 OPS | 20 HR | 77 R | 79 RBI | 2 SB

Top 5: None

Bottom 5: HR (T-15th) | SB (16th) | RBI (17th) | OPS (17th) | Age (17th) | SLG (18th)

 

Boston Red Sox infielder Alex Bregman may no longer be at his MVP-caliber peak, but his new home could boost his production beyond initial projections. With manager Alex Cora slotting him third behind Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers, Bregman’s RBI ceiling should be higher than many of his positional peers.

In dynasty leagues, Bregman still provides a solid floor—especially in OBP formats—but his upside isn’t what it once was. Boston’s investment in him and his 1.203 OPS this spring is encouraging, but some concerning 2024 metrics, including a 34th-percentile barrel rate and middling xwOBA, give fantasy managers a reason to pause.

 

Cam Smith

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .226/.293/.423 | .716 OPS | 19 HR | 84 R | 90 RBI | 4 SB

Top 5: Age (2nd) | R (T-5th)

Bottom 5: SLG (16th) | HR (T-17th) | OPS (19th) | AVG (20th) | OBP (20th)

 

New Houston Astros prospect Cam Smith offers youth and raw power potential as his biggest draws. The Florida State product has been red-hot this spring, slashing .423/.516/.846 through 11 games. Houston is also giving him reps in right field, a promising development that could help him break camp on the Opening Day roster. While third base remains his primary position, Smith has the athleticism and tools to handle an outfield role if needed.

In dynasty leagues, managers willing to weather early growing pains could end up with a power-hitting fixture at third base or in the outfield, depending on how Houston deploys him. However, if you’re looking for immediate production, Smith might not be the best bet—he has just 32 professional games under his belt, and throwing him straight into an Opening Day role would be a bold move, even by Houston’s standards.

 

Maikel Garcia

 

Avg. 2025-2027 ZiPS 600 PA Projections: .257/.315/.366 | .680 OPS | 7 HR | 79 R | 57 RBI | 27 SB

Top 5: SB (2nd)

Bottom 5: HR (20th) | RBI (20th) | SLG (20th) | OPS (20th)

 

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia brings one of the better speed profiles at third base, with a projected 27 stolen bases after swiping 37 in 2024. Unfortunately, that strength is offset by his lack of power and run production, especially as he’s likely to bat further down the lineup following an unsuccessful stint as the Royals’ leadoff hitter. His average and on-base percentage are serviceable, but his limited extra-base power makes him a fringe fantasy option.

For fantasy managers, Garcia’s speed can be a difference-maker if you’re desperate for steals—a rare commodity at third base. However, his lack of pop caps his ceiling, and he may settle into more of a utility or bottom-of-the-order role. Draft him for swipes, but don’t expect much in the way of home runs or RBI.

 

    One response to “Ranking the Top 20 Third Basemen for Dynasty Drafts”

    1. Babbo B says:

      Mayo’s future is not at third base.

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