Third base has always been one of my favorite positions in fantasy baseball. It’s a power position that has been relatively deep over the years and there always seems to be an up-and-coming power bat that turns my head. 

 

 

 

Since the late-90s, when fantasy sports had a major surge thanks to the internet, names like Eric Chavez, Adrian Beltre, Garrett Atkins and Hank Blalock were staples on my fantasy baseball dynasty leagues. Standard keeper leagues as well. 

Even now, there remains a strong wave of young third-base-qualifying talent from guys like Gunnar Henderson to Junior Caminero, though, for the most part, the key names to grab in re-draft this season are the veterans. Let’s take a look at who to grab and at what point in your fantasy baseball draft. 

ADP Pockets for the Third Base Position

Tier 1 (Rounds 2-3):

As you can see, no one is grabbing a third baseman in the first round, so if you grabbed someone who flashes some speed in the first round, now is a great time to grab your third baseman and take advantage of the power. Everyone here swings a strong bat with Riley and Devers leading the power surge. Ramirez will still steal you some bases, as will De La Cruz and Henderson, so if you drafted someone like Aaron Judge or Juan Soto or even Spencer Strider, then the latter three may be your best bet. Nothing wrong with doubling down on power. Just saying.

Tier 2 (Rounds 4-5):

For now, the lean is power, but Lewis has a very strong chance to become more of a five-category player and the Twins have been vocal about his development. At 24-years-old, he’s still adding muscle to that 6-foot-2 frame, so I’m more inclined to draft him here regardless of how I’ve built my team through the first three rounds. Machado is power only. Great power at that, but he’s not offering any speed and the batting average could use a little help here in the latter part of his career.

Tier 3 (Rounds 7-10):

All very reliable options, though Kim profiles better as a second baseman for you. For the other four, you’re looking at 20-30 home run power. Good solid additions to any fantasy lineup. Steer does offer double-digit steals and he’s got outfield eligibility as well, so if you’re looking for more balance through the categories than just straight power, I like him a lot.

Tier 4 (Rounds 12-16):

You’ve actually got bigger power in this tier than the one above. Burger is a hot commodity this spring in fantasy drafts, Paredes is big power and multi-position eligibility but neither are going to help you with batting average. For me, Bohm and Hayes sit right in the middle. You can get 20 homers from them and maybe a handful of steals and a middling average and OBP.

Tier 5 (Rounds 17-20):

We’ll start with the elephant in the room – Noelvi Marte. So disappointing. This is where his ADP has been over the past two weeks, but it is about to take a massive tumble. Suspended for 80 games pushes Marte all the way down to Tier 7 and right after the guys who actually have starting jobs. If you can stash him on an IL and it doesn’t cost you anything, then I’d be willing to take a look as a corner infielder for the second half, but even then, I’m skeptical.

Tier 6 (Rounds 22-26):

This tier is about upside and faith. Upside for guys like Caminero, Keith and Westburg. Faith in guys like Chapman and Suarez. Personally, I’d leave Caminero alone as he is blocked by Isaac Paredes at third and the Rays hate bringing their kids up early anyway. I also have no interest in Castro who isn’t even a full-time player. Keith interests me the most here as he is expected to start at second base for the Tigers and there is decent power potential. To be able to move him off the hot corner 10 games into the season means you can pick him up late as a corner infielder and then use him wherever you like. If you are simply looking for straight power and don’t have batting average concerns, then both Chapman and Suarez should suit your build properly, as both should give you at least 20-25 homers here.

Tier 7 (Rounds 27 & beyond):

I have interest in three players down here and have happily taken them all as corner infielders or depth plays. LeMahieu is batting leadoff for the Yankees, so if he can bounce back even just a little with his average and on-base skills, he’s going to see mad runs scored this season. Baty is the typical post-hype sleeper as no one is on him now. That keeps me interested, especially after all the hype last year. And, of course, Busch is a solid play for me. He’s going to be at first base for the Cubs this season and he’s had some nice prospect buzz on him from when he was coming up in the Dodgers organization. Very happy to land him late, but watch the potential ADP climb for him.

*Round assignments set for 12-team leagues

**NFBC ADP date range set for 2/26/24 – 3/10/24   

Related Articles: