Fantasy MLB: Top 20 third basemen
Posted March 9, 2012 8:53 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The hot corner used to yield a great deal of fantasy value as Alex Rodriguez and David Wright dominated the position just a few years back when both ranked amongst the top 10 players in baseball.
There have been some rough seasons recently at the position as both New York stars have been in decline plus Evan Longoria and Ryan Zimmerman dealt with their fair share of injuries.
This season it looks like the hot corner will be hot again in fantasy circles. Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez will both transition to the position, the fences have been drawn in at Citi Field for David Wright, and rising third basemen Mike Moustakas and Brett Lawrie are two of the biggest prospects in the sport.
Here’s the top 20 fantasy baseball stars manning the hot corner this season:
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers – A surefire top-three pick in fantasy, a move to third base only adds to his value, alas defense isn’t taken into account.
Evan Longoria, Rays – We are still waiting for him to stay healthy and put it all together, but when he finally does it could result in an MVP season.
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins – His skillset is so vast we are willing to ignore last year’s debacle. It also helps having the best talent he’s had around him in his career.
Adrian Beltre, Rangers – A great lineup and a great ballpark play a huge factor for this consistent producer who suffered while playing at the pitcher-friendly Safeco Field for many years.
David Wright, Mets – There’s a chance he gets traded, which would only help his value. But for now he is a five-tool talent in a ballpark that has the fences being brought in. Expectations are also shockingly low due to the controversy surrounding Mets ownership
Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals – A solid power bat with a plus average, Zimmerman is steady but injury-prone.
Aramis Ramirez, Brewers – A big-time talent who often deals with injury woes and is getting up there in age.
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees – Reported to spring training in great shape, but you can’t ignore his advancing age and declining statistics.
Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays – The hometown hero is a five-tool talent fresh off a fine debut in a favourable ballpark.
Mark Reynolds, Orioles – The average will be low, but you can’t doubt the power. Reynolds also gets some steals to add to his fantasy value.
Michael Young, Rangers – Despite his declining power and speed, Young still hits for a high average and offers reliable run production.
Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox – Even after last year’s woes, he still possesses good power and returns to Fenway Park’s hitter-friendly confines amidst a solid Red Sox lineup.
Mike Moustakas, Royals – A top prospect with the Royals, Moustakas turned things around in September. With his great upside, he could end up being a top-five fantasy option at his position for years to come.
Martin Prado, Braves – Though he’s coming off his worst season to date, Prado is a .293 career hitter who can offer 15 home runs and decent run production.
Daniel Murphy, Mets – A professional hitter, Murphy is patient and puts the ball in play. The fact that the fences are drawn in could add greater power numbers to his game this season, but he still has some health concerns.
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays – One of the streakiest hitters in the game, Encarnacion has serious power, but is also the type of player who could play himself out of the lineup due to an ugly slump.
Chase Headley, Padres – A line drive machine with some speed, Headley is able to flourish even in PETCO Park.
Chipper Jones, Braves – The future Hall of Famer is nearing the end of his career.
He’s injury-prone and a bit one-dimensional with just pop remaining in his arsenal.
Chris Davis, Orioles – The all-or-nothing slugger will get another crack at landing a full-time gig, this time with the Orioles.
Pedro Alvarez, Pirates – One of the biggest busts last season, Alvarez will have every chance to put his struggles behind him considering the investment the Pirates made in him a few years back.
