Fantasy Third Base 1-9
Mar 3, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) stands at third base during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The number before each third baseman’s name represents their overall rank in the 2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings.
Four of these third basemen were eligible for either first or second base, so I have just linked that article if you wanted to read a blurb on them. Also, Anthony Rendon is now the leading fantasy player at two different positions even though he will primarily play third for the Nationals.
1. #13 Anthony Rendon Washington Nationals (also 2B eligible)
I wrote about Anthony Rendon in the article called Fantasy Second Base 1-9.
2. #17 Josh Donaldson Toronto Blue Jays
I am a gigantic fan of Josh Donaldson and his move to Toronto is just the icing on the cake. He is hitting in the middle of the most powerful lineup in baseball, and the Rogers Centre is the polar opposite of the pitcher’s park in Oakland. His HR/RBI production could very well pace all third baseman and be among the best in MLB.
3. #18 Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers
Even though I have Donaldson and Adrian Beltre right next to each other in the overall rankings, I would always take Donaldson before Beltre. Beltre will have a higher batting average, but I prefer the power numbers from Donaldson, especially due to him being traded to Toronto. While Beltre is still one of the game’s premier players, age could be a concern for the veteran as you can read here, since power and skill decline after a player leaves their prime.
4. #29 Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies
This fairly aggressive ranking of Nolan Arenado speaks to my belief in the young third baseman. I think he will give you third round production or better, make an excellent keeper option, and maybe even propel himself into the discussion of a first round player in 2016. I am buying Arenado with complete confidence even if his 2014 road splits were ugly.
5. #36 Evan Longoria Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria was definitely a disappointment in 2014, but he is still one of the game’s best players and a very strong fantasy option. However, his brand name continues to inflate his ADP a little too much, but I would be happy rolling with Longo with the 36th pick. I think he hits 25 homers once again and finds himself much closer to an .800 OPS.
6. #45 Kyle Seager Seattle Mariners
While Evan Longoria’s fantasy value may be that of a General Mills Cheerios cereal, Seager is the knock-off brand that surprisingly tastes just as good for 20% less. The cost of Kyle Seager is completely due to his solid production that has increased steadily over the past couple of seasons. You can read about not buying the name brand third baseman here.
7. #58 Todd Frazier Cincinnati Reds (also 1B eligible)
I wrote about Todd Frazier in the article called Fantasy First Base 10-17.
8. #63 Chris Davis Baltimore Orioles (also 1B eligible)
I wrote about Chris Davis in the article called Fantasy First Base 10-17.
9. #66 Carlos Santana Cleveland Indians (also 1B eligible)
I wrote about Carlos Santana in the article called Fantasy First Base 10-17.
The versatility of some of fantasy’s top third basemen in 2015 made this article a little shorter than the rest, but the important thing is to take these 3B players and plug them in at third, instead of over at first.