Fantasy Baseball Draftable Third Basemen: Jose Ramirez, Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, Manny Machado and More
A look at the third basemen who are seen as draftable fantasy starters in ESPN points leagues.
Did you know that there are fewer third basemen in the Hall of Fame than any other position (not counting DH)? I was thinking about why: do we judge them on an offensive scale on par with first basemen when they are actually more like shortstops and second basemen?
The corners are always seen as power spots, but maybe we should appreciate the other things third basemen do, like the guys who bring excellent defense (Scott Rolen). Or maybe there just haven't been as many worthy guys who played mostly at third base. Randomness probably plays into it a lot.
I don't have a clear answer about the HOF, but let's run through the 2025 third basemen who are seen as draftable as starters in fantasy baseball heading into the season. This won't be about my own rankings as much as ESPN's points rankings, though I will give my thoughts on each player. Most stats are from MLB.com.
Check out the draftable players at catcher, first base, second base, shortstop, outfield, and starting pitcher at the respective links.
Top Tier
- Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians, 4th overall
- Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox, 21st
- Manny Machado, San Diego Padres, 35th
- Alex Bregman, Boston Red Sox, 38th
Ramirez is one of the top players in baseball. He is worthy of a first-round pick if you're lucky enough to end up with a top-five pick (or if he slides). There's not much else to say.
Devers is also an offensive star. In the past four seasons, he has averaged around 37 doubles and 32 home runs while hitting above .270 each year. Positions might shift around in Boston with the addition of Bregman, something that could gain Devers eligibility at first base also; that would be a nice little bonus.
Machado is just a half-step below Devers, but he has also dealt with some injuries in his career. He has played around 150 games in three of the past four seasons, though, showing an ability to stay on the field. Machado is close to a 30/30 guy with doubles and home runs while hitting around .275.
Bregman might play second base, and his value will increase if he gains the ability to slot in at both 2B and 3B in fantasy. He could be a more impactful fantasy second baseman, where there are fewer power guys. He's a step below Devers and Machado in both power and average, but Bregman has settled in around 32 doubles, 25 home runs, and a .260 average over the past few years.
Middle Tier
- Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves, 63rd
- Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals, 69th
- Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies, 76th
- Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros, 87th
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (OF), New York Yankees, 104th
There's some value here if you miss out on the top guys. Riley played just 110 games last season and saw his numbers fall across the board, but in the three previous years, he came in around 35 doubles, 35 home runs, and 175 hits. He could jump into the top tier with some positive regression and better health.
Arenado is a former superstar, but he has seen his numbers dip, especially his power. For two straight seasons, he has had lower totals than in the previous year in runs scored, doubles, home runs, and RBI. Arenado probably has a lower ceiling than we're giving him credit for, though a trade might re-energize him.
Bohm is another guy whose name has been in trade rumors, but it looks like he'll stay put for now. There are plenty of chances to score runs and drive them in while he's in Philly, though he has been modest in every facet. His 44 doubles last season were an outlier (previous high was 31), and he has only reached 20 home runs once.
Paredes and Chisholm might both be in the perfect situation to maximize their power numbers. Chisholm joined the Yankees at the trade deadline, and he hit 11 homers with the team in just 46 games. His lefty swing might be perfect for New York and result in more home runs.
Parades' HR chart has been making the rounds, and it stands out just how much he pulls the ball; essentially, every home run gets pulled to left field. Now playing in Houston, he'll be shooting for the short porch in left at the Astros' home park. Maybe the change of scenery will get him closer to the 31 homers he hit in 2023 rather than his 19 from last year.
Early Streamers
- Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays, 124th (begins vs. Colorado Rockies)
- Luis Rengifo (2B), Los Angeles Angels, 231st (@ Chicago White Sox)
Streamers are all about finding the best matchups, and these guys start against two of the worst teams from last season. The White Sox lost more games than any team in history and traded their best pitcher this offseason; the Rockies allowed the most runs of any team, and it wasn't just a result of Coors Field, as they were just as bad on the road.
Caminero has only played 50 games with under 200 total at-bats, so it's hard to get a read on his upside in 2025. He hasn't put together much for average or power yet, so I'm a little skeptical of trusting him early. The matchup is right if you're without a starter, though.
Rengifo has dual-position availability, making him a valuable piece. He's also going to be on the field plenty with the long-term injury to Anthony Rendon, which probably puts Rengifo at third to start the season. Four games against Chicago to start things off should do him well.
