Lets get to the point….
1) Jose Ramirez
Ramirez lands the first spot in our 3rd base rankings. Quite possibly the best player in baseball last year, Ramirez shined and then some. Many people were worried he wouldn’t duplicate his 2017 numbers and he did not disappoint. He posted 39/105 and swiped 34 bags twice as many as the previous year. Ramirez was on a tear until the last month and a half. He hit .167 and quite frankly looked out of gas. This is something to keep an eye on but really should not hurt his draft stock. The guy is as talented as they come and should hit in all major categories again. My favorite stat, he leads all MLB in extra base hits the last 2 seasons with 172. Jose Ramirez is what we like to call a Stud Muffin.
2) Nolan Arenado
I struggled between Ramirez and Arenado for the top spot. That’s how GREAT Arenado is. The praise this man deserves is long overdue. Look consistency in the dictionary and there’s the picture of the 27 year old. In the past 4 seasons he has played minimum 156 games, has hit no less then 37 long balls and has hit under 130 RBI’s one time. The one season he hit under he only knocked in 110, fucking amateur hour. He ranked top 6 in OPS, SLG and awesomeness. So fucking what he plays in the thin airs at Coors Field, sign me up for Arenado in the 1st round and possibly as the top guy at this position.
3) Alex Bregman
Bregman has 2 full seasons under his belt, last year breaking out. He has been relatively healthy, topping 155 games in his first 2 full seasons. Bregman has the luxury of slotting himself in a potent AL lineup surrounded by the likes of Altuve, Springer, Correa and more. Bregmans full potential was shown in just a short span. He led the AL in doubles and was top 6 in OBP, SLG and OPS. He has shown great plate discipline with 96 walks, somewhat rare for a 25 year old. Bregmans numbers may not peak higher then last years, but a duplicate season will make owners extremely happy. With Correa injury last year he handled the SS position making him position eligible at 2 spots.
4) Javier Baez
Depending on your league, El Mago might be available at 3B. If that’s the case, you are in luck. The NL runner up to the MVP broke out in all major categories last year. He led the NL in RBIs and increased his SB to 20+. A repeat season is not out of question but there are a few things the young man needs to work on. Baez needs to focus on his plate discipline as he is overly aggressive at times. This has resulted in a low walk rate and high in the strikeout department. Nonetheless he should be drafted amongst the top at this position. His multiple position eligibility is sexy as well.
5) Kris Bryant
After enjoying a magical 2016 season with a World Series and a MVP, Bryant has seen his production plummet. His stats dropped in 2017 and then 2018 brought on a shoulder injury, costing him 60 games. The numbers don’t lie, when he’s healthy he is one of the most productive 3rd basemen in the game. Bryant always is one of the top guys in OBP and provides in the runs department. He is just entering his prime at 27 and should be worthy of a 3rd-4th round pick. Several people are drafting him before this spot, I advise to hold off.
6) Anthony Rendon
One of my favorite 3B options could be a steal as the 6th player in our rankings. What doesn’t Rendon do? The guy hits for power with 4 seasons of 20+ dingers, finds the gap with 4 seasons of 38 doubles or more and consistently finds himself on base tied 2nd last year with some guy named Nolan Arenado in OBP. His career OPS is solid, ahead of the likes of Machado, Cespedes and Altuve. With no Harper in DC, Rendon is going to have to step up and be the guy (alongside Turner). I do not see this as a problem, while my only concern with Rendon is health. All in all you are getting great fantasy value with him. He also needs to bring back the long hair swag.
7) Matt Carpenter
Who had the highest hard contact rate in the majors and 2 thumbs? This guy. Carpenter enjoyed a career year from an offensive standpoint. That boded well for owners who enjoyed him and his multiple position eligibility. While I dont project Carpenter to mimic these same numbers, I would certainly sign up for the average of his last 4 seasons numbers. That would put him around 25 homers 75 RBIS and and OBP around 375. The bad that comes along with Matty is the high strikeout/ low batting averge, but the good most certainly outweighs this. Draft with confidence in an improved Cardinals lineup.
8) Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Let me start by saying this, I’m all in on Vladdy Jr. this year. I wanted to slide him up a couple spots but didn’t want to get crucified. For all the people bitching about him not starting the year in the minors I would do the same shit to buy extra service time. He will be on the MLB roster starting end of April and WILL make an impact. I know he has a small sample size in just the minors but he possesses every skill set from the offensive side. He’s got unbelievable pop and a great eye at the plate just like daddy Vlad. The kid has more walks than strikeouts and shows rare maturness at the dish for a 20 year old. He’s going to be a stud right out of the gate. The sky’s the limit. Don’t have any shame drafting him 4th round. Have you seen those fucking tree trunk legs? Will finish top 5 at the position and my nut has busted. Man crush alert.
9) Eugenio Suarez
There are so many things to like about Suarez. The 27 year old was as productive as they come. He outperformed his ADP last year and now you will have to pay for his tremendous value. He ranked amongst the top players at the position in homers, RBI’s and batting average. His one knock the past 2 seasons is his slow 2nd half. I would like to see him finish stronger down the stretch, especially come fantasy playoffs. He plays in a hitters ballpark with an improved supporting cast around him.
10) Matt Chapman
We have been hearing his name for some time now as a break out guy and he finally flashed his potential come 2nd half of the year. In July, Olsen slid all the way down to the 2 hole where he helped spark Oaklands playoff push. He didn’t quite eclipse the 30 homer threshold we were hoping for, but its not out of the question. Let’s remember this was his first full season in the majors. Chapman can easily be a top 10 3B and holds great value if you miss out on the top tier studs.
11) Travis Shaw
If you missed out on the top level fantasy 3B don’t panic. To the individuals who say this position is not as good as it use to be are losing it. LOSING IT. Shaw at 11 is a steal and shows you can wait on this position if needed. Shaws first glance in Milwaukee was stupendous. In my eyes I didn’t think he could ever live up to his 2017 numbers. He took a small step back but I think we can all live with 32 homers and 86 rbis as a step backward. 30+ homers is almost a given now. His average Home Run last year landed at 404 feet good enough for top 5 at his position. The stolen bases jumped back under to single digits, so don’t count on double digits again. He’s totally shawesome (I am king of the dad jokes).
12) Miguel Andujar
The Yankee prospect broke out last year, finishing 2nd in AL ROY. How many rookies can step on the scene with a 27/92/.297 stat line? This kid is for real. What could go away down the line is his position eligibility due to his poor defense but that’s not something we should not worry about this year. He finished top 6 in runs, SLG and OPS last year while cracking an astounding 47 doubles. Andujar is projected to slot in the 5 or 6 hole for the deadly hitting Yankees. Another great grab outside the top 10 who could potentially give you top 5 value.
13) Justin Turner
As a Mets fan it irks be how great of a hitter the red headed wonder is. What ticks me off the most is I hated him as Met and wanted him gone ASAP. Once again I look like a fucking idiot and I very well might be with placing Turner at 13. Like most players, Turner has flourished since his Flushing days, averaging over .300 in his LA career. More impressive is his .383 obp as a Dodger, notching over .405 each of the last 2 seasons. Constantly putting the ball in play, low strikeouts and a run producer help Turner year after year supply fantasy owners with value. If there is a knock on Turner it’s his health, playing over 130 games once in his career. At 34 Turners age is catching up to him, but not enough to shy away from him at the very least as your corner infielder.
14) Josh Donaldson
Seems like just yesterday Donaldson was hoisting his MVP award as a hero to our neighbors up North. If you think he will sniff his career averages you might be sniffing something, but this far down in the rankings how is this guy not worth a flyer. He has dealt with lingering shoulder and calf injuries that have forced him to miss 159 games the last 2 seasons. By no means am I targeting him as a starter but at his ADP how is he not worth a shot as your CI. Switching to a new team might be the fresh start he needs to rejuvenate his career.
15) Mike Moustakas
Several players were deserving of this position for the last spot in our 3B rankings but I decided to go with Moose. You know what you are getting with him which makes him a safer play. Hes going to give you 20+ homers 75+ RBI’s. His career average is not great at 250 but what we like about him is that he hits lefties just as well as he hits righties. He plays in a great lineup with some all star caliber players to drive in. I am not crazy about him but he’s the safer pick. I liked Devers with this pick as his upside is higher but is still relatively young with a lot to prove. The choice is yours!