2014 Fantasy Baseball Impact Prospects: Third Base

Third base is going to be a hot position for fantasy baseball owners as preparation continues for the 2014 season. While many owners want to get a big name to fill the position on a daily basis, there are a few players who are worth taking a look at who could make a major impact on the fantasy world this season. It may take a couple of these guys a month or two into the season to begin their impact, but it is likely that these five players are going to have some sort of fantasy relevance in 2014.

3B Prospects With Potential Fantasy Value in 2014

Matt Davidson - Chicago White Sox

Davidson moves from the Arizona Diamondbacks to Chicago and is likely going to get a long look in Spring Training to see if he can take over at third base from Day One. He hit .237 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 76 at-bats for the D’Backs last season. There is obviously a spot there for Davidson to take on the South Side and if he can show in the spring that he can handle the position on a full-time basis, the job will likely be his. Owners should wait until the final few rounds of the draft to grab Davidson for their benches, but he is a player that could hit 20-25 home runs given the opportunity in hitter-friendly US Cellular.

Kris Bryant - Chicago Cubs

Bryant is the hot prospect for the North Siders, and after being drafted No. 2 overall, he tore apart three different levels in 2013; he is on the fast track for Wrigley Field. He hit nine home runs in just 146 at-bats and while he is likely going to start the 2014 season at the Double-A level, there is no doubt that he will find his way to the big league roster before the season is over. He is someone that you should consider with one of your final picks, though you should expect to leave him on the bench until after the All-Star break.  He'll likely make a second-half impact on the big-league squad.

Miguel Sano - Minnesota Twins

There has been talk that Sano may need surgery on his elbow, but if that doesn’t happen, he will be in a Twins uniform sooner than later this season. He hit 35 home runs with 103 RBI in 123 games at the high-A and Double-A levels last season. He has power to burn and Minnesota isn’t going anywhere this season probably, so it wouldn’t hurt to give the 20-year-old a shot by early May. Sano is worth a draft pick in deeper leagues of more than 12 teams and any long-term format. He could be this year’s Wil Myers if he gets 400-500 at-bats for the Twins.

Maikel Franco - Philadephia Phillies

Franco is in a unique position with Philadelphia: the team needs a third baseman and has aging players all around their infield. That means Franco is likely going to find a way to stick on the major league level as soon as Opening Day. He notched 31 home runs and 103 RBI at high-A and Double-A last season, to go along with a .320 batting average. All the tools are there for Franco to make his major league debut in 2014. Fantasy owners should monitor Franco’s situation carefully before draft day. He could be a deep sleeper if he gets the job on Opening Day and finishes with over 600 at-bats.

Colin Moran - Marlins

Moran was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 draft, going a few picks after Bryant. He didn’t get out of the Single-A level last season, playing in 42 games with four home runs and 23 RBI. It is likely that with the amount of talent he brings to the table, the Marlins will want to give Moran a full season in the minors before bringing him up but considering their track record, it is possible that the team moves him up the ranks more quickly. He likely won’t be drafted in standard leagues, but for owners in 14-team leagues or deeper, Moran is someone you should have on your radar just in case Miami decides puts Moran on the field this season.

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