👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


2017 Third Basemen: Top MLB Prospects for Fantasy Baseball

Welcome back, RotoBallers. I've already looked at the top 10 prospects for each MLB team, and now I'll be breaking down impact prospects by position. Today I'm bringing you my top 10 third basemen - MLB prospect rankings for the 2017 fantasy baseball season.

Last season was actually pretty rewarding for rookie third basemen. Greg Garcia stood out as a solid utility bat for St. Louis, Alex Bregman debuted for Houston and looked all the part of a franchise third baseman and Ryon Healy burst out onto the scene in Oakland.

The incoming class of third basemen has the potential to be even better. Though some of these bats like Rafael Devers and Nick Senzel have yet to reach Double-A, it is important to note that guys like Bregman have made the leap before and Boston and Cincinnati could use some help at the hot corner and may opt to see their talented young prospects play there at some point this season. There are plenty of potential high-impact players who could be dynamic fantasy players if they are only given the appropriate playing time in 2017.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Top 10 Third Base Prospects for 2017 Fantasy Baseball

1. Matt Chapman (OAK, AAA)
Stats: (from AA) 504 PA, .244/.335/.521, 29 HR, 7 SB, 11.7% BB rate, 29.2% K rate
ETA: Early May
Chapman does many things very well and a few things very poorly. He is an elite defender and middle-of-the-order power hitter. He also has enough patience to take a walk if it is given to him. What he does poorly is make consistent contact. He has a tendency to swing-and-miss a bit more than the A’s would like to see and would love for him to make improvements in that area. They will likely keep him down in the minors for a bit, but odds are he will debut with the club this season and push Healy over to first base or designated hitter. If given regular playing time, he could be an annual 30-homer threat and drive in his fair share of runs.

2. Rafael Devers (BOS, A+)
Stats: 546 PA, .282/.335/.443, 11 HR, 18 SB, 7.3% BB rate, 17.2% K rate
ETA: Early June
This is already quite the bold prediction, but I believe Devers will be the Red Sox starting third baseman before too long. Right now, they’ve got Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt manning the position. For a playoff contender like Boston, that is quite the big hole. Devers will begin the season at Double-A and if he can hit anything like he did to end the 2016 season (.331/.370/.516 slash line in last 87 games of the season), he will force them to bring him up to the majors. He has insane upside with some saying his ceiling is that of a left-handed Manny Machado. Devers would provide owners with some stolen bases, but more importantly a ton of home runs and a very nice batting average.

3. Miguel Andujar (NYY, AA)
Stats: 319 PA, .266/.323/.358, 2 HR, 2 SB, 6.6% BB rate, 13.2% K rate
ETA: Mid-May
I know the numbers for Andujar don’t look all that spectacular, but keep in mind he was only 21 years old and was coming off a very solid stint at High-A. In his 58 games at Class-A Advanced Tampa prior to his promotion to Trenton, he slashed .283/.343/.474 with 10 homers, a 7.2 percent walk rate and 12.0 percent strikeout rate in only 251 plate appearances. Scouts have praised his raw power potential and cite an aggressive approach that actually works well for making consistent, strong contact. He should be able to get his bat going again in 2017 and should work his way past the struggling Chase Headley and lackluster Ronald Torreyes.

4. Hunter Dozier (KC, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 434 PA, .294/.357/.506, 15 HR, 3 SB, 9.2% BB rate, 23.0% K rate
ETA: Early July
Dozier went on a tear in 2016 and put together his most promising season to date. Between crushing Double-A pitching (.305/.400/.642 slash with eight homers in 26 games) and his solid season at Triple-A, Dozier firmly established himself among the top third base prospects in the game. The big issue right now for him is that Mike Moustakas stands in the way of consistent playing time. But with the Royals likely out of playoff contention and Moustakas entering the final season of his contract, the Royals may opt to deal away Moose and plug Dozier in at third to get a glimpse of their next franchise third baseman. If he gets the chance to play in the summer, he should be able to hit more than enough to warrant ownership in redraft leagues.

5. Jeimer Candelario (CHC, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 309 PA, .333/.417/.542, 9 HR, 0 SB, 12.3% BB rate, 17.2% K rate
ETA: Early July
Candelario’s value is entirely contingent on a trade. He is in a very similar position to Dan Vogelbach last season who was a solid prospect for Chicago, but had no foreseeable path to playing time. Candelario is big-league ready and could help out a team if he gets the opportunity to do so. But first Chicago has to trade him, because he will not pass Kris Bryant on the Cubs’ depth chart. Assuming Candelario is traded around the middle of the season, he should be able to provide fantasy owners with a great batting average and a few home runs here and there.

6. Christian Arroyo (SF, AA)
Stats: 517 PA, .274/.316/.373, 3 HR, 1 SB, 5.6% BB rate, 13.9% K rate
ETA: Early May
Arroyo will begin the year in the minors, but he seems like one of those guys like Matt Duffy a few years ago who could force his way to the big-league roster in a utility role for San Francisco. His numbers strongly resemble Duffy’s minor-league stats and there is a chance he turns out to have some hidden power in his bat, but right now owners will just have to be happy with a guaranteed .280+ batting average. Arroyo is a very balanced hitter and should have no problem posting a high batting average in the majors. He will be limited to a utility role to begin his major-league career, but he could really help owners in deeper leagues who need a solid source of hits.

7. Rio Ruiz (ATL, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 533 PA, .271/.355/.400, 10 HR, 1 SB, 11.4% BB rate, 21.8% K rate
ETA: Mid-May
Ruiz is not the franchise third baseman for Atlanta, but he is more likely to be that guy than Adonis Garcia. Ruiz is only 22 years old and Garcia will be 32 at the start of this season. Ruiz has some raw power and a refined approach at the plate that should allow him to hit for a solid average when he reaches the majors. Though he is not the most exciting prospect out there, Ruiz will absolutely get the call up to the big leagues the second Garcia starts to struggle. He could be a solid deep-league add if he is promoted to the majors.

8. Nick Senzel (CIN, A)
Stats: 249 PA, .329/.415/.567, 7 HR, 15 SB, 12.9% BB rate, 19.7% K rate
ETA: Early August
Maybe this is a bit of an accelerated timeline, but it is important to realize just how close Senzel is to the majors. He has one of the most mature approaches to the plate in the minors and has always been praised for being advanced for his age. If Eugenio Suarez played anywhere else, Senzel could open 2017 with the Reds. As is, he still has a great chance to debut this season with the ball club, even if it is as late as September. He is essentially the Alex Bregman of last year in that he should fly through the minors and wind up in the majors before too long.

9. Dawel Lugo (ARI, AA)
Stats: 177 PA, .306/.322/.451, 4 HR, 1 SB, 2.3% BB rate, 8.5% K rate
ETA: Late July
Lugo has steadily started to come along more and more every season. He is not an explosive third base prospect by any means, but he is starting to drive the ball a bit more consistently and hit for some more power. He has always been held in high regard for his discipline and ability to make consistent contact, but now the power is starting to come around a bit more. He is not going to be a cornerstone third base prospect by any means, but owners searching for depth could certainly benefit from him if he gets a chance to start for the Diamondbacks.

10. Yandy Diaz (CLE, AAA)
Stats: 416 PA, .325/.399/.461, 7 HR, 5 SB, 11.3% BB rate, 16.8% K rate
ETA: Mid-July
Diaz is one of the most polished prospects in the minors to this point. He has always boasted one of the most disciplined approaches to the plate of any batter out there as evidenced by the fact he has walked 198 times in his pro career and struck out only 191 times. Diaz has also always been able to post an outstanding batting average, as evidenced by his career .307 number. Sure, he does not have the power that many would like to see (19 career homers in two-and-a-half season), but owners will gladly take that ability to reach base consistently. His ability to play many positions should finally help him reach the majors in 2017 where he could eventually hit enough to start in the outfield or at third for the Tribe.

 

More Top MLB Prospects & Rookies




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Falling Out of Favor Already in Dynasty Formats?
Roman Wilson

Worth Holding in Dynasty Leagues After Offseason Additions?
Luke McCaffrey

a Cut Candidate in Dynasty Leagues
Roman Hemby

Does Roman Hemby Have a Chance to Make Raiders Roster?
NFL

Eric McAlister Worth Drafting in Rookie-Only Dynasty Leagues?
Caleb Lohner

Impresses Sean Payton During Offseason Program
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Ajay Mitchell

is Ruled Out for Game 5
Jalen Williams

is Tagged as Questionable for Game 5
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Tanner Koziol

a Long-Shot Dynasty Tight End?
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Kevin Coleman Jr.

in the Right Place for Opportunities
Josh Cameron

has Long-Term YAC Upside in Liam Coen's Offense
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Have No Plans to Sign Rashee Rice to Long-Term Extension
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Cole Payton

Dynasty Managers Will Have to be Patient with Cole Payton
Taylen Green

Does Taylen Green's Speed Get Him on the Dynasty Radar?
Jack Endries

Is Jack Endries the Tight End of the Future in Cincinnati?
CJ Daniels

a Developmental Stash in Dynasty Leagues
Garrett Nussmeier

a Low-Risk Target with Upside in Dynasty Leagues?
Jam Miller

Has Sneaky Value if He Can Earn a Roster Spot
Justice Hill

a Dynasty Drop Candidate Wherever He's Still Rostered
J'Mari Taylor

Is J'Mari Taylor Worth a Taxi-Squad Spot in Deep Dynasty Leagues?
Greg Dulcich

Has a Lack of Competition Made Greg Dulcich a Dynasty Sleeper?
Carson Beck

a Worthy Investment in the Later Rounds of Rookie Drafts
Devon Toews

Logs Two Assists In Game 3 Defeat
Brett Howden

Nets 10th Postseason Goal
Mitchell Marner

Delivers Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Mark Stone

Returns With Multi-Point Effort
Valeri Nichushkin

Exits Early Sunday
Nathan MacKinnon

Hurt in Game 3 Loss
Isaiah Hartenstein

Provides Steady Production in Defeat
Chet Holmgren

Has a Quiet Offensive Night on Sunday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Held Under 20 Points in Game 4
Stephon Castle

Hands Out Six Assists in Game 4 Win
Devin Vassell

Tallies 13 Points in Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Records Double-Double as Spurs Even Series
Victor Wembanyama

Sets Tone Early as Spurs Force a Pivotal Game 5
Isaac Guerendo

Could be a Drop Candidate in Dynasty Leagues in 2026
Jamal Murray

Earns First Career All-NBA Selection
Kevin Durant

Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Victor Wembanyama Lead All-NBA First Team
Taylor Hall

Enjoying Life in Carolina
Mark Stone

Returns to Action Sunday
Cale Makar

Rejoins Avalanche Lineup Sunday
Cason Wallace

Joins Starting Unit Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Doesn't "Feel Great" Entering Game 4
Jalen Williams

Won't Play Sunday
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Evan Mobley

Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday
Donovan Mitchell

Struggles at the Line Saturday
Karl-Anthony Towns

Continues Playmaking Surge on Saturday
OG Anunoby

Delivers Clean Shooting Line Saturday
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
Mark Jankowski

Contributes Two Assists in Game 2 Victory
Eric Robinson

Scores in Second Consecutive Game
Nikolaj Ehlers

Tallies Two Goals as Hurricanes Bounce Back Saturday
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Nazem Kadri

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Ross Colton

Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF