Top 75 Third Base Fantasy Baseball Rankings: January Updates

January 24, 2026

Top 75 third base (3B) fantasy baseball rankings, draft tiers for roto leagues (January updates). Nick Mariano's tiered 3B fantasy baseball draft rankings.

January will be ending soon, and we are getting very close to pitchers and catchers reporting. At RotoBaller HQ, we continue to pump out fantasy baseball content. Today, we continue our rankings series with our MLB teams' updated 2026 fantasy baseball third base rankings and tiers for roto leagues (5x5 category mixed leagues). These January rankings cover the top 75 second basemen for 2026. Third base has a few elite options, but overall, the position lacks depth, so fantasy managers might want to invest early. 

Jose Ramirez leads the way as our top-ranked third baseman, followed by Junior Caminero, who broke out last season by blasting 45 home runs and racking up 110 RBI. There are also several news items, recent transactions, and rumors floating around about trades/signings this offseason involving the third base position, which affect the rest of our rankings. Alex Bregman signed with the Cubs while Nolan Arenado was shipped to the Diamondbacks. Eugenio Suarez remains a free agent but has been linked to the Red Sox, Mariners, and Pirates. 

The third base rankings below are specifically designed for traditional roto leagues, put together by RotoBaller's lead MLB forecaster Nick Mariano. We're also writing fresh articles all throughout the off-season for fantasy baseball prospects, fantasy baseball dynasty, and so much more. Win more in 2026!

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Updated Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings (January)

Fantasy Baseball Third Base (3B) News

Eugenio Suarez, Free Agent

Veteran free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains on the open market, and Nick Deeds of MLBTradeRumors.com believes the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners remain the most likely landing spots. The Red Sox appear to be the most obvious fit after losing out on Alex Bregman and missing on other veteran power bats such as Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso earlier this winter.

Boston is in clear need of right-handed power, and Suárez would immediately help fill that void. The Pirates also make sense as a potential destination. The front office has shown signs of attempting to field a more competitive roster around Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, and Suárez would likely slot into the heart of the lineup, hitting either third or fourth while playing every day. The Mariners have been linked to Suárez since the end of the season, though a reunion comes with concerns.

The 34-year-old Venezuelan has historically struggled in Seattle, slashing just .227/.317/.424 across 365 games in a Mariners uniform, though he still managed to hit 66 home runs during that span. From a fantasy perspective, Suárez landing in Boston would be the most appealing outcome, but regardless of where he signs, he should see ample RBI opportunities in a middle-of-the-order role.

On the downside, Suárez has become a below-average defender, and his strikeout rate has climbed to nearly 30 percent, limiting his overall fantasy ceiling.

Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez signed a restructured seven-year, $175 million contract extension on Saturday that will carry him through the 2032 season, according to Hector Gomez. In April of 2022, Ramirez and the Guardians agreed to a five-year, $124 million extension. Ramirez has been one of the best all-around players in baseball, dating back to the 2017 season.

The 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter can do it all, and he's hit .279/.353/.504 with an .857 OPS, 285 homers, 949 RBI, and 287 stolen bases in 13 big-league seasons. Not only does he contribute in all categories for fantasy managers, but he's been durable, playing in 150-plus games in each of the last five seasons. J-Ram has 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in three of the last five years despite playing in Cleveland. He's a top-five overall fantasy selection heading into spring drafts.

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes may have to earn a starting role during spring training, given the current state of the team's infield. During his first stint with the Astros last season, Isaac Paredes logged 89 of his 102 games at the hot corner, with the other 13 coming as the designated hitter.

However, after Paredes suffered a significant hamstring injury in July, the Astros opted to acquire Carlos Correa ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their infield. With Correa slated to play third base, Paredes will have to compete for the first base job alongside Christian Walker.

He could also see time as a DH if Yordan Alvarez is moved back to left field. Paredes has also been linked in several trade discussions, including the Boston Red Sox, which could open up a full-time role. However, in his current situation, managers should expect him to potentially see limited at-bats, which will hinder his early-season upside.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Free Agent

Free agent infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa met with several teams through virtual meetings over the past week, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.com. Kiner-Falefa spent the 2025 season with the Pirates and Blue Jays. Across 138 games, the 30-year-old posted a .262/.297/.334 line with two home runs and 15 stolen bases. While he does not make much of an impact in the batter's box, the infielder can play at numerous defensive positions, which gives him great value as a depth piece.

Last summer, Kiner-Falefa had double-digit stats at second base, third base, and shortstop. Earlier in his career, he also saw time in the outfield. Managers in deeper 15-team formats should monitor Kiner-Falefa's free-agent market as he could hold value as a bench option given his defensive versatility.

Gavin Fien, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are acquiring infield prospect Gavin Fien, the 12th overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft, and four other players from the Texas Rangers on Thursday in exchange for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Before the trade, Fien was considered the Rangers' No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Nats will also receive Alejando Rosario, Abimelec Ortiz, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera. The 18-year-old Fien hit .220/.267/.341 with seven RBI and four runs scored in 45 plate appearances at Single-A in 2025 in his first taste of pro ball. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder hits from the right side and has a quick swing that gives him plus raw power. Fien was drafted as a shortstop, but scouts believe he'll profile better as a third baseman long term.

Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox continue to explore potential infield additions, but Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports that the organization prefers to play infielder Marcelo Mayer at third base. McCaffrey speculates that Mayer would be a strong fit at the hot corner, not only because he played well in Alex Bregman's absence last year, but also because Boston views him as its franchise shortstop after Trevor Story's contract expires, so they'd like to keep him on the left side of the infield.

Plus, although president of baseball operations Craig Breslow wouldn't commit to Mayer at second base or third base, he did emphasize a desire to improve the infield defense. Mayer posted 2 OAA and 2 FRV at third base last year. Connecting the dots, this would seem to indicate that if the Red Sox do pursue an external addition, they may prefer a second baseman over a third baseman.

McCaffrey writes that Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, who would fetch a significant haul if traded, might make more sense than third baseman Isaac Paredes, who has struggled defensively. As the roster currently stands, Mayer projects to play third base while Romy Gonzalez, Nate Eaton, and Nick Sogard could platoon at second.

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