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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Three Up, Three Down for Prospects - Third Base

Third base prospects whose fantasy baseball value may have increased or decreased ahead of the 2019 MLB season. Ellis Canady discusses 3B prospects for trade consideration in dynasty leagues.

Third base prospects are when things get serious. It is the position where you find some of your big-power hitters. Of course, you’ll see your share of warts as no prospect is perfect. I know, I know; some will differ greatly on that topic. Essentially, power is excellent, but sometimes it has a cost to your fantasy lineup (batting average). The important thing, for our purposes, is to maximize the power with other situational factors to find increased fantasy profit.

Finding value is one of the primary purposes of the minor league prospecting venture. The climbs and drops in performance provide fantasy owners an opportunity to move or acquire prospects. That is one of the best methods of making improvements to your dynasty roster. Poor performances don’t always correlate to decreased value. As crazy as that sounds, it is true. But good years most definitely mean increased value to someone, especially to the owner. So, we will help you identify prospects that are trending up and down, so you know how best to maximize the values.

Below are three (plus one bonus) third base prospects that are trending with increased value as well as three prospects who have declined in various degrees. Then, there are courses of action to consider for each player. You can read other prospect risers/fallers here: first basemen, shortstop and starting pitchers.

 

Stock Rising

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

Thank you, Captain Obvious. This nomination is one of the most obvious players on the rise; everyone in the fantasy community is likely aware of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Is it possible for him to trend higher?

There’s no reason to break down his performance of 2018. If you’re interested in knowing some stats, salivate on an average slash line of .331/.414/.529 over his three minor league seasons. So, the facts are that Guerrero is going to hit, not only for average but for power as well. Playing in Rogers Centre will ensure that he hits nearly 30 homers annually.

If there were a negative consideration of having Guerrero on your dynasty team, it would be that he doesn’t run. He will not help in the stolen base category. Thankfully, Guerrero produces in so many other categories that you will happily look for speed elsewhere. Now the Captain will retire for the evening.

Reasons to buy: Cornerstone of a dynasty team with power and an elite batting average. An asset in AVG and OBP leagues.
Reasons to sell: Because you’re solid at third base and someone is willing to give you one of the only players you’d want in a trade: Trout, Betts. Possibly even Lindor.

 

Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals

Nolan Gorman is getting some serious love in his first year of pro ball. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 draft (19th pick), Gorman was already known as a big-power bat coming out of high school. Well, 237 at-bats across Rookie and Low-A provided plenty of support. He hit 17 moonshots and tried to match it with doubles (13). He finished the year with a .291 average and a .570 slugging percentage.

Now that the good news bear has finished, let’s bring in the lone bad news bear, whiffs. Gorman smacked air 32% of the time. That is not good at all, and it could potentially get worse as he sees better pitching. Of course, he could improve his craft and get better.

A close relative of this bad news bear is the batting average. Ultimately, it is hard to believe the average sticks without improvement at the plate. If that happens, Gorman is someone to own. Otherwise, there are plenty of players out there that hit for significant power, walk a little bit, and have a mediocre-to-poor batting average. But currently, the people are digging the long ball.

Reasons to buy: Gorman will continue to hit bombs, which is exciting and brings fans. More fans = more hype. More hype = more fantasy profit.
Reasons to sell: There is no reason to sell. He is just getting started, and his marketability isn’t at its highest point. However, if Gorman helps you get a major league player you really want, go for it.

 

Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies

From Wichita State University comes Alec Bohm who was drafted third overall in the 2018 draft. Power was his carrying tool; however, it never appeared in 158 plate appearances across Rookie and Low-A ball. Not one single fly ball got lost and dropped over the wall. If you thought that he hit more doubles, nope; he only had six all season. He had a .252 batting average, which is decent, but it isn’t reassuring when his obvious talent resulted in a .324 slugging.

Even knowing that a college bat produced these stats, Bohm is still getting spoke of favorably. It is true that one season (or half a season, in this case) is not indicative of whom a hitter will become. Bohm will try to build around his plate discipline in 2019. It was the one success he had last year, which was consistent with his performance in college. Bohm had a 9% walk rate and a 16% strikeout rate. He will obtain success by maintaining his plate discipline and finding his lost power stroke. 2019 will be a better gauge of Bohm’s potential.

Reasons to buy: A high draft pick with a track record of hitting. Might be a small discount available. His value should improve in the future.
Reasons to sell: He didn’t have a great season expected of an elite draft selection, yet he still has plenty of love from swooning power-struck (hopeful) fans. If you have one of these fans in your league that will offer more than Bohm's value, sell. However, the better bet is to wait.

 

Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds  (BONUS)

“He’s awesome,” everyone seems to be screaming. What do you expect?  Jonathan India was the fifth-overall pick in the 2018 draft. He came from the University of Florida, so he had plenty of competition in the SEC. So let’s see how “awesome” he was in 2018.

In 150 at-bats at Rookie and Low-A ball, India hit six homers, nine doubles, and stole six bases to go with a .240 batting average. For transparency’s sake, he hit .229 in 96 at-bats at Low-A. Hmm. It’s not the numbers many would expect from the former SEC Player of the Year, particularly against the competition he was facing.

It is likely justifiable to give India a mulligan due to his competitive experience as well as the stress of adapting to professional ball. He demonstrated a keen ability to hit in college. India can move through the minors quickly if he can regain his hit-tool, as well as power while sustaining the few bases he stole in 2018. The only issue is that he will likely not be playing third base for the Reds. There is no room for him on the major-league squad, as Eugenio Suarez screams “SEAT’s TAKEN!” Well, shortstop might be the best avenue.

Reasons to buy: Despite a great stumble in his professional debut, India is entrenched in the Top-100 prospect rankings. He could be a serious fantasy contributor if he regains his college skills. If he is undrafted in leagues, grab him.
Reasons to sell: Skepticism. You don’t believe the hype, which is building up. The helium might present an opportunity to improve your fantasy roster with proven talent. Just don’t give him up for mediocrity.

 

Stock Falling

Michael Chavis, Boston Red Sox

Michael Chavis started the season late thanks to an 80-game PED suspension. Upon his return, he played five games at Low-A before reintegrating with Double-A, where he finished his breakout 2017 season. Chavis continued some of his success with six homers and a .303 batting average compared to .250 in 2017. Chavis also improved his OPS (.897). Unfortunately, his strikeout rate increased as well to 25%.

Chavis earned a promotion at the end of the season and got 34 plate appearances at Triple-A. In that time, he hit two bombs and had a .273 batting average. Unfortunately, it came with a 35% strikeout rate. Both of Chavis's batting averages in Double- and Triple-A were drastically elevated due to an inflated BABIP of .383 and .368, respectively. However, that isn’t likely to continue at the major league level.

The basis for Chavis in the “falling” category is not entirely due to his skills at the plate. Chavis also suffers because the team he currently plays for has an abundance of talent at the major league level. The path to playing time is blocked unless Rafael Devers becomes a complete liability at third base. A position change is possible and would be very beneficial to Chavis. A change of scenery would be even more helpful.

Reasons to buy: He was a Top-100 prospect in 2018, but the suspension delayed his season and limited some of his production. If not for that, he would possess a little hype. Therefore, the suspension has created a buying opportunity.
Reasons to sell: You’re tired of waiting on Chavis, even though he is close to the majors; so, you wouldn’t have to wait much longer to find out what happens. You don’t believe the Red Sox will trade him.  Ultimately, if you decide to move him, don’t just sell him for a box of Cracker Jacks in hopes of getting your favorite tattoo.

 

Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves

Prospect fatigue. Pure and Simple. How can you not? How long has Austin Riley been the future for the Braves at the hot corner? Honestly, Riley wasn’t ready to be called up as quickly as the masses wanted. More seasoning is the better move for him.

Riley had already served some time at Double-A in 2017, so he only spent 27 games there in 2018. He demonstrated that he was well acquainted and ready to move to the next challenge. Riley hit six homers with a .333 batting average. The one item that Riley needed to work on was plate discipline; he struck out 26% of the time. In early May, the Braves decided to promote him to Triple-A; not surprisingly, his strikeout rate got worse, increasing to 29%. On the bright side, Riley hit 17 doubles and 12 homers with a .282 average.

The signing of Josh Donaldson was the last straw that forced fantasy owners to throw their hands in the air. Keep in mind that Riley will play the 2019 season as a 22-year-old. If he can improve upon his solid performance at Triple-A, his stock will surely rise again.

Reasons to buy: The Riley owner is disgusted, impatient and willing to sell. The Braves offense is young and ready to run around the bases. His stock will surely soar if Donaldson’s performance is unsatisfactory.
Reasons to sell: You can market his proximity to the majors, success at Triple-A, and a favorable offensive situation at the majors into a proven major league player.

 

Lucas Erceg, Milwaukee Brewers

Lucas Erceg, a second-round pick in the 2016 draft, jumped onto the radar quickly slugging seven homers in 180 at-bats with a .281 batting average. That set the prospect market into a frenzy that he would take over the Brewers hot corner with little-to-no contenders.

In 2017, Erceg gave us power but little else. He hit 15 homers and had a .256/.307/.417 slash line at High-A. It was not what we expected, but the hope was that in 2018, he would combine the power with the average he demonstrated the previous season. Erceg started the 2018 season hamstrung as he had a bulging disc in his back causing pain in his leg. He didn’t miss too many games but returned to hit 13 bombs with a .245 average in Double-A. The encouraging sign is that his strikeout rate (16%) continued to drop. Erceg was invited to major-league camp to start 2019, but it is unlikely he will open the season with the team. He needs to be sent back down to continue his development.

Reasons to buy: The Brewers offense has the potential to score many runs on any day of the week. Everyone should want to get a piece of that action. Erceg costs nothing to take a chance if you have a roster spot. Or, you could leave Erceg on waivers but keep a close eye on him.
Reasons to sell: You can convince someone of the “buy” justifications, but don’t expect a lot in return. Otherwise, he is droppable in most leagues.

 

More Fantasy Baseball Prospects & Dynasty




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF