2026 Third Base Fantasy Baseball Rankings

December 28, 2025

Early third base (3B) fantasy baseball rankings, tiers for 5x5 mixed roto leagues (December updates). Nick Mariano's tiered 3B rankings for 2026 drafts.

As we ring in the new year, it's never too early to start preparing for your upcoming fantasy baseball drafts. At RotoBaller HQ, we have been publishing our positional rankings and continue today by taking a look at the third base position. There is not much depth at the cornerstone, and it is an interesting position to rank once the two elite options, Jose Ramirez and Junior Caminero, are off the draft board. We break the position down with our MLB teams' 2026 fantasy baseball third base rankings and tiers for 5x5 mixed roto leagues. These December rankings cover the top 30 third basemen for 2026.

There were several key news, transactions, and rumors about floating trades/signings this offseason involving third base. Free agent Alex Bregman is drawing interest from several teams, including the Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Blue Jays. Maikel Garcia is staying in Kansas City after agreeing to a five-year extension with the Royals this offseason. The Mariners are interested in bringing back slugger Eugenio Suarez, while the White Sox made a splash and signed Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million contract. 

The third base rankings below are specifically designed for traditional 5x5 Roto Mixed 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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2026 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings (December)

Fantasy Baseball Third Base (3B) News

Eugenio Suarez, Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners remain interested in re-signing free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez, according to Mariners general manager Justin Hollander, who spoke on MLB Network Radio. Last season, Suárez tied his career high with 49 home runs, 13 of which came as a Mariner. Seattle's top offseason priorities were re-signing first baseman Josh Naylor and infielder Jorge Polanco, but with both now off the market, attention has shifted back to Suárez.

Despite maintaining a 14.3% barrel rate, Suárez has become a below-average defender and continues to strike out nearly 30% of the time. The 34-year-old slugger is projected to earn a two-year, $45 million contract. With an ADP of 112, it appears the market believes he has another productive season in him.

Although that is very possible, the strikeouts are a concern, and hitting at T-Mobile Park isn't helping him if he ends up back in Seattle. Unless he slips significantly on draft day, he may be someone to pass on, especially with the Giants' Matt Chapman going about 60 picks later.

Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox

Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to a two-year, $34 million contract, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. Murakami, 25, has slashed .270/.394/.557 with 246 home runs, 647 RBI, 535 runs scored, and 59 stolen bases across 3,780 plate appearances in eight NPB seasons. Passan went on to say that Murakami is expected to play first base for the White Sox.

There are concerns that the 25-year-old has a lot of swing-and-miss in his profile, but he also has a ton of power. The Japanese star has an ADP of 232, making him a calculated gamble that could pay off in a big way. However, the transition from the NPB is not easy, so nothing is guaranteed. As a result, Lenyn Sosa, who spent time at first base with the White Sox last season, will likely shift to the keystone or the DH spot, and Miguel Vargas, the other primary first baseman, will now likely cover the hot corner for most of 2026.

Alex Bregman, Free Agent

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Toronto Blue Jays are showing interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman just opted out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox and is looking for a multi-year deal. In 2025, Bregman missed 59 games due to a strained quadricep, yet still hit 18 home runs with 62 RBI and 64 runs scored while slashing .273/.360/.462 across 495 plate appearances.

For fantasy purposes, the 31-year-old re-signing with Boston would be ideal given his pull-heavy approach and the Green Monster. That said, the Blue Jays had the fourth-best offense last year, and Rogers Centre is one of the most home-run-friendly ballparks in MLB. Right now, he's the eighth third baseman off draft boards, but he still has top-five upside.

Maikel Garcia, Kansas City Royals

Third baseman Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals are finalizing a five-year contract extension on Friday that includes a club option for a sixth year, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 25-year-old won a Gold Glove in 2025 at the hot corner and will stay on the left side of KC's infield with All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for years to come. According to MLB.com's Anne Rogers, the deal is worth a guaranteed $57.5 million and can reach $85 million if he hits his escalators and his option is exercised.

Garcia was eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this year as a Super 2 qualifier, but this deal will cover all of his arbitration years and one year of free agency. After swiping 37 bases in 2024, Garcia broke out with the bat in 2025, slashing .286/.351/.449 with 16 homers, 23 steals, 74 RBI, and 81 runs in 160 games. Garcia improved his strikeout and walk rates, launched the ball more, and hit the ball harder. His power/speed combo makes him an attractive target in fantasy once the high-end names come off the board.

Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox would be comfortable with Marcelo Mayer as their starting third baseman on Opening Day. The 22-year-old endured a rough rookie season, slashing .228/.272/.402 with four home runs, 10 RBI, 20 runs, and no steals while posting an 80 wRC+. He also struck out at a 30.1% clip across 136 plate appearances.

His year ended early after a wrist injury that required surgery in August. Looking ahead to 2026, a fully healthy Mayer projects for roughly 15 home runs, 10 steals, and a .250 batting average. At present, he profiles as a viable middle-infield option in deep 12- or 15-team fantasy leagues.

Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros

The Boston Red Sox really want to bring veteran third baseman Alex Bregman back after a strong first season in Boston in 2025. However, they are also pricing every available option in case Bregman goes elsewhere, which includes a potential trade for Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. The BoSox could still trade for Paredes and play him at first base if Bregman re-signs. Paredes is projected to earn $9.3 million in 2026 and is under club control for two more years.

The price for the 26-year-old is likely to be steep, though, with Houston looking for controllable starting pitchers. The Astros are interested in young lefties Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. If Paredes is dealt, the Astros could shift Carlos Correa to the hot corner. Paredes was limited to 102 games with a hamstring injury in 2025, but his fly-ball tendencies as a right-handed hitter could play very nicely at Fenway Park. In a limited time, he still managed 20 homers in his first year in Houston.

Sung-Mun Song, San Diego Padres

Free-agent infielder Sung-mun Song and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Sources tell Francys Romero of BeisbolFR that it's a three-year deal that guarantees Song around $13 million. Song, 29, enjoyed a strong campaign last year in the KBO, posting a .315/.387/.530 slash line with 26 home runs, 25 steals, and 37 doubles across 646 plate appearances.

Song has primarily played third base in Korea, but with Manny Machado entrenched there, he'll likely see most of his time at first or second base. From a fantasy perspective, he projects as a low double-digit home run and stolen-base contributor while being the primary utility infielder for SD. Currently, he will be best suited for deep 12- and 15-team leagues.

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