👉 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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

2016 Third Base Prospects And Dynasty Rankings

We've taken a look at first base, second base, and shortstop dynasty prospects. Now it's time to move on to third base.

The position isn't terribly deep at the moment, but that's because Kris Bryant and Miguel Sano have reached the majors. The other top third base prospects either have a serious flaw or they are far from the majors. Often, shortstop prospects will eventually move down the defensive spectrum to third base - think guys like Corey Seager.  As always, if you feel like I missed somebody, call me out on Twitter @BaseballATeam.

Don't forget to read all of our 2016 fantasy baseball rankings columns. There's lots of great rankings analysis including redraft, dynasty/keeper, prospects and positional tiers.

The statistics reported are for the listed level only.

 

Third Base Dynasty Rankings

1. Joey Gallo (3B, TEX, MLB)
Stats: 123 PA, .204/.301/.417, 6 HR, 3 SB, 46.3% K rate, 12.2% BB rate
Age 22

An injury to Adrian Beltre led to an early taste of the majors for Gallo. The future three true outcomes scion was overmatched in the majors and at Triple-A. However, he hit well at Double-A with a scary .314/.425/.636 line. He'll return to Triple-A to start 2016.

Gallo is a risky type of prospect. The bust risk is just so high on a guy like this. The best case scenarios probably look like Pedro Alvarez or Chris Carter. Reach back in time, I see a lot in common with Russell Branyan. He had a solid 14 year career, but his whifftastic ways led to just 12 career WAR. He was usually a bench or platoon bat.

The Rangers will continue to hope for an epiphany from Gallo. If he can keep the strikeout rate even halfway under control, he'll be a valuable prospect. His homer happy profile makes him a better fantasy than real world asset.

 

2. Rafael Devers (3B, BOS, A)
Stats: 469 PA, .288/.329/.443, 11 HR, 3 SB, 16.5% K rate, 4.7% BB rate
Age 19

In many ways, I would prefer to own Devers over Gallo in a dynasty league. The risk involved is still fairly large due to his distance from the majors. An international signee, Devers has an advanced feel at the plate. Some scouts worry about his build. They wonder if he'll stick at third base. He may even slow down so much that he losses his prospect status.

After a successful 2015 campaign, I'm less concerned about him adjusting to professional baseball. The next step is to see him tap into more in-game power. His 11 home runs are fine for a player of his age. Excitingly, he hit 38 doubles and a triple in 508 plate appearances. As he matures, some of those doubles will leave the yard.

Aggression is a weakness. Thankfully, his swing is geared towards going with the pitch. That will make it harder for big league pitchers to find an exploitable hole in his game. I foresee him being an aggressive, middle-of-the-order power threat with 25 home runs annually. His statistical profile is reminiscent of Yoenis Cespedes.

 

3. D.J. Peterson (3B, SEA, AA)
Stats: 393 PA, .223/.290/.346, 7 HR, 5 SB, 22.9% K rate, 7.9% BB rate
Age 24

Peterson is a divisive prospect. Like many internet writers, I'm forced to lean heavily on statistics and second-hand scouting reports. His 2015 numbers don't read like any sort of prospect. After popping 31 home runs in 2014, he's hit just nine bombs this year. Two of those have come in the Arizona Fall League.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old is expected to eventually land at first base. He could still spend his first few seasons at the hot corner before swinging across the diamond. A former 12th overall pick, Peterson needs to rebound from his lost 2015 campaign. He's a solid buy low target at the moment. His upside still includes 30 home runs with a solid batting average. There's real risk that he never does anything in the majors.

 

4. Ryan McMahon (3B, COL, A+)
Stats: 556 PA, .300/.372/.520, 18 HR, 6 SB, 27.5% K rate, 8.8% BB rate
Age 21

McMahon was the 42nd pick in the 2013 draft. Rockies position players always come with helium, so it's not a bad time to jump on the McMahon bandwagon. He's popped 18 home runs in two consecutive seasons. A .401 BABIP artificially inflated his .300/.372/.520 slash. Remember, high BABIPs in the minors can indicate luck or mastery of a level. They rarely translate to the majors.

Power is his calling card, but scouts aren't positive he'll hit in the upper levels. He's clearly feasting on mistakes in the lower minors. His 27.5 percent strikeout rate against inferior competition is cause for concern. He's be challenged as one of the youngest players in Double-A next season. It should be informative.

McMahon has plenty of talent, but he'll still need to tighten up his plate approach. You may recall the Rockies have a stud at third base - Nolan Arenado. McMahon's future with the club likely depends on extension talks with Arenado. If the Rockies do manage to lock him up long term, McMahon will probably be used as a trade chip.

 

5. Rio Ruiz (3B, ATL, AA)
Stats: 420 PA, .233/.333/.324, 5 HR, 2 SB, 19.2% K rate, 12.9% BB rate
Age 21

When the Astros signed Carlos Correa for less than slot value, it allowed them to ink Lance McCullers and Ruiz. Houston dealt Ruiz to the Braves as part of the Evan Gattis trade. He immediately slotted in as one of the top prospects in Atlanta's system behind Ozhaino Albies.

Ruiz had some difficulty in his first try at Double-A, but he was young for the level. How he performs next season will be telling. Unlike most of the others on this list, Ruiz features strong plate discipline with solid contact rates. Unfortunately, his power still needs to develop as evidenced by his .090 ISO. Speed will never be part of his game - in fact he's a candidate to swipe zero bases by the time he reaches the majors.

There are some questions about his defense. He reportedly has a strong work ethic and has focused on improving at the hot corner. If he can't stick there long-term, he doesn't have enough bat to work as a first base prospect. For now, he looks like a high risk, high reward buy-low candidate for dynasty owners.

 

6. Eric Jagielo (3B, NYY, AA)
Stats: 248 PA, .284/.347/.495, 9 HR, 23.4% K rate, 7.3% BB rate
Age 23

In his first exposure to Double-A, Jagielo was hitting well until a knee injury ended his season. He's expected to make a full recovery, but it won't help his already negligible speed. Like several other third base prospects, there is doubt that he'll stick at the position long-term.

Jagielo, a left-handed hitter, does have enough power to work as a first base prospect. The big question is how far his contact skills will develop. Presently, he's holding his own in the minors. Triple-A is often viewed as a big test for power prospects like Jagielo. Because he can feast on mistakes, it can inflate his power numbers in the lower minors.

Since he missed most of 2015, he'll likely open the season in Double-A. If he continues to thrive, he'll quickly join the Triple-A squad. An injury to Chase Headley could even induce a promotion to the majors. He looks like a .230 to .250 hitter with 20 to 30 home run power. He should also benefit from Yankee Stadium's short right field porch.

 

7. Travis Shaw (3B, BOS, MLB)
Stats: 248 PA, .274/.331/.491, 13 HR, 23.0% K rate, 7.3% BB rate
Age 25

I debated Shaw's eligibility for this list. I decided his owners probably still view him as a prospect since he's well and thoroughly blocked in Boston. Barring a trade, either of another veteran or Shaw himself, he'll open the season in the minors.

Scouts have long viewed Shaw as a fringy starter - the kind of guy who fits better in Oakland than Boston. It's tempting to see his 13 home runs in 248 plate appearances and project a 30 home run ceiling. Unfortunately, scouts are confident he's more of a 10 to 20 home run guy.

Shaw teased a pull-happy approach and thrived at Fenway Park. On the road, he hit a miserable .224/.294/.383. At home, a .345 BABIP helped him to a .319/.364/.588 line. He also possessed reverse handedness splits. He hit much better against fellow lefties. Overall, his splits look incredibly fluky. Expect regression.

The best case scenario for Shaw involves a trade to a second division club. He could provide decent fantasy value for a team like the Brewers.

 

Names To Watch

Most of these players should catch a cup of coffee in the majors. Some of them will be fantasy building blocks with 20 home run power, good speed, or a solid average. Unfortunately, determining which will breakout and which will become bench fodder is a difficult exercise.

Renato Nunez (3B, OAK, AA)

Nunez, 21, has impressed with his bat while sprinting through the minors. He spent the entirety of his season at Double-A, and the A's also handed him a spot in the Arizona Fall League. To date, he's hit a combined 22 home runs in 473 plate appearances. Power is his game. Scouts worry about his defense.

Colon Moran (3B, HOU, AA)

Moran is a polarizing prospect. His talent has always been highly regarded, but I've seen a lot of comments questioning his work ethic. The Marlins sold low as part of the Jarred Cosart deal. Moran, 23, hit .306/.381/.459 in 417 Double-A plate appearances. It would be nice to see more power.

Jeimer Candelario (3B, CHC, AA)

Candelario split his season between High-A and Double-A. He's also in the Arizona Fall League. He profiles as a pesky hitter with a high contact rate and average. He possesses adequate power, but he doesn't access it with regularity in games. Still, 13 home runs over 569 plate appearances isn't bad for a soon-to-be 22-year-old.

Brandon Drury (3B, ARI, AAA)

Drury is similar to Candelario, but he's also a year older. He received 59 mostly unsuccessful plate appearances in the majors. His power numbers declined drastically (26 HR in 2014, 7 HR in 2015), and he leaned heavily on a high BABIP in Triple-A. He could platoon with Jake Lamb.

Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B, PIT, A-)

Hayes was selected 32nd overall in the 2015 amateur draft. The 18-year-old hit well in short-season ball without showing a lick of power (six extra base hits, no HR in 227 PA). He's a long way from the majors.

Tyler Nevin (3B, COL, R)

Another 18-year-old draft selection, Nevin was selected 38th overall. He hit .265/.368/.386 over 223 plate appearances. Rockies hitting prospects always possess a little extra bonus value.

Austin Riley (3B, ATL, R)

In many ways, Riley was the best of the 18-year-old draftees. Taken 41st overall, he popped 12 home runs in 252 plate appearances. Unfortunately, he also showed off a high strikeout rate. The power is real, but he might not make enough contact.

Jomar Reyes (3B, BAL, A-)

Reyes is also 18, but he was signed as an international free agent in 2014. The 6'6'' behemoth is expected to eventually wind up at first base. Scouts love his mechanics and consistency at the plate. However, he's yet to tap into game power.

Hunter Dozier (3B, KAN, AA)

Dozier was selected eighth overall in the 2013 draft. The 24-year-old still has plenty of time to make good on his promise, but I view him mainly as a utility man. He has too much swing-and-miss in his bat with insufficient power to make up for it.

J.D. Davis (3B, HOU, A+)

The Astros development team does impressive work. Davis, 22, is coming a 26 home run season. He hit .289/.370/.520 with a high 28 percent strikeout rate. He's an underhyped prospect who could fly way under the radar.

Jae-gyun Hwang (3B, KBO)

Hwang was a candidate to be posted this winter, but his club has opted to post Ah-Seop Son instead. Korean teams are allowed to post just one player per season. Hwang will probably jump to the majors next offseason when he's a free agent.

Patrick Kivlehan (3B, SEA, AAA)

Another relatively unheralded prospect, Kivlehan hit 22 home runs with 14 stolen bases in 518 Triple-A plate appearances. He's nearly 26 years old, but that could help to keep him off the prospect radar. Kyle Seager blocks him, but the Mariners have other offensive needs too.

Garin Cecchini (3B, BOS, AAA)

Cecchini, 24, was a relatively well-regarded prospect entering 2015. Despite a second short stint in the majors, he took a big step back developmentally. His .213/.286/.296 line in 469 Triple-A plate appearances ensures he's buried on the Boston depth chart. He could still recover and improve.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CJ McCollum

Hawks Plan to Bring Back CJ McCollum
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Jacob Misiorowski

Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Austin Reaves

Starting Friday Night
Brandon Nimmo

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early on Friday
Luke Kennard

Lakers Hope to Retain Luke Kennard in Free Agency
Dillon Brooks

Suns Want to Keep Dillon Brooks Long-Term
Jamal Shead

Joins Starting Lineup Friday
Jayson Tatum

OK for Game 7 Against 76ers
Joel Embiid

Probable for Game 7 Against Celtics
Jonathan Isaac

Downgraded to Out
Kevin Huerter

Misses Second Consecutive Game Friday
Brandon Ingram

Out on Friday
Tobias Harris

Cleared to Play Friday
Kevin Durant

Officially Out for Game 6
Ryan Helsley

Placed on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Dylan Holloway

Signs Five-Year Extension With Blues
Barrett Hayton

Jack McBain Iffy for Friday
Logan Stanley

a Game-Time Decision Friday
Viktor Arvidsson

Ruled Out Friday
TB

Nicholas Paul Set to Return Friday
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Ready for Action Friday
Victor Hedman

to Be an Option "Really Soon"
Ja'Marr Chase

Is Ja'Marr Chase the Obvious Dynasty WR1 Entering 2026?
Javonte Williams

Can Javonte Williams Replicate 2025 Success in 2026?
Terry McLaurin

is Well-Positioned to Rebound in 2026
Justin Herbert

Dynasty Value Rising Following Offseason Overhaul in Los Angeles
Tee Higgins

Is Tee Higgins a Top-24 Dynasty Wide Receiver?
Ryan Pepiot

to Miss the Rest of the Season, Scheduled for Hip Surgery
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Looking to Establish a Running Game in 2026
James Conner

Buried on Cardinals' Depth Chart Heading into 2026
DK Metcalf

Won't be Charged for Incident With Lions Fan
Brandon Woodruff

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
Nico Hoerner

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Broderick Jones

Steelers Decline the Fifth-Year Option for Broderick Jones
Russell Wilson

Ready to Hang Up his Cleats for TV Gig?
Chase Claypool

to Try Out for the Packers
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Cam Skattebo

Role Survives the NFL Draft
Malik Nabers

Has Top-Tier Upside When Healthy
Evan Engram

Still Atop Depth Chart After NFL Draft
TreVeyon Henderson

Run-Heavy Apparoach Set to Benefit TreVeyon Henderson?
Wyatt Langford

Suffers Setback With Forearm Injury
Caleb Williams

Continues to Trend Upward in Ben Johnson's System
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Won't Pick Up Anthony Richardson Sr.'s Fifth-Year Option
Cleveland Browns

Browns "Would Love" to Have QB Situation Decided Before Training Camp
Elijah Arroyo

Dynasty Stock Up Slightly After NFL Draft
Tre Tucker

Offers Limited Dynasty Value Despite a Lack of Competition
Jack Bech

has a Clear Path for Growth in Year 2
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Steps Up in Series Clincher
Jaden McDaniels

Leads Timberwolves to Round 2
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Finishes Strong Despite Series Exit
Mikal Bridges

Breaks Out in Series Clincher
Karl-Anthony Towns

Posts Triple-Double to Close Series
Paul George

Heats Up From Deep in Game 6 Win
Tyrese Maxey

Drops 30 Points to Force Game 7
Devin Booker

Suns Not Interested in Trading Devin Booker
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Starting in Game 6
Brandon Woodruff

to Get Some Time Off
Nikita Chibrikov

Recovering From Core-Muscle Surgery
WPG

Elias Salomonsson Out 5-6 Months After Shoulder Surgery
Radko Gudas

Remains Out Thursday
Tyler Myers

Scratched on Thursday
Michael Bunting

Arttu Hyry Unavailable Thursday, Michael Bunting Makes Postseason Debut
Bobby Brink

to Sit Out Thursday's Game 6
Jonas Brodin

Will Miss Game 6 Against Stars
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Clayton Keller

Sets Up Two Goals Wednesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Nets Special Hat Trick in Game 5 Win
Dan Vladar

Backstops Flyers to Series-Clinching Win
Leon Draisaitl

Oilers to Use Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Same Line Thursday
Brady Tkachuk

Remains Committed to Senators
Arttu Hyry

Could Be Available Thursday
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF