👉 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


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"]

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Tim Patrick

Jets Agree to Terms With Veteran Receiver Tim Patrick
Malik Nabers

Undergoes Second Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Dolphins, De'Von Achane Agree to Four-Year Contract Extension
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF