👉 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

Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
KC Concepcion

Can KC Concepcion Immediately Assume the WR1 Role in Cleveland?
George Pickens

' Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Future in Dallas
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Brandon Aiyuk

a Huge Question Mark for Dynasty Managers
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Now Only a Gadget Player/Kick Returner?
Elic Ayomanor

Offseason Additions Hurt Elic Ayomanor's Dynasty Outlook
Tyler Warren

a Clear Top-Five Dynasty Tight End
Jonathon Brooks

a Dynasty RB to Target Despite Injury History?
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Tyler Allgeier

Currently in a Dynasty Buy Window Amid Rollercoaster Offseason
A.J. Brown

Timing Becoming Key to Acquiring A.J. Brown in Dynasty
Quentin Johnston

Is Quentin Johnston on the Verge of a Dynasty Breakout?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Is Jahmyr Gibbs the Dynasty RB1?
Isaiah Likely

The Long-Called-For Isaiah Likely Breakout Could Finally Arrive in 2026
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Austin Reaves

Could Command $40M Per Year With New Contract
Jalen Duren

Available to Finish Game 6
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Not Expected to Be Ready for Start of Next Season
Jalen Williams

Declares Himself Healthy for Conference Finals
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Will Play Friday Night
Kevin Huerter

is Available for Game 6
Duncan Robinson

is Returning for Game 6
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 6 on Friday
OG Anunoby

Practices in Full on Friday
Terrence Shannon Jr.

is Tagged as Questionable for Friday
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Luther Burden III

Does Luther Burden III Have WR1 Dynasty Upside in Chicago?
MarShawn Lloyd

Can MarShawn Lloyd Emerge as a Top Dynasty Handcuff Option?
Emanuel Wilson

Can Emanuel Wilson Carve Out a Consistent Role in Seattle?
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
Jaylin Noel

Playing-Time Outlook in Houston Remains Unclear
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Karl-Anthony Towns

Making an Impact as Playmaker in Playoffs
Jalen Duren

Determined to Improve
Kevin Huerter

Tagged as Questionable for Game 6 Against Cavaliers
Caris LeVert

Considered Questionable for Friday
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
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
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
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
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
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
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
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF