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

Top 10 Third Basemen - Dynasty Prospect Rankings

Marc Hulet's top 10 third basemen - dynasty prospects rankings for 2021 fantasy baseball leagues. He looks at the fantasy values of these MLB prospects and rookies.

Third base is traditionally a place to find offense. It can be a goldmine for fantasy managers in need of some power. Third basemen are also known for providing strong on-base numbers and, in some cases, batting average.

The 2019 season met the offensive expectations with 28 hitters managing a 100 wRC+ or better (350 PAs or more). Sixteen of those hitters surpassed the 120 wRC+ mark. Strictly speaking about power, 25 third basemen launched 20 or more home runs. The pandemic-shortened 2020 season saw a bit of dip in the numbers with 17 hitters at 100 wRC+ or better and nine exceeding the 120 wRC+ mark (150 PA or more). Seventeen hitters were tracking for 20 or more home runs had 2020 been a full season.

We’ve been busy ranking the top dynasty prospects at each position. Today, we’re reviewing the best of the up-and-coming studs at the hot corner. It’s a strong list with a few players that look like future stars followed by some players that should develop into solid regulars. The list ends with some high-risk, high-reward players to monitor closely in 2021 as Minor League Baseball attempts to return. You can view the previous lists here: Catcher, First Base, and Second Base.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Tier 1

1. Austin Martin, Blue Jays (TOP 250 Rank: 10)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, OBP, Speed
Roadblock: Cavan Biggio (Threat Level: MEDIUM)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: Martin will likely play a lot of shortstop early on in his pro career but the presence of Bo Bichette in Toronto likely means the 2020 first-round pick will need to move down the road. Third base is the most likely location after he was unable to find a defensive home in college — although he could also move all over the diamond-like Cavan Biggio. Martin’s bat shouldn’t need much minor-league seasoning and he projects to hit for a high average with strong on-base numbers. The biggest question mark with Martin is surrounding how much in-game power he’ll produce but he looks like a solid bet for 15-20 home runs per season.

2. Nolan Jones, Cleveland (TOP 250 Rank: 30)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): OBP, Power
Roadblock: Jose Ramirez (Threat Level: HIGH)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: Jones has a chance to be an above-average fantasy performer and an absolute stud in on-base leagues. He has regularly posted walk rates in the 15-18% range but they’ve come with corresponding sky-high strikeout rates because he’s too passive at times. A slightly-more-aggressive approach with adjustments to his swing to increase his launch angle could help him more consistently tap into his raw power. Jones has topped out at 19 home runs in the minors but he has the potential for 30 or more.

3. Josh Jung, Rangers (TOP 250 Rank: 33)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, OBP, Power
Roadblock: Rougned Odor (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: Jung was one of my favorite college hitters in the 2019 amateur draft and I had him ranked behind only Andrew Vaughn and Adley Rutschman. I had Jung ranked as the seventh-best talent overall and Texas took him eighth. Jung has an intriguing mix of hitting skills and raw power — although he’s still learning how to clear the fences on a regular basis. On top of that, he should produce strong on-base numbers.

4. Nolan Gorman, Cardinals (TOP 250 Rank: 43)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power
Roadblock: Nolan Arenado (Threat Level: HIGH)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: Gorman entered pro ball with a reputation for being able to punish the baseball. At maturity, he projects to hit 30+ home runs in a full season — assuming he makes enough contact. Gorman has a lot of swing-and-miss to his game and will likely always produce high strikeout rates. With Nolan Arenado now entrenched at third base in St. Louis, the young prospect will likely move around the diamond and could see time at second base and in the corner outfield spots. A move to first base is possible but it would waste his strong arm.

 

Tier 2

5. Kody Hoese, Dodgers (TOP 250 Rank: 55)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, OBP
Roadblock: Justin Turner (Threat Level: MEDIUM)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: Hoese wasn’t far behind Josh Jung as one of my favorite college bats in the 2019 draft. The Dodgers prospect doesn’t have the same raw power that the Rangers prospect does but he’s a strong all-around player that should hit for a good average, post solid on-base numbers, and could reach 20 homers per season. Consistent performance over a full season is Hoese’s biggest need right now. If things click, he could move quickly and he projects as an average big league third baseman.

6. Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pirates (TOP 250 Rank: 59)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Average, OBP
Roadblock: Colin Moran (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2021

Need to Know: Hayes had an outstanding MLB debut in 2020 but there are some warning signs that we need to be conscious of moving forward into 2021. He has the makings of a strong on-base presence and should hit for a good batting average but his 2020 result was buoyed by a .450 BABIP. His .306 ISO rate also far exceeded anything he had produced in the minors (He topped out at .151 ISO). He still hits a lot of balls on the ground (48% in his MLB debut) and the 25% HR/FB rate was much higher than his previous career-high of 8.6%. Hayes should be a solid big league third baseman but I don’t think he’ll reach the star level.

 

Tier 3

7. Brett Baty, Mets (TOP 250 Rank: 99)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power, OBP
Roadblock: J.D. Davis (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2023

Need to Know: Baty was an older (19) high school player when he entered pro ball. Nonetheless, the Mets started him out in rookie ball in 2019 where he displayed excellent power and a patient approach. But he also struck out at a 30% clip which underscored some of the concerns with Baty and why he has some bust risk. I’m fairly confident he’ll reach the majors and become at least an average third baseman.

8. Luis Toribio, Giants (TOP 250 Rank: 100)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power, OBP
Roadblock: Evan Longoria (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2023

Need to Know: Toribio is actually quite similar to Bretty Baty, who is directly above him on this list. The young Giants prospect produces outstanding on-base numbers and walked at a 19% clip in rookie ball. Toribio is a little more consistent at making contact than Baty but he’s still learning to tap into his raw power — although his .162 ISO was solid for a teenager. He has a long way to go and there is a definite bust risk but he has the ceiling of a high-on-base, 30-homer slugger.

9. Jordan Walker, Cardinals (TOP 250 Rank: 105)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power, Average
Roadblock: Nolan Arenado (Threat Level: HIGH)
ETA: 2024

Need to Know: Walker was my favorite under-the-radar draft pick from 2020. I had him as an easy first-round talent due to his impressive swing and raw power. There is some swing-and-miss to his game right now but he has good makeup and maturity for his age so I think he’ll close the gaps in his game quickly. However, due to his long arms (He’s 6-foot-5, 220 pounds), he’ll likely always have some holes in his swing. He may very well have to move off the hot corner but the bat should play in right field.

10. Mark Vientos, Mets (TOP 250 Rank: 138)
Key Fantasy Skill(s): Power
Roadblock: J.D. Davis (Threat Level: LOW)
ETA: 2022

Need to Know: Vientos caught my eye during his solid pro debut back in 2017 as a 17-year-old in rookie ball. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown a lot of growth since then. I’m hoping he used his time wisely in 2020 and focused on pitch recognition (He struggles with breaking balls) and also worked on putting forth a more patient approach. He has massive power potential if he can figure things out but is also likely to move to 1B/DH.

 

Just Missed

Two names to watch: The Texas Rangers have three interesting third-base prospects led by Jung. Further down the depth chart, we find Sherten Apostel and Davis Wendzel. The former made his MLB debut in 2020 but showed that he still has a lot of work to do to translate his raw athletic ability into the foundation needed to be a solid big league contributor. Still just 21, his power/on-base mix is intriguing.

Wendzel is a player I was fond of and saw as a 2019 second-round talent. The Rangers nabbed him in the supplemental first round due to his strong hitting ability. He lacks the prototypical power that teams like from third basemen but he could be athletic enough to move around the diamond while producing a solid batting average and lots of doubles.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Prospects and 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

Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF