In the fifth of an eight-part series, we will take a look at the top five third basemen in fantasy baseball. The position which is known as the hot corner, can be a challenging position to play from a defensive standpoint. One not only needs quickness in stopping the baseball, but a strong arm as well to get the ball to first base.
5) Josh Donaldson–Minnesota Twins–One might wonder why is Josh Donaldson of Pensacola, Florida playing for his fourth team in the last three years, following the Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, and Atlanta Braves? Well, for one, injuries have been a little bit of a factor. However, the 2015 AL MVP was able to play in 155 games in 2019 with the Braves, and had a decent average of .259 with 37 home runs and 94 runs batted in.
4) Nolan Arenado–Colorado Rockies–One could argue that Nolan Arenado of Newport Beach, California has the luxury of being an elite fantasy third baseman because he gets to play half his season at Coors Field in Denver. Well, the answer is quite simply, yes. If you have the privilege of taking Arenado, you will be ecstatic. Last season, Arenado batted .315 with 41 home runs and 118 runs batted in. It was also the fifth straight year Arenado reached 100 runs batted in.
3) Anthony Rendon–Los Angeles Angels–The native of Houston, Texas had a sensational 2019 season with the World Series champion Washington Nationals. In 2019, Rendon batted .319 with 34 home runs and a Major League-leading 126 runs batted in, all career highs. Rendon also led the National League with 44 doubles, and set career-highs in runs scored (117), on base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.598), total bases (326), and sacrifice flies (nine). Rendon’s fantastic 2019 season is the reason why the Angels rewarded him with a seven-year deal worth $245 million.
2) Rafael Devers–Boston Red Sox–The native of Sanchez, Dominican Republic is part of a dangerous Red Sox batting order. In 2019, Devers led Major League Baseball with 359 total bases and the American League with 54 doubles. He also batted .311 with 32 home runs and 115 runs batted in, all career highs. Devers also had career highs in runs scored (129), hits (201), doubles, triples (four), stolen bases (eight), walks (48), on base percentage (.361), slugging percentage (.555), total bases, and sacrifice bunts (one).
1)Alex Bregman–Houston Astros–This will be a very interesting season for Bregman and the Astros, and if Houston will be able to put the sign-stealing scandal behind them. If they do, they will need a big season from Bregman of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Last season the two-time all-star led Major League Baseball with 119 walks, and batted .296 with 41 home runs and 112 runs batted in.
