The third base group for 2025 is a strong bunch overall, featuring many players expected to deliver solid fantasy output. However, beyond the top names like José Ramírez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the hot corner poses several potential pitfalls.
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Need convincing? Consider these:
– Jazz Chisholm Jr. was a standout with the Yankees, but his injury history raises red flags.
– Rafael Devers struggled after a shoulder injury in 2024, casting doubt on his durability.
– Austin Riley, once a promising star, faced setbacks in the previous season and aims for a rebound.
– Royce Lewis draws mixed reviews for his injury-proneness and inconsistency.
– Jordan Westburg showed promise before an injury sidelined him, making him a risky pick.
– Junior Caminero, though talented, has yet to fully prove himself at the MLB level.
Despite the risks, these potential stars are tempting for many managers as the third base position lacks standout sleepers this year. While no third basemen rank between 150-180 in Yahoo! ADP, some value picks to consider include:
Isaac Paredes, Houston Astros: A change in scenery to Houston could boost his performance.
Josh Jung, Texas Rangers: If healthy, he has the power to deliver strong numbers.
Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers: Dismissed due to past injuries, he remains a potent offensive threat when on the field.
While amassing 180 runs and runs batted in, Roto managers will need to strategize around his subpar batting average, while the 34-year-old is a standout performer in points leagues. Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs is a player to watch as we approach late March, as he could either be a high-demand top-150 pick or completely overlooked in mixed leagues. The Cubs are set on giving their highly-touted prospect every chance to secure the starting third base role, and with an impressive lifetime .906 OPS in the Minor Leagues, the 2023 first-round draftee appears primed for the challenge. Shaw possesses a well-rounded skill set that fantasy managers desire, boasting a .303 batting average with 29 home runs and 46 stolen bases in 600 MiLB at-bats. To add to his appeal, the 23-year-old will kick off the 2025 season with eligibility at three positions (2B/3B/SS) in Yahoo! formats.
Here are the top-12 third basemen to target in the 2025 draft:
1. José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
3. Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees
4. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox
5. Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves
6. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres
7. Jordan Westburg, Baltimore Orioles
8. Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays
9. Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins
10. Jake Burger, Texas Rangers
11. Mark Vientos, New York Mets
12. Alex Bregman, Free Agent
