2020 Positional Power Rankings: Third Base

You’ve read the intro. You’ve read about first basemen and second basemen. Now, as our positional power rankings continue, it’s time to examine the state of third base.

If you scroll through the first half-dozen names on this list, you might note that there are a lot of good third basemen. Of the 10 position players projected for at least 2.0 WAR this year, four are third basemen. In fact, the hot corner accounts for six of the top 14 projected position players, while the top 10 third basemen all rank among the top 30 position players overall. There are so many good third basemen, it probably isn’t useful to quibble too much about each team’s exact placement in the rankings below. It’s a tightly bunched group with a lot more positives than negatives. It’s also a veteran-laden group, but young players like Yoán Moncada and Rafael Devers provide considerable hope for the position’s future.





Craig Edwards can be found on twitter @craigjedwards.

15 Comments
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SenorGato
6 years ago

The 60 game format is a good opp for Bryant to put together his first .300/.400/.600 season and reset The Future

YardGoatMember since 2020
6 years ago

The Ty France joke made me chuckle-groan (choan? gruckle?). Very strong pun game

bosoxforlifeMember since 2016
6 years ago
Reply to  YardGoat

That was excellent but did you miss the Didi Gregorious pun about playing SS on a Knightly basis. It is nice to have a reason to come to Fangraphs every day again.

Original Greaser Bob
6 years ago

Will take the under on some of your top 10. Looking at you Moncada, Machado, & Ramirez.

NathanMember since 2018
6 years ago

What about Luis Urias?

Dmjn53
6 years ago
Reply to  Nathan

What about him?

Cubslol
6 years ago

Cub fans used to hype Kris Bryant LOLOLOLOLO trash

D-WizMember since 2019
6 years ago

Just from looking at the graph, before reading a word, compared to the first two power rankings, I thought “huh, there are a lot of good third basemen!”. Second of half of Craig’s first sentence: “…you might note that there are a lot of good third basemen.” Indeed! I’m especially excited for Rendon teaming up with Trout.

Shirtless George Brett
6 years ago

I was sitting here going “Wow, why are all these such crazy low projections?”

I’m an idiot.

ShouMember since 2020
6 years ago

Unfortunately being the Mariners fan that I am… I do have to add that Dylan Moore actually DID, in fact, pitch for the Mariners last season!

D-WizMember since 2019
6 years ago

Jake Lamb with back-to-back woolly and sheepish seasons… Nice.

Lanidrac
6 years ago

It remains to be seen if Carpenter will be a better hitter than Edman. He certainly wasn’t last year.

shaq_diesel
6 years ago

I only see the Rays as top 15 at 2B, RP and SP. No stars. No one that will finish top 30 in MVP votes. Yet they are projected for the 4th most wins. Back when Longo, Crawford and Zobrist were combining for 20 fWAR every year, it wasn’t hard to understand how the Rays were so good. Now, only Lowe is a probable 4 win player (prorated). It’s pretty amazing how much depth they have.

EasyenoughMember since 2016
6 years ago

I saw what you Didi there…

fredsbankMember since 2020
6 years ago

Last time Bregman wasn’t told what the pitches were, he was a slightly above average hitter.