2020 Rankings: Updated Top 15 Third Basemen: How Does A Loaded Group Shake Out?

With the 2020 season seemingly set to get underway we need to revisit our rankings, as things have dramatically changed since March.  The addition of the DH in the National League, players opting out and others getting diagnosed with COVID-19 (and the unknown about their status) are just some of the obstacles fantasy owners are facing.  Let’s take a look at how things currently look, but keep in mind that things can change quickly:

1. Nolan Arenado – Colorado Rockies
2. Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels
3. Alex Bregman – Houston Astros
4. Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Indians
5. Rafael Devers – Boston Red Sox
6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays
7. Josh Donaldson – Minnesota Twins
8. Eugenio Suarez – Cincinnati Reds
9. Max Muncy – Los Angeles Dodgers
10. Matt Chapman – Oakland A’s
11. Manny Machado – San Diego Padres
12. Eduardo Escobar – Arizona Diamondbacks
13. Mike Moustakas – Cincinnati Reds
14. Brian Anderson – Miami Marlins
15. Kris Bryant – Chicago Cubs

Notes:

• Just as we noted in our Top 15 First Basemen, Yuli Gurriel fell out of our rankings due to further analysis of his impressive 2019 campaign.  You can read more about it by clicking here.
• It was no guarantee that Eugenio Suarez would’ve been ready for the originally scheduled Opening Day, after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder in January.  Obviously that no longer is a concern and there’s little reason to think that he won’t continue to be among the better producers at the position.  He’s seen his HR/FB rise for four straight seasons (29.5% in ’19), he stays within the strike zone (26.6% O-Swing%) and he hits the ball hard (46.7% Hard%).  He may not be a .300 hitter, but he should post a solid mark with plenty of power.
• We looked at the potential for Kris Bryant to hit atop the Cubs’ batting order back in February (click here for the article), and reports are that nothing has changed in that regard now.  That is just one of the reasons he comes in lower than most would’ve expected.
• Just how deep is third base this year?  Just consider these names, which all fell short of the rankings: D.J. LeMahieu (he would’ve been included had it not been for his COVID-19 diagnosis), Yoan Moncada (significant regression risk), Jeff McNeil and Hunter Dozier.

Sources – Fangraphs, MLB.com

Make sure to check out all of our Updated 2020 preseason rankings: