This series ranks the top 10 players at each position for the 2025 season. Today, we’ll look at the top 10 MLB third basemen.
These are projections for the upcoming season. If a younger player is on the rise, I could project them to be better than ever before. If an older player is declining, I could project they will be even worse this season. If there is a player who had a freak awful 2024 season after being on the rise, I would project them to be better as long as there are no off-the-field issues.
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10. Nolan Arenado
This is the year we decide what to think about Arenado. Is he washed? Is he no longer not only one of the best defensive third basemen in the league but also the best fielder in baseball? Or is he still one of the best hitters in the league but has had just two down seasons? Only time will tell.
9. Eugenio Suarez
Suarez had a strong season with the Diamondbacks. Hitting over 30 home runs with very solid defense is about all you could ask for from a brand-new player. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his second season with Arizona.
Eugenio Suárez rockets one to the left field seats 🚀 #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/xp8onYrXAV
— MLB (@MLB) March 28, 2025
8. Mark Vientos
Not only was Vientos probably the best-hitting third baseman in the National League last season, but he also only got better in the playoffs. Vientos finished with 178 WRC+ in the playoffs, including a two-home run game against the Phillies and a grand slam against the Dodgers.
7. Isaac Paredes
Up next, we have the Astros’ new third baseman. After letting one of the faces of the franchise, Alex Bregman, walk in free agency, Paredes represents a great replacement for Houston. Despite not playing great after being traded to the Cubs, he was awesome for all of 2023 and the early parts of 2024. Given that he is 26, I would not take his stint with the Cubs too seriously.
6. Rafael Devers
Devers is projected to DH for a lot of the season, but I included him here just in case he earns more reps than expected at the hot corner. It also felt wrong to leave him off the list altogether. This is because he is debatably the best hitter in this group. Over the last three years, he has averaged 29 home runs with a .866 OPS. It will be interesting to see how many reps he gets in the field this year, whether it is at first base or third base.
Rafael Devers arriving in Arlington. pic.twitter.com/mmeTmAwPzC
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) March 27, 2025
5. Matt Chapman
Chapman had probably his best season since before the pandemic, finishing with 7.1 WAR. He had not amassed anything above 4.3 since 2019. Will Chapman have another awesome season, or will the 32-year-old take a step back? We will see.
4. Manny Machado
Up next, we have one of the most dynamic players in the league. For years, Machado has been dominant and plays the game with a lot of swagger. Even though it seems like he has taken a huge step back (he has, in a way), Machado is still one of the better third basemen in the league. At the end of the day, 30-home run, 100-RBI guys do not grow on trees, and I expect Machado to be even better this year.
3. Austin Riley
Speaking of well-respected players, Riley is up next. Riley missed a lot of time last year due to an oblique injury and two hand injuries. Due to this, his production dipped a lot. With this being said, as long as Riley is healthy, he will have no problem being a top-five third baseman.
Austin Riley puts the @Braves back ahead on #OpeningDay 💪 pic.twitter.com/V2w0XiyP7l
— MLB (@MLB) March 27, 2025
2. Alex Bregman
The Red Sox’ new franchise player comes in at No. 2. The Astros were ready to turn the page on Bregman. While it took a while for him to find a new home, he got his payday, and with a respectable franchise. Whether or not Bregman will be as productive as in years past is a good question, but there is no doubt he will be looking to prove to the Astros and all the other franchises interested in him that they made a mistake not signing him.
1. Jose Ramirez
Is this even a question anymore? For years, people tried to entertain the conversation of MLB’s best third baseman. However, Ramirez has been the best for at least the past four years. When you think five-tool player, you think Jose Ramirez. I have no reason to believe this will not continue in 2025.
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