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MLB Top Ten Third Base Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers (74) throws to first base in the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers (74) throws to first base in the first inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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8. Lucas Erceg, Milwaukee Brewers

After some academic issues caused Erceg to leave a bigger program to go to small Menlo College, there were questions about how to view his production in college.

The Brewers took the gamble on Erceg in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft, and they’ve been happy with that ever since.

Erceg looks the part at the plate, swinging from the left side, standing 6’3″ and 200 listed pounds, with a very pretty swing.

Erceg produced as well, hitting .327/.376/.518 over two levels with 9 home runs and 9 stolen bases.

Erceg has a big arm and athleticism that will play well at third or in a corner outfield if he needs to move off the position, and he should be a guy who can move up the system quickly.

Erceg will likely open with high-A in 2017, but it would not be surprising if he moves up another level with continued excellent performance.

7. Jeimer Candelario, Chicago Cubs

Candelario has been working his way up the Cubs system since signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2011. He was born in New York, but moved to the Dominican as a child.

He was regarded for his switch hitting bat that had present high contact skills when he was signed with a solid frame that many thought would lead to more power.

While over-the-fence power has never really developed, Candelario has developed into a hitter with excellent gap power and bat control along with solid third base defense.

In 2016, Candelario hit .283/.376/.464 between AA and AAA before making his major league debut during a September call up. He hit 39 doubles, 4 triples, and 13 home runs in the minor leagues in 2016 with a 12.66% walk rate and a 17.9% strikeout rate.

The problem for Candelario is that he’s in the wrong organization, frankly. He’s not a guy like Ian Happ or some of the other prospects coming up in the organization that could fit the positional flexibility model that Joe Maddon prefers in Chicago, being really restricted to corner infield as he doesn’t have the speed to handle corner outfield spots.

The Cubs just happen to have two of the best in the National League at their respective corner infield positions in Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, so Candelario will have a rough road to find his way to Chicago for playing time, making him more likely a prime trade candidate.

Candelario will likely open in AAA unless the Cubs find a way to use him in a blockbuster deal, likely for pitching that’s controlled for significant time.

Next: #6, #5

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