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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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6. Matt Chapman, Oakland Athletics

When you’re talking about a guy who has hit 59 home runs over 215 games in the last two seasons of minor league baseball, it’s rare that the thing that puts him in contention for the top 5 at his position is actually his defense.

I’m not alone in thinking that Chapman has the best glove at third base in the entire minor leagues, with tremendous range and a great arm.

Chapman has light-tower power, and it’s not just based on being in hitting leagues the last few years. While he’s got a significant issue with strikeouts and contact, he also is willing to take a walk, and that level of power is absolutely elite.

With his glove, the path of Chapman should be fairly quick as the other third basemen in the Athletics system are primarily bat-first guys.

He’s also a rare guy whose power could actually out-hit Oakland’s cavernous home park, so there’s plenty for A’s fans to like here.

Chapman will likely open 2017 in AAA, but he could make a push early in the season for major league time.

5. Christian Arroyo, San Francisco Giants

A surprise first-round selection in the 2013 draft at 25th overall, Arroyo was a high school shortstop that was regarded as more of a 3rd round pick.

The Giants saw something in him and immediately saw returns when he slashed .326/.388/.511 in rookie ball his draft year. He played his way to full-season ball in 2014, continuing good contact skills, but seemingly seeing much of the rest of his offensive profile flatten out.

Arroyo had a solid hitting year in the Cal League in 2015 and really showed well in the Arizona Fall League after the season. In 2016, the Giants began the process of moving Arroyo from shortstop to third base as he hit in AA.

Arroyo is likely not to be a guy who clubs 20 home runs in his career, but he has good gap power, and many have compared his skillset positively to former Giant Matt Duffy, who was a shortstop by trade that moved to third base for the major league club.

In 2016, Arroyo hit .274/.316/.373 in AA with 36 doubles and 3 home runs. He’s got smooth hands and a very good arm that work well at third, though he showed inexperience in his instincts in 2016, but that should come quickly as he’s received a reputation as a hard worker.

Arroyo should open 2017 with the Giants’ AAA affiliate, and he could see some major league time in 2017.

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