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MLB: Ranking the Top 30 Third Basemen for the 2017 Season

By Greg Goldstein

Sep 12, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) reacts after being defeated by the Boston Red Sox 12-2 at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) reacts after being defeated by the Boston Red Sox 12-2 at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) triples in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) triples in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Ryan Schimpf (San Diego Padres)

1.8 WAR 89 G 330 PA .217 BA .336 OBP 17 2B 20 HR .533 SLG .869 OPS 105 SO 42 BB 39.7% Hard Contact

19. Miguel Sano (Minnesota Twins)

0.8 WAR 116 G 495 PA .236 BA .319 OBP 22 2B 25 HR .462 SLG .781 OPS 178 SO 54 BB 40.1% Hard Contact

18. Maikel Franco (Philadelphia Phillies)

1.2 WAR 152 G 630 PA .255 BA .306 OBP 23 2B 25 HR .427 SLG .733 OPS 106 SO 40 BB 30.7% Hard Contact

17. Martin Prado (Miami Marlins)

3.8 WAR 153 G 658 PA .305 BA .359 OBP 37 2B 8 HR .417 SLG .775 OPS 69 SO 49 BB 28.4% Hard Contact

16. Mike Moustakas (Kansas City Royals)

0.7 WAR 27 G 113 PA .240 BA .301 OBP 6 2B 7 HR .500 SLG .801 OPS 13 SO 9 BB 37.4% Hard Contact

Maikel Franco and Miguel Sano have been two players that I’ve personally been high on since they entered MLB. Franco is just 24 years old and had a promising first full season in the big leagues last year. Franco’s game stems from his ability to hit for power as he hit 25 long balls for the Phillies in 2016. He swing hard, but definitely brings above average raw power that should play in games. Sano is another power-filled third base, who perhaps is even more of a home run threat than Franco. Sano’s primary weakness is the strikeout as he has a long uppercut swing. But when he connects the ball goes a long way. He also will be switching to third base full-time after playing as the Twins primary designated hitter a year ago.

Another power hitter who surprisingly became a big part of the Padres plans in 2016 is now third baseman Ryan Schimpf, who is switching over from his primary position of second base last season.. Obviously, MLB second baseman are not normally the source of many home runs and extra base hits, but the 28 year-old was an outstanding power hitter in just the 89 games he appeared in. He hit 20 home runs and 17 doubles, which factored into the high .533 slugging percentage. His hard contact percentage backed these strong numbers up, although the strikeouts were definitely an issue. Schimpf slots in at number 27 because of his lack of track record, but he is certainly a player to keep an eye on in 2017.

Mike Moustakas is coming off injury, but being in a contract year should certainly help his motivation level throughout this MLB regular season. He’s performed well in the past, even though his outstanding postseason performances have clouded the fact that he hasn’t been a real consistent MLB hitter over the course of his career.

Martin Prado is starting the 2017 season on the disabled list, but he should bring the Marlins a capable on-base threat that uses his speed to put pressure on hitters as well. He’s not really a flashy player, but he is one of the more underrated third baseman in the league thanks to his productive 2016 campaign.

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