Third base has basically become the new first base, with the added bonus of several players who can steal a non-insignificant amount of bases or hit for a high average. There aren't (m)any 3Bs who would be considered major fantasy needle-movers in SBs (with the possible exception of top-ranked Jose Ramirez), but it's still a position with several four- or five-category contributors and some top-tier sluggers. Even just a quick look at this year's rankings let you know there are solid starters who can be found all throughout drafts.
The top seven or eight 3B-eligible players will all likely go in the first three rounds. On Yahoo, where Manny Machado and Alex Bregman are SS-eligible, some of these players might be drafted to play another position (DJ LeMahieu will almost certainly be slotted at 2B), but either way, the best 3Bs will come off the board quickly. That doesn't mean you need to reach for one -- or reach for a 3B in the next tier -- but it does mean you should have multiple draft strategies for the position.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2021 Fantasy Baseball Cheat Sheet
Further down the rankings, you'll find even more players who will likely be drafted to play other positions. Second base isn't particularly strong this year, so players like Max Muncy, Mike Moustakas, Nick Solak, Dylan Moore, and others are more likely to go ahead of where we have them ranked below. Because of that, third base could thin out quickly if you don't get one of the top guys, Again, that's not a reason for a panic because some third- or fourth-tier guys could have big seasons if they stay healthy (Josh Donaldson, Justin Turner, Miguel Sano) or have big breakouts (Alec Bohm, Austin Riley, Ke'Bryan Hayes).
2021 FANTASY BASEBALL RANKINGS:
Catcher | First | Second | Short | Outfield | Starter | Reliever | Top 300
All those types of sleepers are worth drafting at some point, and going even deeper, you can find some interesting sleepers like Carter Kieboom or even Mike Brousseau and Jon Berti if they get regular playing time. At the very least, the multi-positional eligibility of these players makes them helpful bench options in deeper leagues.
2021 FANTASY SLEEPERS
Catcher | First | Second | Third | Short | Outfield | Pitcher | Each Team
Ultimately, third base is the type of position where you can get a star who actually hits for a high average (Anthony Rendon, possibly Nolan Arenado if you still trust him away from Coors), a big slugger (Eugenio Suarez, Matt Chapman), or a decent power-speed guy (Cavan Biggio, Yoan Moncada). Figure out what you need and draft accordingly.
MORE FANTASY BASEBALL:
Mock Draft Simulator | Auction Values | Team Names | Spring Updates
We'll be updating the 3B rankings frequently throughout the spring, so check back for the latest player movement. Please note that players are ranked as if they're only eligible at 3B. Some players, such as Cavan Biggio and Dylan Moore, may be ranked higher overall because they're eligible at other positions.
DRAFT STRATEGY: Snake Draft | S.M.A.R.T. System | Auction Tips
Fantasy Baseball 3B Rankings: Third Base Tiers, Sleepers, Draft Strategy
Rankings based on 5x5 H2H leagues with Rs, HRs, RBIs, SBs, and Batting Average as hitting categories.
Position eligibility based on Yahoo's default settings
* = player not eligible at a position on draft day but expected to play there during the season
| Rank | Player (bats) | Age (as of 4/1) | Team | Other Pos. | Tier |
| 1 | Jose Ramirez (S) | 28 | Indians | -- | 1 |
| 2 | Manny Machado (R) | 28 | Padres | SS | 1 |
| 3 | Anthony Rendon (R) | 30 | Angels | -- | 1 |
| 4 | Alex Bregman (R) | 27 | Astros | SS | 1 |
| 5 | Eugenio Suarez (R) | 31 | Reds | SS* | 1 |
| 7 | Nolan Arenado (R) | 29 | Cardinals | -- | 1 |
| 8 | Rafael Devers (L) | 24 | Red Sox | -- | 1 |
| 6 | DJ LeMahieu (R) | 32 | Yankees | 1B, 2B | 2 |
| 9 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) | 22 | Blue Jays | 1B | 2 |
| 10 | Cavan Biggio (L) | 25 | Blue Jays | 2B, OF | 2 |
| 11 | Matt Chapman (R) | 27 | A's | -- | 2 |
| 12 | Kris Bryant (R) | 29 | Cubs | OF | 2 |
| 13 | Yoan Moncada (S) | 25 | White Sox | -- | 2 |
| 14 | Max Muncy (L) | 30 | Dodgers | 1B, 2B | 3 |
| 15 | Mike Moustakas (L) | 32 | Reds | 1B, 2B | 3 |
| 16 | Josh Donaldson (R) | 35 | Twins | -- | 3 |
| 17 | Alec Bohm (R) | 24 | Phillies | 1B | 3 |
| 18 | Jeff McNeil (L) | 28 | Mets | 2B, OF | 3 |
| 19 | Ian Happ (S) | 26 | Cubs | 2B, OF | 3 |
| 20 | Nick Solak (R) | 25 | Rangers | 2B, OF | 3 |
| 21 | Dylan Moore (R) | 28 | Mariners | 2B, SS, OF | 3 |
| 22 | Justin Turner (R) | 36 | Dodgers | -- | 3 |
| 23 | Austin Riley (R) | 23 | Braves | OF | 4 |
| 24 | Miguel Sano (R) | 27 | Twins | 1B | 4 |
| 25 | Eduardo Escobar (S) | 32 | D-backs | 2B | 4 |
| 26 | Jean Segura (R) | 31 | Phillies | 2B | 4 |
| 27 | Ke'Bryan Hayes (R) | 24 | Pirates | -- | 4 |
| 28 | Gio Urshela (R) | 29 | Yankees | -- | 4 |
| 29 | J.D. Davis (R) | 27 | Mets | OF | 4 |
| 30 | Yuli Gurriel (R) | 36 | Astros | 1B | 4 |
| 31 | Ryan McMahon (L) | 26 | Rockies | 1B, 2B | 5 |
| 32 | Tommy Edman (S) | 25 | Cardinals | 2B, SS, OF | 5 |
| 33 | Kyle Seager (L) | 33 | Mariners | -- | 5 |
| 34 | Hunter Dozier (R) | 29 | Royals | 1B, OF | 5 |
| 35 | Jeimer Candelario (S) | 27 | Tigers | 1B | 5 |
| 36 | Maikel Franco (R) | 28 | Tigers | -- | 5 |
| 37 | Carter Kieboom (R) | 23 | Nationals | SS | 5 |
| 38 | Brian Anderson (R) | 27 | Marlins | OF | 6 |
| 39 | Evan Longoria (R) | 35 | Giants | -- | 6 |
| 40 | Willi Castro (S) | 23 | Tigers | SS | 6 |
| 41 | Jon Berti (R) | 30 | Marlins | 2B, SS, OF | 6 |
| 42 | Colin Moran (L) | 28 | Pirates | 1B, 2B | 7 |
| 43 | Mike Brosseau (R) | 27 | Rays | 1B, 2B | 7 |
| 44 | Ty France (R) | 26 | Mariners | 2B | 7 |
| 45 | Yoshi Tsutsugo (L) | 29 | Rays | OF | 7 |
| 46 | Rio Ruiz (L) | 26 | Orioles | 1B | 7 |
| 47 | Edwin Rios (L) | 26 | Dodgers | 1B | 7 |
| 48 | Andres Gimenez (L) | 22 | Indians | 2B, SS | 7 |
| 49 | Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) | 26 | Rangers | C, SS | 7 |
| 50 | Luis Urias (R) | 23 | Brewers | 2B, SS | 7 |
