Top 10 third basemen in MLB in 2025
Some of baseball’s most impressive defensive plays are made at the hot corner. It’s also a position with phenomenal offensive pedigree, dating back to Mike Schmidt, Chipper Jones, and George Brett.
The best third basemen in MLB this season combine strong defensive instincts — snatching base hits with quick reflexes and cannon arms — with serious offensive upside. The position also features plenty of elite hitters from complete packages like José Ramírez to high-strikeout sluggers like Eugenio Suárez.
The variety of player types means there’s a lot to consider when ranking the top third basemen in the big leagues. Here are the top 10:
1. José Ramírez
Ramírez didn’t have a legitimate rival for first place in these rankings. With over 52 bWAR for his career, he’s projected for 1.1 fWAR more than any other third baseman and shares the top spot in wRC+. With a 140 OPS+ and averages of 34 homers and 29 steals per 162 games since 2017, Ramírez has been a model of consistency. He’s missed more than 10 games in a season just once over that span. His low strikeout rate, reliable power, and effective base running continue to make him a top-tier threat.
2. Matt Chapman
A two-time Platinum Glove winner, Chapman combines all-time great defense with solid to good offense. He has a 116 wRC+ over the last two seasons and ranks third in fWAR among third basemen. With four full seasons of 120+ OPS+, a decent eye, and sneaky base stealing ability, Chapman remains one of the most well-rounded players at the hot corner.
3. Alex Bregman
Bregman hasn’t returned to his 2018-2019 peak but remains highly reliable. He regularly posts an OPS north of .780 with low strikeouts and solid defense. While the errors sometimes make headlines, his overall fielding metrics remain strong, and his bat provides steady value.
4. Austin Riley
Riley’s 2024 was a step back with just a 114 OPS+ and time missed due to injury. Even so, ZiPS projects him for a top-tier wRC+ in 2025. He’s got serious bat speed and can barrel the ball with the best of them, though inconsistent defense and a low walk rate limit his upside.
5. Isaac Paredes
Now in Houston, Paredes offers elite plate discipline and a swing tailored to launch balls over the Crawford Boxes. Despite underwhelming exit velocity, his 126 wRC+ since 2023 and fit in the Astros’ lineup make him a top-five option.
6. Manny Machado
Machado’s defense fell off in 2024, and his offensive metrics have settled around league star levels rather than MVP form. Still, a 120 wRC+ is solid, and he’s capable of more if fully healthy. At age 32, a four-win season would be a success.
7. Nolan Arenado
Still a defensive maestro, Arenado’s offensive decline is real. His walk rate is down, and he posted some of the lowest exit velocity numbers of his career last year. A league-average bat paired with elite glove work lands him in the back half of the top 10.
8. Alec Bohm
2024 was Bohm’s best season to date, improving his defense and hitting to a 116 OPS+. A slow start to 2025 and offseason trade chatter may have thrown him off, but his contact skills remain elite. He’ll need to rediscover some power to stay in the top tier.
9. Junior Caminero
A top-five prospect with elite bat speed and good strike zone feel, Caminero’s upside is massive. His current ranking reflects limited MLB experience, but he’s projected for a 115 wRC+ and could finish 2025 much higher.
10. Max Muncy
Injuries have capped Muncy at 122 games per season since 2021. Despite that, his 121 OPS+ and excellent walk and barrel rates keep him in the top 10. His defense remains shaky, and health is the biggest question mark going forward.
Third base remains one of the most talent-rich positions in baseball. Whether you’re after pure defense, on-base prowess, or home run power, this group has it all. As the 2025 season unfolds, don’t be surprised if names like Caminero or Bohm start pushing even higher — the hot corner is heating up.
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