Fantasy baseball season is approaching quickly and as we plan for our drafts we have to find value. Some positions are very deep and value picks can be found late. Other positions are not so deep, and that is what we call the fantasy baseball shallows. This series of articles starts with Third Base.

Top Tier

Third base has some great fantasy players. The problem is it also has many fantasy duds. When I look at third base, I must draft a player at this position very early. Jose Ramirez is clearly the best fantasy third-baseman. I place Manny Machado, Austin Riley, Rafael Devers, Nolan Arenado, and Bobby Witt Jr in my top tier with Ramirez. One of these players needs to be on my team by the end of round two.

The Drop Off

Once the top six are off the board, there is very little to get excited about at the position. I will take a swing at Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson, and many like Alex Bregman. If you are looking for a third baseman in rounds three through six you are shopping in the wrong bin. I believe if you pass on the top six the drop-off becomes pretty steep. If you love Ty France or Matt Chapman… why?

Worth the Wait?

If you decide to wait on third base or get one of the top six and add another late, you might find a diamond, but it is risky. You might get lucky with a DJ LeMahieu resurgence, or a Josh Jung breakout. You also may drown in the fantasy baseball shallows.

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