Top Third Basemen Ranked for the 2025 MLB Season: Who's Hitting and Fielding at Their Best?

Introduction

The landscape of third base in Major League Baseball is teeming with talent as we head into the 2025 season. With established stars like José Ramírez, Manny Machado, Alex Bregman, and Matt Chapman, alongside up-and-coming prospects like Junior Caminero and Jordan Westburg, the competition is fierce. This article ranks every MLB team's third baseman based solely on their offensive and defensive contributions during the current season, setting aside past accomplishments and future projections.

Ranking the Third Basemen

As we analyze the performance of each player, we evaluate them strictly within the context of their current teams. This approach presents a unique challenge, particularly for certain clubs. Below, we delve into the rankings and highlight how each third baseman stacks up against their league counterparts.

30. Cam Devanney - Pittsburgh Pirates

Offense: 19 PA, 17 wRC+, .167/.211/.222, 1 XBH (0 HR), 0 SBDefense: 46.0 INN, 0 DRS, 0 OAAWAR: -0.2

Devanney is the only other Pirates player to start at third base this year alongside Ke'Bryan Hayes, making his performance crucial as a rookie.

29. Brady House - Washington Nationals

Offense: 223 PA, 56 wRC+, .239/.251/.329, 13 XBH (3 HR), 5 SBDefense: 492.1 INN, -1 DRS, 1 OAAWAR: -0.2

House has shown potential but needs a strong finish to secure his position moving into next season.

28. Kyle Karros - Colorado Rockies

Offense: 102 PA, 66 wRC+, .242/.314/.319, 5 XBH (1 HR), 0 SBDefense: 217.1 INN, 2 DRS, 4 OAAWAR: 0.2

Making his debut after McMahon's trade, Karros is establishing himself as Colorado’s main third baseman.

27. Connor Norby - Miami Marlins

Offense: 295 PA, 85 wRC+, .247/.298/.373, 21 XBH (6 HR), 7 SBDefense: 607.0 INN, -9 DRS, -6 OAAWAR: 0.1

Norby has the potential but has faced challenges due to injuries throughout the season.

26. Darell Hernaiz - Athletics

Offense: 139 PA, 88 wRC+, .250/.324/.358, 8 XBH (2 HR), 2 SBDefense: 79.0 INN, -3 DRS, -2 OAAWAR: 0.4

Hernaiz is the latest option for the A's after the team made changes at the third base position.

25. Curtis Mead - Chicago White Sox

Offense: 234 PA, 86 wRC+, .248/.321/.338, 12 XBH (3 HR), 5 SBDefense: 185.0 INN, 0 DRS, 1 OAAWAR: 0.4

In a trade that sent several players, Mead's offensive potential is being tapped into after a promising minor league career.

24. Nolan Arenado - St. Louis Cardinals

Offense: 394 PA, 83 wRC+, .235/.294/.366, 26 XBH (10 HR), 2 SBDefense: 793.2 INN, 4 DRS, 2 OAAWAR: 0.7

Despite an injury-laden season, Arenado's defense remains noteworthy, although his offensive performance has waned.

23. Alec Bohm - Philadelphia Phillies

Offense: 464 PA, 94 wRC+, .272/.319/.384, 27 XBH (9 HR), 2 SBDefense: 860.2 INN, -4 DRS, 0 OAAWAR: 1.1

Bohm’s inconsistent performance raises questions about his long-term standing with the club.

22. Royce Lewis - Minnesota Twins

Offense: 335 PA, 92 wRC+, .237/.293/.406, 28 XBH (12 HR), 7 SBDefense: 673.1 INN, 0 DRS, 1 OAAWAR: 1.1

Lewis has shown glimpses of brilliance, but injuries have hampered his season.

21. Blaze Alexander - Arizona Diamondbacks

Offense: 203 PA, 110 wRC+, .234/.328/.423, 18 XBH (7 HR), 3 SBDefense: 309.0 INN, 4 DRS, 0 OAAWAR: 1.2

Alexander has stepped up for Arizona and could be a valuable piece moving forward.

20. Yoán Moncada - Los Angeles Angels

Offense: 252 PA, 120 wRC+, .239/.337/.459, 24 XBH (11 HR), 0 SBDefense: 533.0 INN, -9 DRS, -7 OAAWAR: 1.0

While Moncada's bat is impactful, his defensive abilities are a concern.

19. Josh Jung - Texas Rangers

Offense: 441 PA, 93 wRC+, .255/.297/.397, 32 XBH (13 HR), 4 SBDefense: 934.0 INN, -2 DRS, 5 OAAWAR: 1.6

Jung’s ability to hit with runners in scoring position highlights his potential.

18. Austin Riley - Atlanta Braves

Offense: 447 PA, 103 wRC+, .260/.309/.428, 37 XBH (16 HR), 2 SBDefense: 882.1 INN, -2 DRS, -1 OAAWAR: 1.6

Riley's injury last year was a setback, but he is expected to reclaim his role in the upcoming seasons.

17. Carlos Correa - Houston Astros

Offense: 513 PA, 101 wRC+, .274/.326/.394, 35 XBH (11 HR), 0 SBDefense: 292.2 INN, 0 DRS, 1 OAAWAR: 1.9

Correa's return to Houston has created questions about his fit in the infield as injury management is evaluated.

16. Jordan Westburg - Baltimore Orioles

Offense: 304 PA, 122 wRC+, .276/.326/.473, 25 XBH (15 HR), 1 SBDefense: 361.2 INN, -5 DRS, 1 OAAWAR: 1.9

A strong season for Westburg has been interrupted by injuries, raising concerns for both his and the team's future.

15. Ke'Bryan Hayes - Cincinnati Reds

Offense: 517 PA, 71 wRC+, .246/.297/.323, 24 XBH (5 HR), 12 SBDefense: 1,155.0 INN, 17 DRS, 18 OAAWAR: 1.6

Hayes is known for his elite defensive skills; a recent change of scenery seems to have rejuvenated his bat.

14. Matt Shaw - Chicago Cubs

Offense: 378 PA, 92 wRC+, .226/.294/.391, 32 XBH (11 HR), 16 SBDefense: 876.0 INN, 11 DRS, -1 OAAWAR: 1.2

Shaw's post-All-Star performance has elevated his profile as a potential long-term solution for the Cubs.

13. Brett Baty - New York Mets

Offense: 392 PA, 110 wRC+, .254/.315/.434, 30 XBH (16 HR), 8 SBDefense: 505.0 INN, 2 DRS, 0 OAAWAR: 2.0

Baty has emerged as a key contributor for the Mets this season and is regaining his prospect status.

12. Caleb Durbin - Milwaukee Brewers

Offense: 439 PA, 102 wRC+, .253/.326/.387, 32 XBH (10 HR), 13 SBDefense: 918.1 INN, 7 DRS, 3 OAAWAR: 2.1

Durbin’s strong rookie season has provided the Brewers with much-needed stability at a pivotal position.

11. Ryan McMahon - New York Yankees

Offense: 536 PA, 90 wRC+, .220/.319/.394, 42 XBH (19 HR), 2 SBDefense: 1,139.0 INN, 9 DRS, 5 OAAWAR: 2.0

McMahon’s arrival has solidified third base for the Yankees, as they look to find the right infield combo.

10. Ernie Clement - Toronto Blue Jays

Offense: 519 PA, 95 wRC+, .275/.311/.398, 39 XBH (9 HR), 5 SBDefense: 584.0 INN, 11 DRS, 6 OAAWAR: 2.6

Clement’s versatility and defensive prowess continue to benefit the Blue Jays in multiple roles.

9. Zach McKinstry - Detroit Tigers

Offense: 475 PA, 118 wRC+, .266/.342/.447, 43 XBH (11 HR), 19 SBDefense: 523.1 INN, -7 DRS, -1 OAAWAR: 3.2

This super-utility player is making a name for himself with an All-Star selection enhancing his profile.

8. Max Muncy - Los Angeles Dodgers

Offense: 351 PA, 143 wRC+, .255/.387/.486, 29 XBH (17 HR), 4 SBDefense: 727.2 INN, 1 DRS, -7 OAAWAR: 2.7

Muncy's power and on-base abilities have kept him relevant despite playing limited games this year.

7. Alex Bregman - Boston Red Sox

Offense: 427 PA, 128 wRC+, .279/.361/.476, 42 XBH (16 HR), 1 SBDefense: 840.0 INN, 3 DRS, 2 OAAWAR: 3.1

As Bregman weighs contract decisions, his performance remains solid, supporting his case for extended tenure.

6. Junior Caminero - Tampa Bay Rays

Offense: 581 PA, 124 wRC+, .261/.301/.535, 66 XBH (41 HR), 7 SBDefense: 1,126.1 INN, -2 DRS, 1 OAAWAR: 4.0

Caminero's home/road splits raise questions, but his power potential is evident as he ranks among the best.

5. Eugenio Suárez - Seattle Mariners

Offense: 616 PA, 125 wRC+, .278/.339/.461, 56 XBH (23 HR), 12 SBDefense: 1,125.2 INN, 1 DRS, -6 OAAWAR: 3.6

Suárez's transition back to the Mariners has proven beneficial for both parties, especially during the first half.

4. Manny Machado - San Diego Padres

Offense: 589 PA, 132 wRC+, .236/.307/.547, 70 XBH (45 HR), 4 SBDefense: 1,179.2 INN, -7 DRS, -6 OAAWAR: 3.6

Machado remains a staple of the lineup as he continues to add to his Hall of Fame resume.

3. Matt Chapman - San Francisco Giants

Offense: 464 PA, 129 wRC+, .241/.351/.457, 41 XBH (21 HR), 9 SBDefense: 965.1 INN, 5 DRS, 5 OAAWAR: 3.9

Chapman's elite fielding and consistent offense make him a cornerstone for the Giants.

2. Maikel García - Kansas City Royals

Offense: 591 PA, 130 wRC+, .283/.357/.501, 57 XBH (27 HR), 37 SBDefense: 1,002.2 INN, 1 DRS, 6 OAAWAR: 5.3

A breakout season for García has placed him in the conversation for top honors at the position.

1. José Ramírez - Cleveland Guardians