Let’s take a look at our top fantasy MLB picks for third base.
Josh Donaldson – Toronto Blue Jays
Expectations could not be higher in Toronto with the buzz of pennant fever warming the spring chill. A big reason for the excitement is Josh Donaldson, who arrives from the Oakland A’s, where he was a key component in their run of three consecutive playoff appearances. With a career OPS of .805 and career slugging percentage of .458 there is plenty of reason to believe that Donaldson can spark a baseball renaissance in Toronto. Last year Donaldson had 93 runs, 31 doubles, 29 home runs, a slugging percentage of .458 and an OPS of .798. With a better supporting cast that can protect him in Toronto, and with a better home park for hitters, those numbers figure to improve for the 2015 season and could make Donaldson one of the most valuable picks in the draft.
Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers
There is not much in the way of good news or spring optimism in regards to the Rangers, but Beltre is clearly the exception to the rule. Beltre is among the most durable players in the game with 600 plate appearances in three out of his last four seasons. Two keys to Beltre’s potential success is the health of Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder which will serve to protect Beltre with good pitches to look at. Although 36 years of age, Beltre is maintaining a level of play that keeps him in elite status for the draft. Last year Beltre posted a .388 on base percentage, .492 slugging percentage, and .879 OPS which all bested his career average numbers.
Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays
Longoria helped erase concerns about his durability last year as he played in all 162 games after recent injury plagued seasons that had turned off many fantasy owners from drafting him. At 32 years of age, Longoria should still bring the potential of an elite level of play. Longoria brings the potential for upside as he suffered a drop in on base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS from his career averages last year.
Kyle Seager – Seattle Mariners
Seager inked a massive new $100 million deal after his third consecutive season in which he hit at least 20 home runs and a gold glove for 2014 which was the first of his career. Seager is one of the reasons that the Mariners are a hot pick to win the American League West. The arrival of Robinson Cano will help protect the 27-year-old Seager, who many believe still has plenty of upside.
