Top 10 Fantasy Third Basemen Heading Into Week 2
The MLB season is now in full-swing and many baseball fans are happy to see their favorite players take to the diamond. While there is no one dominant team this year that's expected to win it all, there are a handful that have already separated themselves from the rest.
Fantasy baseball is also in full-swing, so let's look at the top third basemen heading into the second week of the season. If any of these guys are free agents, sign them now.
10. Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
10. Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
Arenado is in a lineup full of solid hitters and the Rockies' rank in the league's offensive categories is showing just how solid this lineup can be. Arenado is poised for a career year in 2014 if he gets his average up.
Week 1: .222 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 Runs, .241 OBP
9. Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers
9. Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers
Nick Castellanos has been Detroit's top prospect for years and he's finally getting his chance in 2014. The young third baseman is a great hitter with a world full of potential. Watch out for Castellanos for the remainder of the year as he's ready to show off his batting prowess.
Week 1: .385 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 Run, .467 OBP
8. Chris Johnson, Atlanta Braves
8. Chris Johnson, Atlanta Braves
Johnson, 29, had his best season in MLB a season ago and he's looking to keep trending upward with yet another solid year in his second season with the Braves.
Week 1: .304 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, .320 OBP
7. Juan Uribe, Los Angeles Dodgers
7. Juan Uribe, Getty Images
It seems like Juan Uribe is mentioned year after year when it comes to top performers at third base. Yes, he's getting up there in age and he looks out of shape, but he's not done producing.
Week 1: .313 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, .313 OBP
6. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
6. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
Ryan Zimmerman is that guy that can rack up some power stats if you need a boost in home runs or RBI. He's the kind of guy that will finish the year with 25-30 home runs and 80-plus RBI -- if he can stay healthy.
Week 1: .350 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 Run, .333 OBP
5. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox
5. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox
As one of the better young third base prospects in baseball, the Red Sox are hoping for a lot of production out of Xander Bogaerts. He could be a big X-factor when it comes to Boston's playoff push.
Week 1: .381 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 4 Runs, .480 OBP
4. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
4. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Evan Longoria is one of the best third basemen in the league and he would likely start for many, if not all, teams in MLB. He is off to a solid start to the 2014 campaign and it looks like he's in for a run at the AL MVP crown.
Week 1: .360 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Runs, .467 OBP
3. Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins
3. Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins
Not many people talk about Trevor Plouffe because he plays for a struggling team like the Minnesota Twins. If he can improve on his average, the 27-year old third baseman will be a force this season.
Week 1: .391 AVG, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 6 Runs, .517 OBP
2. Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds
2. Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds
If you don't know much about Todd Frazier as a fantasy owner, you're missing out. He's only owned in 75 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, so you may want to pick him up now before it's too late.
Week 1: .381 AVG, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 SB, .480 OBP
1. Aramis Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers
1. Aramis Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers
Aramis Ramirez seemed to be declining in terms of relevancy in recent years, but he has stepped up his game at third base for the Brewers this season. He is the epitome of an ageless wonder at 35 years of age.
Week 1: .440 AVG, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 1 Run, .440 OBP
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].