MLB power rankings: Top 10 third basemen of 2017

Jun 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) dives for a ground ball in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Baltimore Orioles won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

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The top 10 third basemen in Major League baseball are helping make the hot corner the premier position in the game today.

Throughout the history of baseball, there have been different positions that grab all the headlines. Starting pitchers like Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax defined the 1960s, for example. Young shortstops like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Nomar Garciaparra headlined in the late 1990s. There is always a “glamour position” in baseball, and right now, third basemen may be holding that title.

You could make an argument for one of at least five players as the best third basemen in baseball, and not be wildly incorrect. Arguably the two best overall defenders in the game play third base — Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado — play third base. Josh Donaldson won the 2015 AL MVP, while Kris Bryant claimed the 2016 award in the NL. There are more players who combine elite offense and defense at the hot corner than at any other time in baseball history.

By the time we get into the top five third basemen entering the 2017 season, we really will be splitting hairs. Let’s dive right in and break down the ten best third basemen in the major leagues right now.

10. Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals

After a down year in 2015 spent battling minor, nagging injuries, Anthony Rendon rebounded to enjoy a solid season in 2016. The four-year veteran finished with 20 home runs, 85 RBIs, and a .797 OPS while continuing to play slick defense at third base. The Nationals shuffled Rendon between second and third in 2015, but he saw all his action at the hot corner last season.

As a hitter and fielder, Rendon does not do one thing spectacularly, but has a game that is well-rounded overall. He has compiled a .274/.345/.433 slash line in his career with 53 home runs and a solid fielding percentage of .965. Rendon keeps his strikeout totals low and walks at a good rate.

When healthy, Rendon is just a tick below an All-Star at third base, which is no small feat with this current crop of third basemen. His presence takes the pressure off of Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy, and the Nationals saw their offense struggle in 2015 when he was out.

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