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 /

10 of 10

Sep 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields the ball in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies

Forget about the Coors Field effect; Nolan Arenado is the best third baseman in baseball. He may also be the best defender in baseball across all positions. Arenado has won the Gold Glove in each of his first four seasons in the majors and defends the hot corner with rare athleticism.

In each of the past two years, Arenado has led the league in home runs, RBIs, and total bases. There is no denying that playing in Denver has made it easier for Arenado to rack up his 40 homers and 130 RBIs a year, but the home-road splits showed sings of evening out last year. He batted .277/.340/.492 on the road. The Rockies are continuing to surround Arenado with better talent in the lineup, and he will benefit from more support on the road.

Next: Best Starting Pitchers in MLB History

The Rockies are on the verge of breaking through as a contender in 2017, and that will allow more baseball fans around the country to see more of Nolan Arenado, which can only be viewed as a good thing for the sport. With elite power and elite defense, Arenado is the total package at third base, and is the pick for tops in the league.

Home/MLB