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MLB power rankings: Top 10 third basemen of 2017

By Joshua Sadlock

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
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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Aug 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) on the field before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) on the field before the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Karst-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

There really is no reason Manny Machado should not win the Gold Glove at third base in the American League every season. Playing 45 games at shortstop in 2016 may have hurt his case, but Machado is without a doubt the best defender at the hot corner in the AL, and it’s not even close. His highlight-reel plays look routine, and he could surpass Brooks Robinson as the best defender in club history (if by the grace of God the Orioles somehow find a way to pay him the $35 million a year he will eventually demand).

Before his age-24 season, Machado has hit 143 doubles and 105 home runs (12th and 21st all-time, respectively), which is more impressive considering that he missed half of the 2014 season with a knee injury and only played in 51 games his rookie year. In a conversation about which young stud in baseball has the brightest future, Machado has put himself in the conversation with Mike Trout and Bryce Harper.

None of this is to say that Machado is a finished product. He has a reputation as a bit of a hothead, can be lackadaisical on the bases, and is still learning how to take a walk. In 2015, Machado drew 70 walks and stole 20 bases while hitting out of the leadoff spot. In 2016, he moved down into the three-hole, and frequently expanded his strike zone trying to do too much. Some of that does fall on the shoulders of his teammates like Chris Davis and Mark Trumbo who struggled mightily down the stretch for the Orioles last year. Machado has come close to winning an MVP the past two seasons, and he very well could take one home before he hits free agency after the 2018 season.

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