Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players in the game today

By Joshua Sadlock

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 02: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his solo homerun for a 1-1 tie with the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 02: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his solo homerun for a 1-1 tie with the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – APRIL 3: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies plays during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on April 3, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – APRIL 3: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies plays during a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on April 3, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

8. Nolan Arenado

With Manny Machado making the move one position over to shortstop, Colorado Rockies superstar Nolan Arenado is able to claim the title as undisputed best defensive third baseman in baseball. There could even be an argument to be made that Arenado is the most valuable defender in the entire league. He has been the NL’s Gold Glove winner at third base every year since making his debut in 2013.

Arenado certainly does benefit from playing half his games at Coors Field, but his numbers have reached a point where they cannot be ignored or written off as a product of the thin air. Over the past three years, the 27-year-old has hit .297/.353/.577 with 121 doubles, 120 home runs and 393 RBI. Nothing like averaging 40 doubles, 40 homers and 1120 RBI to keep your name in the MVP discussion.

An MVP breakthrough is likely coming soon for Arenado, who has finished in the top ten three years in a row — fourth last year. His road numbers were worthy of MVP consideration last year, as he posted an OPS of .886 away from Coors Field. This year, Arenado is showing a new level of plate discipline and is carrying an on-base percentage over .400 for the first time in his career while walking in roughly 15 percent of his plate appearances.

The Rockies have generally done a good job of keeping their homegrown talent past the initial years of team control. Hitting in Coors Field somewhat sells itself. Arenado has another season before he can hit free agency, but it would not come as a surprise to see him sign a long-term deal and become the first slam-dunk Hall of Fame candidate to spend his entire career in Colorado.

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