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2025 Third Base Prospect Rankings for Dynasty Leagues

By Wes Hughes
Coby Mayo Fantasy Baseball Third Base Prospect Rankings

Ranking season is in full swing, and I’m diving into my third base prospect rankings next. At FantraxHQ, I rank 400 prospects to help all you fantasy addicts dominate your leagues. Third base offers some of the most exciting top-end talent, but the depth doesn’t quite match other positions, and the overall talent drops off steeply further down the list. This position is a mix of high-upside prospects and older SS and 1B players transitioning to the hot corner. While there are plenty of question marks, the potential here is undeniable. It’s clear that some teams are stockpiling talent at third base—looking at you, Reds, Astros, and Cubs.

These rankings are my own analysis, crafted with a focus on fantasy baseball. While I appreciate resources like MLB’s Top 100 or Baseball America’s Top 100, my rankings are all about fantasy potential. Defense is great, but it doesn’t score you fantasy points or win categories.

Here are a few notes on how I approach my rankings:

  • Fantasy Focused: These rankings are exclusively based on a player’s fantasy potential and my analysis of their value in fantasy leagues.
  • Criteria: Stats matter, Statcast data and park factors are weighted, injuries impact rankings, and future team context is considered. However, these rankings are a snapshot in time of a player’s projected future fantasy value.
  • Position Eligibility: Players with multiple positions are ranked at their primary position based on where they played the most games in the minors. For example, Kristian Campbell will appear in the 2B rankings.
  • Your Team, Your Vision: Use these rankings as a guide, not gospel. Your fantasy team is your own, and you should rank and draft prospects based on your own evaluations and strategy.
If you aren’t playing your dynasty leagues on Fantrax, you’re missing out on the deepest player pool and most customization around. Just starting out in a dynasty league? Then check out Rick Haake’s Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects and George Bissell’s Top-500 Dynasty League Rankings.

More Prospect Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP | RP – (Links will be added as our Prospect Rankings continue)

Top 20 Third Base Prospect Rankings

20: Charles McAdoo | Toronto Blue Jays | Level: AA | Age: 22

A 13th-round pick in 2023 from San Jose State, Charles McAdoo has likely already exceeded his draft slot expectations. He hit .336 at High-A with Pittsburgh before earning a promotion to Double-A and being traded to Toronto in the IKF deal. McAdoo incorporated stolen bases into his game, moving him up rankings, and slashed .269/.348/.490 in his first Double-A stint. He strikes out a bit too often (25%), though his 12% swinging strike rate is average. Most of his strikeouts (43 in 143 plate appearances) came after the trade. A reset in 2025 should benefit McAdoo, allowing him to continue mashing doubles, as he hit 27 in 2024. That total is the highest among all players on this 3B list. Third base in Toronto has been a revolving door, with no clear roadblocks unless Orelvis Martinez shifts positions after the Andrés Giménez acquisition.

19: Bryan Ramos | Chicago White Sox | Level: MLB | Age: 22

Hailing from La Habana, Cuba, Bryan Ramos debuted in the majors in 2024, but his performance fell short. He struggled early in Double-A Birmingham, slashing .182/.265/.307 in 100 plate appearances before finding his footing at Triple-A. Ramos has consistently been young for his level but is projected as an above-average hitter by scouting reports. He crushes fastballs with his plus bat speed and strength but struggles to adjust to breaking balls, chasing too often. Ramos earns consistent 55 hit and 55 power grades, encouraging despite his middling minor league track record. His minor league slash line of .257/.342/.426 includes 64 home runs, an 8% walk rate, and a 14% swinging strike rate. This is a scout’s pick—his talent suggests much more upside than his stats show. If he reaches his ceiling, Ramos could be a steal in dynasty leagues.

18: Ivan Melendez | Arizona Diamondbacks | Level: AA | Age: 24

A former Golden Spikes winner from Texas, Ivan Melendez was a transcendent college hitter, reminiscent of Kris Bryant or Charlie Condon. Unfortunately, his professional ascent hasn’t been as meteoric. Melendez is a classic three-true-outcomes player with immense power but notable swing-and-miss issues. The upside is his strikeout rate improved by 5% in 2024, though it remains high at 30%. He also posted an 18% swinging strike rate, highlighting his contact struggles. Despite this, Melendez crushed 30 home runs in 2023 and followed up with 22 more in 2024. His total ranks second on this list, showing his power potential is undeniable. While his profile may deter roto players, points league managers should see shades of Eugenio Suárez in Arizona. A .240 average with 35-40 home runs and 90-100 RBIs as a middle-order bat is realistic for Melendez.

17: Gino Groover | Arizona Diamondbacks | Level: AA | Age: 22

Third base prospect profiles rarely feature high OBP skills, but Gino Groover delivers that and more. With an above-average hit tool and elite contact skills, he’s struck out just 7.2% of the time in his career. Groover sees more called strikes (~16%) than swings and misses, emphasizing his exceptional plate discipline. In 2024, he hit .272 at High-A before earning a promotion and slashing .340 in his first taste of Double-A. He struck out just 14% of the time, walking 30 times against 36 strikeouts in 264 plate appearances. That strikeout rate is the best on this list. Groover’s power emerged in 2024, with 10 home runs and 12 doubles showing his potential for consistent extra-base production. He could be above average in every facet of the game, with no glaring weaknesses apparent in his skill set. Groover is a roto league target moving up draft boards in points leagues as his already plus tools continue to develop.

16: Ricardo Cabrera | Cincinnati Reds | Level: A | Age: 20

Just 20 years old, Ricardo Cabrera is the first of three Reds prospects featured on this list. Cabrera emerged on rankings after an impressive 2023 Arizona Complex League showing, slashing .350/.469/.559 with 5 home runs and 24 stolen bases. In 2024, he followed with a .253/.331/.399 line at Low-A Daytona, showcasing his overall talent despite some flaws. Cabrera’s plus bat speed as a teenager contributed to 11 home runs and a strong gap-to-gap approach with 22 doubles. As he matures, those doubles and his 52% pull rate should translate into more home runs. His 50% groundball rate also leaves room for improvement, allowing for increased power production. Cabrera’s main concern is his aggressive approach, reflected in a 56% swing rate, though improved from 59% in 2023. This aggression results in low walk rates and frequent disadvantageous counts. Despite this, he struck out only 22% of the time in 2024, aided by a 69% contact rate. With improved patience, better pitch recognition, and a more refined approach, Cabrera could have a breakout season in 2025.

15: Billy Amick | Minnesota Twins | Level: A | Age: 22

Billy Amick ranked among the top power hitters in the 2024 draft class out of Tennessee. After a dominant freshman season at Clemson, hitting .413, Amick entered his sophomore year as a consensus first-rounder. He excelled at Tennessee but fell down draft boards after a late-season slump that extended into the College World Series. Amick is known for his barrel control and hard contact, hitting 23 home runs during the 2024 season. In his pro debut, he improved his plate discipline, posting a 12:15 BB/K ratio, better than his college numbers. In the Florida State League with Fort Myers, he hit 3 home runs in limited action. Amick’s strength projects consistent 20+ home run power, with potential for more as he develops. In Low-A, he posted a 72% contact rate, which is well above average for both in-zone and out-of-zone pitches.

14: Jesus Baez | New York Mets | Level: A+ | Age: 19

Another 19-year-old with plus raw power, Jesus Baez hit 11 home runs in the lower minors during 2024. Signed for just $275k in 2022, Baez won the Mets’ DSL Player of the Year award that same year. After a disappointing 2023, he rebounded in 2024 with a breakout season before a torn meniscus cut it short. Despite the injury, Baez showcased his potential and how he could fit into the Mets’ future lineup. Listed at 5’10” and 180 pounds, Baez generates surprising power with fast-twitch movements and impressive bat speed. Though he didn’t walk much, his 16% strikeout rate and nearly 80% contact rate in 2024 were impressive improvements. His swinging strike rate has consistently improved, dropping from 29.2% in the DSL to 9.5% in High-A. Baez pulls the ball 52% of the time, a common trait among young international prospects still developing strength and approach. As he matures, those pulled balls should translate into gap hits and additional home runs.

13: Zach Dezenzo | Houston Astros | Level: MLB | Age: 24

Drafted in the 12th round by Houston, Zach Dezenzo entered 2023 as a little-known prospect, unranked on MLB’s top 30 list. His rise has been aggressive, dominating High-A in 2023 before spending most of the season at Double-A. A spring training injury delayed his 2024 start, but he returned to Double-A and earned a promotion to Triple-A Sugar Land. At Triple-A, he raked, slashing .333/.425/.573 with 7 home runs and 20 RBIs in just 113 plate appearances. His hot streak earned him a big-league promotion during Houston’s postseason push. Despite lacking elite tools, there’s plenty to like about Dezenzo. He consistently produces high exit velocities in the 90s, peaking at 110 mph, comparable to sluggers like James Wood. At Triple-A, he posted an 86% zone contact rate, above average for his level. His O-Swing% was elevated (23% at Triple-A, 32% in MLB), but his swinging strike rate stayed manageable at 11%. As he develops more patience and selectivity at the plate, Dezenzo’s value could skyrocket for fantasy managers.

12: Otto Kemp | Philadelphia Phillies | Level: AAA | Age: 25

My favorite under-the-radar prospect on this list is Otto Kemp. Only two prospects crossed four levels in 2024 while hitting above .280: Bryce Eldridge and Kemp. Kemp also posted a better strikeout rate (21%), higher OBP (.392), more triples (9), and 20 stolen bases. He hit 24 doubles, with 40% of his hits going for extra bases, including 26 at Double-A. Kemp advanced to Triple-A for more at-bats and then dominated the Arizona Fall League, slashing .289/.460/.733 with a 1.194 OPS and 6 home runs. His zone contact rate was 80% at Triple-A, even while struggling with a .200 average in 54 plate appearances. His main weakness is a 31% chase rate, typical for a first look at Triple-A pitching. Kemp isn’t just a bat, his fringy-to-above-average speed allowed him to swipe 20 bases in 2024. What sold me on Kemp is his consistent improvement, dating back to college at Point Loma Nazarene (try saying that 10 times fast). Each year, Kemp increased his home run total and improved his average, OBP, and slugging percentage. The trend continues in his minor league career: from hitting .204 in year one to .333/.440/.533 in High-A during 2024. Kemp feels like a hidden gem who will surprise everyone upon his big-league debut, not to mention his swing looks like a young Ryan Braun—I’m buying in.

11: Tommy White | Athletics | Level: A | Age: 21

Tommy “Tanks” White has lived up to his nickname since blasting three home runs in his collegiate debut at NC State. While his defensive home is uncertain, his bat leaves no doubt about his value. From Clearwater High to IMG Academy, where he crushed Andrew Painter’s 97-mph fastball seemingly 500 feet, White consistently dominates top competition. At NC State, he broke the NCAA freshman home run record before leading the country with 105 RBIs at LSU. Though his defense might limit his prospect ranking, he is the reincarnation of Billy Butler and nobody can convince me otherwise. White’s bat ensures he’ll find a lineup spot, despite a discouraging short stint after the draft. Over his college career, he slashed .355/.419/.704 with 75 homers and 249 RBIs, excelling even in SEC competition. His huge raw power earns 60+ grades and allows him to drive the ball to all fields with ease. Producing high exit velocities, White impressed scouts with his barrel control and surprisingly low swing-and-miss rates. While he may end up at 1B or DH due to defensive limitations, his hitting ability is undeniable.

10: Eric Bitonti | Milwaukee Brewers | Level: A | Age: 19

The Brewers’ #14 prospect, Eric Bitonti, is a massive 19-year-old at 6’4” and 220 pounds, yet incredibly athletic. His raw power was evident in 2024, mashing 16 home runs between rookie ball and Low-A Carolina. Bitonti crushed rookie pitchers, slashing .320/.451/.580 with a 1.031 OPS, showcasing his advanced offensive potential. However, mechanical concerns in his left-handed swing stem from his size, creating challenges with consistency and long levers. These issues could be resolved as he adds strength, and his 70-grade raw power potential feels inevitable. Despite a 28% strikeout rate, Bitonti impressed with a 16% walk rate, hinting at better plate discipline than expected. His plus raw power translated into 23 doubles, 3 triples, and 16 home runs among 83 hits, making him an extra-base hit machine. At Low-A, his contact rate improved by 6% to 68%, despite facing better pitchers throwing 12% more first-pitch strikes. Previously a shortstop, Bitonti’s advanced body control for his size aids his transition to third base. His quick adjustments and surprising athleticism suggest he can address swing-and-miss concerns as he progresses. I have no doubt his massive power will continue to develop and elevate his profile.

9: Shay Whitcomb | Houston Astros | Level: MLB | Age: 26

Stop me if you’ve heard this: a relatively unknown Astros prospect becomes a household name. That’s Shay Whitcomb in 2024. Whitcomb makes a case for the best power-speed combo among 3B prospects, even surpassing Matt Shaw. His tools have never been in question, with 35 home runs in 2023 leading all of minor league baseball. He’s also stolen 20+ bases in every minor league season, showcasing elite speed for the position. The red flag has been his free-swinging approach, with strikeout rates consistently near 30%—until 2024. Whitcomb made a conscious adjustment in 2024, dropping his strikeout rate to 20% by improving swing decisions and his overall approach. He slashed .293/.378/.530 while raising his walk rate from 6% to 11%, a massive improvement. His O-Swing% dropped from 39% in 2023 to 29.2% in Triple-A and 27.5% in MLB, further aiding his progress. Whitcomb’s contact rate improved by 5%, complementing his elite exit velocities consistently over 110 MPH. This maturity and ability to make adjustments suggest he’s ready for the next level. While there’s skepticism about sustaining this improvement, his upside is undeniable. Whitcomb likely won’t stick at 3B, with Paredes and Dezenzo ahead of him, but a move to the outfield is possible. With his power-speed combo and adjustments, Whitcomb is a must-watch talent I can’t afford to miss in my league.

8: Cam Collier | Cincinnati Reds | Level: A+ | Age: 20

Cam Collier, the Futures Game MVP, put himself back on the prospect map with a massive home run. Collier’s shine had dimmed after his 2023 season, hitting .246 at Low-A with just 6 home runs. In 2024, as a 19-year-old, his power emerged with 20 home runs and 74 RBIs. Reclassifying made Collier a year younger than most of his draft class, so he often faces older, more experienced pitchers. His patient approach can hinder him, reflected in a 43.5% swing rate and frequent first-pitch strikes (50%). This contributed to his 25% strikeout rate, as he often started behind in counts. Despite middling 2024 stats (.248/.355/.443), his peripherals show advanced tools and potential. Collier combines a developing hit tool, massive power, plus plate discipline, and above-average contact rates (75.2% at High-A). He rarely swings and misses, with a 10% swinging strike rate that’s improved every year. However, his 18% called strike rate suggests passivity early in counts. Collier would benefit from more aggression, but even as a .250 hitter, he has 30+ homer upside. His profile resembles Rafael Devers, offering immense power and offensive impact as he continues to mature.

7: Brock Wilken | Milwaukee Brewers | Level: AA | Age: 22

The 2023 first-round pick, Brock Wilken, was the draft class’s top power bat, belting 31 homers at Wake Forest. Post-draft, Wilken started strong, hitting .289 at High-A before an aggressive promotion to Double-A. However, 2024 derailed after he was hit in the face by a 94 mph fastball in April. Following facial surgery, Wilken struggled, barely hitting .200 and looking uncomfortable at the plate for most of the season. Despite a lost year, Wilken retains some of the minors’ loudest power, with 70-grade raw power and an advanced hit tool. His 28% strikeout rate was higher than expected, supported by average contact rates (70%) and an 11% swinging strike rate. His 40% swing rate, among the minors’ lowest, likely contributed to his struggles. The mental impact of the facial injury is unclear, but the path forward is straightforward: be more aggressive and trust his tools. Wilken’s elite power and contact skills should produce plenty of extra-base hits and home runs. As Wake Forest’s all-time home run leader, his ceiling remains an Austin Riley-type middle-of-the-order bat. The talent is undeniable, and his potential should eventually prevail.

6: Brady House | Washington Nationals | Level: AAA | Age: 21

Dr. Jekyll, meet Brady House, the Nationals’ first-round pick from 2021. House’s pro career began with an explosive rookie-ball debut. He slashed .322 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs in just 66 plate appearances. In 2022, he stepped back at Low-A Fredericksburg, hitting .278/.356/.375 with a discouraging 29% strikeout rate. House rebounded in 2023, crossing three levels with a .312/.365/.497 slash line and 12 home runs. However, his strikeout issues resurfaced in Double-A, where he K’d at a 28% rate despite hitting .324. In 2024, House struggled in his repeat at Double-A Harrisburg, hitting .234/.311/.424 with 13 home runs. The Nationals pushed him to Triple-A midseason, where his performance was a mixed bag. He hit .250 with 6 home runs in 236 plate appearances but walked just 3% of the time. His strikeout rate rose to 29%, reflecting ongoing plate discipline struggles. Statcast data reveals a confusing profile: an 87.4 MPH average exit velocity (below average) but a 109.1 MPH Max EV (above average). His 87% zone contact rate is solid, but a 40% O-Swing and 15% swinging strike rate highlight poor pitch selection. House’s yin-yang career suggests a clear goal: stop chasing bad pitches. Correcting this flaw could boost his average, power, and overall production, reigniting Top 50 prospect potential.

5: Sal Stewart | Cincinnati Reds | Level: A+ | Age: 21

Sal Stewart, a 2022 draftee selected 14 picks after Cam Collier, has quietly surpassed his draft classmate in production and status. Known for his strong lower half, Stewart is unlocking his power and driving the ball effectively to all fields. His frame and profile suggest more power is on the way, making 2025 a potential breakout season at age 21. While his defensive future likely lies at a corner spot, his bat is his standout tool and driving his development. Stewart shares Collier’s 65+ raw power but offers a higher floor with a more balanced offensive game. He hit .279 at High-A in 2024, showcasing plus contact skills and advanced plate discipline. Stewart paired a .391 OBP with 50 walks and 57 strikeouts, underlining his excellent swing decisions. The Reds’ #4 prospect hit 8 home runs before a mid-July wrist injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. After re-injuring his wrist and undergoing surgery, his power surge was cut short, but his offensive upside remains vast. You could argue Stewart deserves a higher ranking, but his placement here reflects caution as he recovers from surgery.

4: Cam Smith | Houston Astros | Level: AA | Age: 21

Cam Smith, a standout from the 2024 draft class out of FSU, had a debut rivaled only by Christian Moore and Nick Kurtz. He slashed .313/.396/.609 with 16 extra-base hits, flashing the potential of a future 35-home-run corner infielder. Smith also showcased stellar defense and an impressive 18% strikeout rate, positioning himself as a fast-rising talent. Following an offseason trade to Houston for Kyle Tucker, Smith is now the Astros’ #1 prospect. While Isaac Paredes is set at third base, Smith’s bat will force its way into Houston’s lineup when ready. He hit 7 home runs in limited action, with an 11% walk rate and advanced contact skills. Smith displayed a 9.8% swinging strike rate and near 80% contact rate, major positives for his development. In college, Smith’s power was evident, hitting 12 homers in his first season and 16 in his second. His contact skills surged in his draft year, batting .387 with a 1.142 OPS. An advanced hitter with strong work ethic, Smith offers a complete package at third base. While stolen bases aren’t part of his game, his projection as a 4-category stud makes him an exciting prospect.

3: Brayden Taylor | Tampa Bay Rays | Level: AA | Age: 22

Consider this blind comparison: Player A slashed .256/.353/.469 with 20 homers, 33 steals, and 144 strikeouts at Double-A. Player B posted a .250/.365/.493 line with 20 homers, 29 steals, and 141 strikeouts across High-A and Double-A. Player A is Carson Williams, ranked #4 overall and a Rays teammate. B is Brayden Taylor, ranked #60. While Williams is younger and offers elite defense, does that alone justify a 50+ spot ranking gap? Offensively, Taylor matches Williams and offers similar versatility, with the ability to play second base, third base, or outfield. Despite his Top 100 status, Taylor feels undervalued considering his well-rounded skill set. His 11.2% swinging strike rate and 72.2% contact rate suggest he could improve on his .250 average. Before his promotion to Double-A, Taylor hit .270, showing room for growth as he adjusts to tougher pitching. At Double-A, he still delivered strong counting stats: 6 home runs, 17 RBIs, and 17 runs in just 108 plate appearances. Taylor’s power-speed combo is elite, and his 52% extra-base hit rate (20 HRs, 27 doubles, 8 triples) is impressive. His 41.8% swing rate is slightly low, leading to a high called-strike rate (21% at Double-A). He can be overly selective, which contributes to his 28% strikeout rate. Even so, Taylor’s tools make him a legitimate 30/30 threat in MLB, placing him among baseball’s future stars.

2: Matt Shaw | Chicago Cubs | Level: AAA | Age: 23

The biggest benefactor of the Cubs’ Kyle Tucker acquisition and Isaac Paredes departure is Matt Shaw. The Cubs’ top prospect has consistently raked at every level. Originally a shortstop, his path to playing time is now at third base with Dansby Swanson entrenched at shortstop. Shaw offers an elite power-speed combo, one of the best HR/SB threats in the minors. He also hits for average (.284) and has an 18% strikeout rate, one of the lowest at his position. Unlike many prospects, Shaw lacks major flaws and looks ready for the big leagues. All signs point to him breaking camp with Chicago. His exit velocities are above average, with a 90 MPH average and many readings between 95-105 MPH. His Max EV of 109.5 shows he can handle the switch to third base while meeting the position’s power profile. Shaw thrived after his promotion to Triple-A Iowa, slashing .298/.395/.534 with 7 homers and 6 steals in 152 plate appearances. His 86.5% zone contact rate and 9.6% swinging strike rate highlight his elite contact skills. He rarely misses pitches in the zone and consistently makes damaging contact. Shaw is a complete player, but his ADP may rise due to helium and hype. If his price mirrors Wyatt Langford’s last year, I might pass, but there’s no denying Shaw’s potential impact.

1: Coby Mayo | Baltimore Orioles | Level: MLB | Age: 23

At last, the long-awaited write-up on Coby Mayo, whose role in the Orioles’ Opening Day lineup remains uncertain. One thing is clear: Mayo has nothing left to prove in the minors. He’s my clear-cut top third baseman, and while I like Shaw, he doesn’t have Mayo’s 35+ home run upside. Mayo impressed in 2024 with a .293/.372/.592 slash line, 25 home runs, 54 extra-base hits, and 73 RBIs. His statcast data is elite, with a 115 MPH max EV, placing him among the best in MLB. His average exit velocity of 91 MPH and 82% zone contact rate show his ability to punish pitches in the zone. He limits swings and misses (12% swinging strike rate) and rarely chases (26% O-Swing%). Mayo also led all third basemen with a 0.21 home run-to-fly ball ratio. The biggest concern is Baltimore’s handling of him, as seen with Cowser and Kjerstad’s promote yet bench approach. Baltimore’s quiet offseason, aside from signing Tyler O’Neil, complicates Mayo’s path to consistent playing time. Without a trade, the Orioles may need to get creative to fit him in. Alternatively, Mayo could be traded for pitching, but his power plays in any park, so my outlook wouldn’t change. This uncertainty might lead some to favor Shaw, which is understandable, but I believe Mayo has the tools to become the best offensive third baseman in baseball at his peak.

Follow me on X: @ProspectsOnWes | Get an early start on your 2025 Draft Prep with the updated Top 500 Dynasty Rankings.

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