Fantasy Baseball is coming quicker than a Aroldis Chapman 100 mile per hour fastball. In preparation of another competitive fantasy season, check out my Top 5 Fantasy “Third Basemen” for the 2014 season. You'll notice David Wright isn't on the list... I just have a feeling he'll get injured or something. He's not on my 2014 Draft Board.
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No. 5: Chris Johnson (ATL)
Johnson had a career year in 2013 and is looking to get even better. The 29-year old Braves' third baseman hit .321 (second in the National League) with 12 home runs and 68 runs batted in last season. In 142 games, Johnson had 165 hits, including 34 doubles.
The two dangers I see with drafting Johnson is his OBP and hitting into double plays. Johnson only walked 29 times in 2013, producing a .358 OBP. It's a good OBP by some standards, but Johnson hit .321. Had he hit hit .280, his OBP would've been around .317. He doesn't get on base as often as fans would want. Johnson also hit into 20 double plays last season, eighth in the National League. I expect him to have a good season with the Braves, hitting around .300 with 16 home runs and 80 RBI.
Also, for those wondering, I did not put Manny Machado on this list. It's yet known when he will return from his injury. We don't even know how good he will be upon returning to the Orioles' lineup. I would hold off on drafting Machado for a bench spot until the later rounds.
No. 4: Ryan Zimmerman (WAS)
Zimmerman is coming off a solid season with the Nationals in 2013. The former all-star third baseman hit .275 with 26 home runs and 79 RBI. He played in 147 games last season, his most since 2009. It's his second straight season playing at least 140 games (145 in 2012). Zimmerman seems to have gotten over whatever injury bug he had in previous season.
His statistics are never going to “jump” at you. However Zimmerman has been the most consistent third baseman in baseball since his rookie season in 2006. He has averaged 22 home runs, 83 RBI, 33 doubles and 82 runs scored over the last eight seasons. He is a safe bet for any fantasy team. I believe Zimmerman will have another productive season, hitting around .290 with 25 home runs and 90 RBI.
No. 3: Josh Donaldson (OAK)
Donaldson had a breakout season in 2013 for the Athletics. He hit .301 with 24 home runs and 93 RBI in 158 games. His .384 OBP was sixth in the American League. Donaldson even finished fourth in the American League MVP voting.
The great part of Donaldson's success in 2013 is that he has time to improve. 2013 was his first full Major League season. Donaldson, who made his MLB debut in 2010, had only played in 89 games prior to the last season. I expect him to continue his successful 2013 campaign by hitting .310 with 25 home runs and 101 RBI in 2014.
No.2: Evan Longoria (TBR)
Longoria had another powerful season in 2013, smacking 32 home runs and driving in 88 RBI. His batting average (.269) and OBP (.343) were a little left to be desired. However it was still a great season for the three-time All-Star.
Longoria played in 160 games, a career-high. The power-hitting third baseman was coming off an injury plagued 2012 season, when he only played 74 games for the Rays. Fantasy baseball fans should be excited for Longoria heading into 2014. He his entering the prime of his career and should produce numbers reflecting as such. I expect the 28-year old Longoria to hit .290 with 32 home runs and 110 RBI in 2014.
No.1: Adrian Beltre (TEX)
I don't know when Father Time is going to catch up with Beltre, but it won't be during the 2014 season. Beltre, 34, hit .315 with 32 home runs and 92 RBI in 2013. His 199 hits led all of Major League Baseball. The three-time all-star finished seventh in the American League MVP race.
Those who think Beltre's 2013 season was a one-year fluke had better think again. Over the last four seasons since 2010, Beltre has averaged 32 home runs, 100 RBI, 37 doubles and 82 runs scored per season. His batting average and slugging percentage over that time stands at .314 and .545 respectively. The veteran third baseman should put up even better numbers in 2014. The acquisitions of Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo to the lineup will benefit Beltre. I expect him to hit .310 with 35 home runs and 115 RBI during the 2014 season.
Would any of these players crack your Top 5 Fantasy “Third Basemen?” Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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