Top 10 Third Basemen in 2026: Where Shortstops Go When They Get Tired of Running

Young Horn
6 hours ago
2 min read

Third base is still what it’s always been:

Shortstops who:

lost a step
got too big
or just got tired of sprinting 30 yards into the hole every play

But the difference in 2026?

Now those guys also hit 30+ homers and make $200 million.

Third base isn’t as deep as shortstop, but the top tier is still elite, and there’s a weird mix of aging stars, breakout monsters, and “wait… when did he become this good?” players

So here’s my Top 10 third basemen heading into 2026, cleaned up, fact-checked, and slightly rearranged so it makes sense in the real world.

1. José Ramírez (Guardians)

Projected: ~.270–.280 / 25–30 HR / 20+ SB

Still the gold standard.

Switch hitter
Power + speed
Never misses time

Jose is the top dog at the position, and honestly, there’s no real argument. He’s the safest superstar in baseball.

The most “yeah he’s just elite” player alive.

2. Austin Riley (Braves)

Projected: ~.275 / 35 HR / 100 RBI

This guy is just a machine.

Top-tier power
Consistent run production
Middle-of-lineup anchor

He doesn’t do anything flashy — he just ruins pitchers’ nights quietly for six months.

3. Junior Caminero (Rays)

Projected: ~.260 / 35–40 HR

This is where we shake things up.

Caminero isn’t just hype anymore:

Already showing elite power
One of the fastest rising bats in baseball

Some rankings already have him near the top because of the raw power output

This is your “top 3 by midseason” guy.

4. Manny Machado (Padres)

Projected: ~.270 / 25 HR / strong defense

You nailed this one earlier.

Machado is still:

elite defensively
productive offensively
a winning player

He’s not MVP Manny anymore, but he’s absolutely still top 5.

The “you forgot about me” veteran.

5. Alex Bregman (Cubs)

Projected: ~.265 / 22–25 HR / high OBP

Now in Chicago from Boston, still doing his thing.

Elite plate discipline
Still a strong defender
High baseball IQ

He’s not the 2019 version, but he’s still one of the most complete third basemen.

6. Matt Chapman (Giants)

Projected: ~.240 / 25 HR

Best defensive third baseman in baseball.

Glove is ridiculous
Power still there

Defense matters more here than almost anywhere else.

Bat comes and goes… glove never does.

7. Bo Bichette (Mets)

Projected 2026: ~.290 / 25 HR / 90 RBI

Let’s be clear:

Not a top three third baseman.

But:

One of the best hitters here
Still adjusting defensively at third

The bat carries him onto the list, but the full profile isn’t complete yet.

8. Royce Lewis (Twins)

Projected: ~.270 / 25 HR

If healthy, he’s higher.

That’s the entire analysis.

electric bat
clutch performer
star potential

Health is the only reason he’s not top 5.

9. Maikel Garcia (Royals)

Projected: ~.275 / 10–15 HR / speed + defense

This is where the “baseball nerds nod, casual fans squint” part of the list starts.

great contact
speed
solid defense

He’s not flashy, but he contributes everywhere.

10. Carlos Correa (Astros)

Projected: ~.255–.260 / 18–22 HR

Injuries are stacking
Still talented
But trending down

He’s still good enough to sneak into the back end, but this feels like: last year in the top 10 territory if things don’t bounce back