After looking at the projected starting third basemen in the American League, it’s time to rank the deep pool of talent at the position that play in the National League.
As a subjective list, many of the players can almost be considered interchangeable as to where they are ranked. Depth charts were taken from Roster Resource.
Manny Machado, Padres
The 26-year-old Machado becomes the face of the San Diego franchise after agreeing to a 10 year, $300 million deal with them last week. With the Orioles and Dodgers last season, he batted .297 with 37 homers, 35 doubles, 107 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. He is expected to move back to third base where he is a former two-time Gold Glove winner.
Nolan Arenado, Rockies
The next season that the slick-fielding Arenado does not win a Gold Glove will also be the first time as he owns six in six seasons. Oh yeah, he rates on offense too. In 156 games last year, the 27-year-old hit .297 with 38 homers, 38 doubles, 110 RBIs, and 104 runs. It was the third time he has at least shared for the National League-lead in home runs. Arenado finished 2018 third in National League MVP voting, the fourth-straight season he had a top-eight finish.