MLB State of the Position 2023: Every Team's 5-Year Plan at Third Base
Third base is loaded with star power across baseball, with guys like Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado, José Ramírez, Rafael Devers, Austin Riley and Alex Bregman all ranking among the game's most productive players.
The future is also bright thanks to top prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Josh Jung, Brett Baty, Miguel Vargas and Curtis Mead, all of whom are expected to make an impact in 2023.
That said, some teams are better set up for current and future success at the position than others.
Ahead we've broken down each team's present and future outlook at third base, highlighting their current starter and their top prospect, followed by a prediction for who will start for each of the next five seasons.
Included with each top prospect is his tier ranking, based on where he slotted in Bleacher Report's 2023 farm system rankings.
Think of it as the team's five-year plan at the position.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Present: Josh Rojas (Age: 28)
Rojas quietly posted a 111 OPS+ with 35 extra-base hits, 23 steals and 3.2 WAR in 125 games last season, and while he could continue to see some time at second base, he will be the team's primary third baseman in 2023. Veteran Evan Longoria and trade deadline pickup Emmanuel Rivera will also be options at the hot corner.
Future: Deyvison De Los Santos (Tier 2)
De Los Santos hit .306/.348/.499 with 29 doubles, 22 home runs and 106 RBI in 126 games over three minor league levels last season, closing out the year with 10 games at Double-A Amarillo. There is a chance he could outgrow third base and need to shift across the diamond to first base, but he has improved enough defensively to believe he has a chance to stick at the hot corner.
Five-Year Prediction: Rojas (2023-24), De Los Santos (2025-27)
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Present: Austin Riley (Age: 25)
Riley followed up his breakout 2021 season with more of the same in 2022, logging a 142 OPS+ with 39 doubles, 38 home runs and 93 RBI while leading the NL with 325 total bases in a 6.5-WAR season. He signed a 10-year, $212 million extension in August that could keep him in Atlanta through the 2033 season.
Future: Diego Benitez (Tier 3)
Signed for $2.5 million as one of the top prospects in the 2022 international class, Benitez has the potential for five average-or-better tools. The 18-year-old was signed as a shortstop, but a move to third base is possible once his 6'1", 180-pound frame fills out and he potentially loses a step. He had a .363 on-base percentage and 27 RBI in 43 games in the Dominican Summer League in his pro debut.
Five-Year Prediction: Riley (2023-27)
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Present: Ramón Urías (Age: 28)
Claimed off waivers prior to the 2020 season, Urías has developed into an under-the-radar contributor for a young Orioles team on the rise. He posted a 103 OPS+ with 16 home runs and 51 RBI and also won the AL Gold Glove at third base in a 3.6-WAR season. But he can also handle second base and shortstop defensively, and that's his likely role in 2023.
Future: Gunnar Henderson (Tier 1)
Henderson emerged as one of baseball's elite prospects last season when he hit .297/.416/.531 with 50 extra-base hits and 22 steals in 112 games in the upper levels of the minors. The 21-year-old made his MLB debut on Aug. 31 and didn't miss a beat, logging a 123 OPS+ in 132 plate appearances. He started games at second base, shortstop and third base in his debut, but the hot corner looks like his best fit long-term.
Five-Year Prediction: Henderson (2023-27)
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Present: Rafael Devers (Age: 26)
A failure to sign Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts to long-term extensions led to plenty of speculation that Devers could be the next homegrown star out the door with free agency looming after the 2024 season. However, the Red Sox finally got a deal done in January, inking the slugger to an 11-year, $331 million deal. The question now is how long he can stick at the hot corner before a shift to first base or DH is necessary.
Future: Blaze Jordan (Tier 3)
With a strong 6'2", 220-pound frame and 60-grade power, Jordan has significant offensive upside. He hit .289/.363/.445 with 30 doubles, 12 home runs and 68 RBI in 120 games between Single-A and High-A last year, and he has come a long way defensively, to the point that an eventual move to first base no longer seems inevitable.
Five-Year Prediction: Devers (2023-27)
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Present: Christopher Morel (Age: 23)
Morel made his MLB debut last season and posted a 107 OPS+ with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored and 10 steals in 113 games while starting double-digit games at second base, shortstop, third base and in center field. The additions of Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger should mean he finds an everyday home at third base, while slugger Patrick Wisdom will likely be used primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter.
Future: James Triantos (Tier 3)
Triantos reclassified from the 2022 to the 2021 draft class and landed with the Cubs in the third round with an above-slot $2.1 million bonus. He hit .272/.335/.386 with 32 extra-base hits and 20 steals in 113 games at Single-A Myrtle Beach last year, and he has the raw tools to be an impact player offensively. Keep an eye on him as a potential breakout prospect in 2023.
Five-Year Prediction: Morel (2023-24), Triantos (2025-27)
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Present: Yoán Moncada (Age: 27)
Moncada enters the 2023 season with something to prove after hitting .212 with an ugly 76 OPS+ and 0.9 WAR in 104 games last season. The former top prospect has two years and $47.6 million guaranteed money left on his contract, and he's just a year removed from a 4.0-WAR season, so he'll be given every opportunity to rebound.
Future: Bryan Ramos (Tier 2)
Signed for $300,000 out of Cuba in 2018, Ramos had a .792 OPS with 22 home runs and 86 RBI in 120 games last season while reaching the Double-A level at the age of 20. Unless Colson Montgomery outgrows shortstop and has to shift to the hot corner, Ramos looks like the third baseman of the future on the South Side.
Five-Year Prediction: Moncada (2023-24), Ramos (2025-27)
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Present: Spencer Steer (Age: 25)
Brandon Drury (62 games), Kyle Farmer (36) and Mike Moustakas (25) led Cincinnati in games played at third base last season, and all three are now gone. That should mean a clear path to playing time for Steer, who was acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the deadline in the Tyler Mahle deal. He had an .879 OPS with 30 doubles, 23 home runs and 75 RBI in 106 games between Double-A and Triple-A.
Future: Noelvi Marte (Tier 1)
The Reds farm system is loaded with infield talent, with Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo all currently ranked among B/R's Top 100 prospects and lining up at shortstop defensively. With his power potential and strong arm, Marte looks like the best option to shift over to third base, while 2022 first-round pick Cam Collier is also a high-ceiling option at the position.
Five-Year Prediction: Steer (2023-24), Marte (2025-27)
Cleveland Guardians
8 of 30
Present: José Ramírez (Age: 30)
Ramírez has finished in the top six in AL MVP voting five times in the past six years, checking in fourth in the balloting last year when he posted a 148 OPS+ with 44 doubles, 29 home runs, 126 RBI, 90 runs scored and 20 steals in a 6.0-WAR season. The seven-year, $141 million extension he signed last offseason should quiet trade rumors for the foreseeable future.
Future: Angel Martinez (Tier 3)
The Guardians have a ton of middle infield talent in the pipeline, but no clear-cut third baseman of the future. Martinez has seen some sporadic action at the hot corner, and he has the arm to handle the position defensively, but his contact-over-power offensive game fits better up the middle. With Ramírez signed long-term, the future is not a concern at third base.
Five-Year Prediction: Ramírez (2023-27)
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Present: Ryan McMahon (Age: 28)
With 20-homer power and a terrific glove, McMahon has been one of the best players on the Colorado roster the past few seasons. He was a 4.0-WAR player in 2021 and had a 3.1-WAR season last year when he put up 23 doubles, 20 home runs, 67 RBI and was a Gold Glove finalist. He is entering the second season of a six-year, $70 million extension and should be a staple at third base throughout that deal.
Future: Warming Bernabel (Tier 3)
Bernabel hit .313/.370/.499 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 71 RBI and 23 steals in 31 attempts over 91 games between Single-A and High-A in his age-20 season. He has already shifted to third base after starting his career as a shortstop, and he has the tools to develop into at least an average defender, but his value will come from his bat.
Five-Year Prediction: McMahon (2023-27)
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Present: Nick Maton (Age: 25)
The Tigers acquired Maton in the five-player deal that sent All-Star closer Gregory Soto to the Philadelphia Phillies, and he looks like the early front-runner for a wide open third base job after Jeimer Candelario was non-tendered. In limited MLB action last year, Maton posted a 138 OPS+ with five home runs and 17 RBI in 85 plate appearances, and he will compete with Ryan Kreidler and Tyler Nevin this spring.
Future: Colt Keith (Tier 2)
Signed for a modest $500,000 as a fifth-round pick in the shortened 2020 draft, Keith is a prospect on the rise who could be a consensus Top 100 guy by midseason. The 21-year-old hit .301/.370/.544 with 26 extra-base hits in 48 games at High-A last season before a shoulder injury cut his season short in early June, and he could be on the fast track with a strong start to the 2023 season.
Five-Year Prediction: Maton (2023), Keith (2024-27)
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Present: Alex Bregman (Age: 28)
After disappointing seasons in 2020 and 2021, Bregman rebounded with a 133 OPS+ and 4.5 WAR last season to finish 19th in AL MVP voting. He has two years and $61 million remaining on the five-year extension he signed following his stellar 2019 season, and he looks like a prime candidate for another extension before his current deal runs out.
Future: Joe Perez (Tier 3)
A two-way standout in high school whom many preferred as a pitcher before he dealt with shoulder issues, Perez was selected by the Astros as a third baseman in the second round of the 2017 draft. He has dealt with injuries throughout his pro career, but he flashed his offensive upside in 2021 when he logged an .849 OPS with 34 doubles, 18 home runs and 61 RBI in 106 games over three levels.
Five-Year Prediction: Bregman (2023-27)
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Present: Hunter Dozier (Age: 31)
The Royals have made it clear they plan on using Bobby Witt Jr. as their everyday shortstop, despite ugly defensive metrics as a rookie. That should mean Dozier gets another chance to be the everyday third baseman. Since turning in a breakout 2019 campaign, he has hit just .226/.297/.391 for an 89 OPS+ and minus-3.5 WAR the past three seasons. He has two years and $17.6 million remaining on his contract, assuming his 2025 club option is bought out.
Future: Cayden Wallace (Tier 2)
Wallace hit .298/.387/.553 with 20 doubles, 16 home runs and 60 RBI in 67 games as a draft-eligible sophomore at the University of Arkansas last spring, and he signed an above-slot $1.7 million bonus as a second-round pick. He has the power and the defensive tools to be an everyday shortstop, and his future will hinge on the development of his hit tool.
Five-Year Prediction: Dozier (2023-24), Wallace (2025-27)
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Present: Anthony Rendon (Age: 32)
With a $38.6 million salary, Rendon will be the fourth-highest-paid player in baseball in 2023, behind only Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and Aaron Judge. He has played in just 157 games over the first three seasons of his seven-year, $245 million contract, and the Angels picked up Gio Urshela during the offseason as an insurance policy if he misses time again.
Future: Werner Blakely (Tier 3)
Blakely has a ton of physical projection remaining in his 6'3", 180-pound frame, and the Angels saw enough in his future potential to sign him to an above-slot $900,000 bonus as a fourth-round pick in 2020. He hit .295/.447/.470 with 20 extra-base hits and 24 steals in 55 games at Single-A last year, and he was one of the youngest players in the 2022 Arizona Fall League.
Five-Year Prediction: Rendon (2023-26), Blakely (2027)
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Present: Max Muncy (Age: 32)
Now that Justin Turner is gone and J.D. Martinez is locked in as the team's primary designated hitter, Muncy will need to shoulder more of the load at third base. Despite a down season offensively, he finished strong with an .858 OPS and 12 home runs over the final two months. The Dodgers replaced his 2023 club option with a $13.5 million guaranteed salary and a 2024 club option in August.
Future: Miguel Vargas (Tier 1)
After hitting .304/.404/.511 with 32 doubles, 17 home runs and 82 RBI in 113 games at Triple-A last season, Vargas has nothing left to prove in the minors. The 23-year-old will be given every opportunity to win a roster spot this spring, and he could see time at second base and third base in 2023 before settling in at the hot corner in the future.
Five-Year Prediction: Muncy (2023), Vargas (2024-27)
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Present: Jean Segura (Age: 32)
The Marlins immediately announced their plans to use Segura at third base after signing the longtime middle infielder to a two-year, $17 million deal in January. He hit .277/.336/.387 for a 104 OPS+ with 10 home runs and 13 steals in 98 games as the starting second baseman on the Philadelphia Phillies last year.
Future: Jacob Berry (Tier 1)
Berry was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 draft after hitting .370/.464/.630 with 15 home runs in 53 games as a draft-eligible sophomore at LSU, and he was regarded as one of the most polished hitters in the class. He should start 2023 at the High-A level and could be ready to push for the starting job after Segura's two-year deal is up.
Five-Year Prediction: Segura (2023-24), Berry (2025-27)
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Present: Luis Urías (Age: 25)
A strong spring from free-agent addition Brian Anderson could mean Urías shifts to second base, but the more likely outcome is Urías at third base and some combination of Brice Turang, Abraham Toro and Owen Miller at second base. A 3.1-WAR player each of the past two seasons, Urías is controllable through the 2025 season.
Future: Johan Barrios (Tier 3)
With a 50-hit, 55-power offensive profile, Barrios reeled in a $1.4 million bonus as part of the 2022 international class. The 6'3", 180-pound teenager has room to add strength to his frame, and that will likely mean outgrowing shortstop and shifting to the hot corner at some point.
Five-Year Prediction: Urías (2023-25), Free Agent (2026-27)
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Present: José Miranda (Age: 24)
Overshadowed by Julio Rodríguez, Adley Rutschman, Steven Kwan and Jeremy Peña in a loaded AL rookie class, Miranda had a 116 OPS+ with 25 doubles, 15 home runs and 66 RBI in 125 games in his debut last season. He can play all over the infield, but the Gio Urshela trade should make him the team's primary third baseman in 2023.
Future: Brooks Lee (Tier 1)
One of the most MLB-ready players in the 2022 draft class, Lee will likely shift to third base now that Carlos Correa is locked up and blocking him at shortstop for the next six seasons. The Cal Poly standout hit .303/.389/.451 with 10 extra-base hits in 31 games while reaching Double-A in his pro debut after going No. 8 overall in July.
Five-Year Prediction: Miranda (2023-24), Lee (2025-27)
New York Mets
18 of 30
Present: Eduardo Escobar (Age: 34)
"For me, teaching [Brett] Baty and [Mark] Vientos is the most important part of my career," Escobar recently told reporters.
Have to love a veteran player embracing the role of mentor, especially when the writing is on the wall that those young players are coming for his job. Escobar will break camp as the starter after posting a 106 OPS+ with 20 home runs in 2022, but don't be surprised if Baty pushes him into a utility role before the All-Star break.
Future: Brett Baty (Tier 1)
Baty has some of the best raw power of any prospect, but he's more than just a masher with a well-rounded game that should make him an impact offensive player. The 23-year-old hit .315/.410/.533 with 22 doubles, 19 home runs and 60 RBI in 95 games in the upper levels of the minors, and refining his defense is the last step in his development.
Five-Year Prediction: Escobar (2023), Baty (2024-27)
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Present: Josh Donaldson (Age: 37)
Donaldson will earn $21.8 million in 2023, and he has a $16 million club option with a huge $8 million buyout in 2024, so for better or worse, he'll be given every opportunity to be the starting third baseman. If his 1-for-13 showing with 10 strikeouts in the ALCS is the beginning of the end, DJ LeMahieu could see a lot of time at third base this year.
Future: Trey Sweeney (Tier 3)
Sweeney hit an absurd .382/.522/.712 during his junior season at Eastern Illinois, and the Yankees took him No. 20 overall in the 2021 draft. He had a .763 OPS with 19 doubles, 16 home runs and 31 steals while reaching Double-A in his first full pro season, and while he's playing shortstop now, his big 6'4", 200-pound frame fits better at third base.
Five-Year Prediction: Donaldson (2023), LeMahieu (2024), Sweeney (2025-27)
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Present: Jace Peterson (Age: 32)
Peterson had a quietly productive season for the Milwaukee Brewers last year, tallying 24 extra-base hits, 12 steals and 2.3 WAR in 112 games. That earned him a two-year, $9.5 million deal from the tight-fisted Athletics in free agency, and he will plug what was a glaring hole at third base last season.
Future: Zack Gelof (Tier 2)
Gelof hit .333/.422/.565 in 161 plate appearances after going in the second round of the 2021 draft. The 23-year-old continued on the fast track last season with a .270/.352/.463 line and 37 extra-base hits in 96 games between Double-A and Triple-A, and he could get his first taste of the big leagues during the second half in 2023.
Five-Year Prediction: Peterson (2023), Gelof (2024-27)
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Present: Alec Bohm (Age: 26)
After struggling to the point of demotion in 2021, Bohm established himself as the everyday third baseman last season when he hit .280/.315/.398 for a 100 OPS+ with 24 doubles, 13 home runs and 72 RBI in 152 games. There is still untapped power potential in his 6'5", 218-pound frame, and getting that to show up more in games will be the next step in his development. He is under club control through 2026 and could be an early extension candidate.
Future: William Bergolla (Tier 3)
With Trea Turner now signed for the next 11 years, shortstops up and down the Philadelphia system will be asked to add some versatility to their defensive repertoire. Bergolla is the organization's best shortstop prospect right now after signing for $2 million as part of the 2022 international class, and he could get some early looks at second base and third base.
Five-Year Prediction: Bohm (2022-27)
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Present: Ke'Bryan Hayes (Age: 26)
The Pirates inked Hayes to an eight-year, $70 million extension prior to last season that includes a $12 million club option for 2030, so he will be a building block as the team climbs back toward contention. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he is an elite defender, and even with an 87 OPS+, he was a 4.3-WAR player in 2022. Can he break Nolan Arenado's decade-long Gold Glove streak?
Future: Jared Triolo (Tier 3)
Triolo has steadily risen through the minor league ranks since going in the second round of the 2019 draft, and he hit .282/.376/.419 with 35 extra-base hits and 24 steals in 112 games at Double-A Altoona last year. He is also one of the best defensive third basemen in the minors, though with Hayes blocking his path, his future defensive home is up in the air.
Five-Year Prediction: Hayes (2023-27)
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Present: Manny Machado (Age: 30)
Machado is expected to opt out of the final five years and $150 million of his current contract after the 2023 season. That said, Dennis Lin of The Athletic recently reported the Padres are expected to explore a potential extension with the six-time All-Star this spring that would eliminate the possibility of him walking. If he does sign elsewhere, a future infield with Xander Bogaerts at third base and top prospect Jackson Merrill at shortstop is the likely pivot.
Future: Eguy Rosario (Tier 2)
Rosario hit .288/.368/.508 with 34 doubles, 22 home runs, 81 RBI, 98 runs scored and 21 steals last season at Triple-A El Paso. The 23-year-old can play second base, shortstop and third base, and while his best defensive position is the hot corner, he likely fits best as an offensive-minded utility player at the next level.
Five-Year Prediction: Machado (2023-27)
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Present: Wilmer Flores (Age: 31)
The departure of veteran Evan Longoria leaves Flores and J.D. Davis as the leading in-house options to handle third base, though they are both keeping the position warm for top prospect Casey Schmitt. Serving in a utility role last season, Flores had 19 home runs and a team-leading 71 RBI, and he is signed through 2024 with a club option for 2025.
Future: Casey Schmitt (Tier 2)
A second-round pick in 2020, Schmitt gave his prospect profile a significant boost last season when he hit .293/.365/.489 with 25 doubles, 21 home runs and 78 RBI in 126 games across three minor league levels. The 23-year-old went 5-for-15 with a home run in four games at Triple-A to close out the season, and he could make a serious push for the starting job this spring.
Five-Year Prediction: Flores (2023), Schmitt (2024-27)
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Present: Eugenio Suárez (Age: 31)
Originally viewed as a salary dump in the Jesse Winker deal with the Cincinnati Reds last offseason, Suárez ended up being the more impactful piece of that trade. Despite an AL-leading 196 strikeouts, he still posted a 129 OPS+ with 31 home runs, 87 RBI and 3.9 WAR as the veteran leader on a young Seattle squad. The two years and $24.6 million left on his contract suddenly looks like a bargain.
Future: Tyler Locklear (Tier 3)
Locklear hit .402/.542/.799 with 25 doubles, 20 home runs and 78 RBI in 62 games last spring during his junior season at VCU. The Mariners selected him in the second round, and he logged an .858 OPS with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 29 games at Single-A after signing, easing some concerns about his lack of exposure to high-level pitching. Defensively, he fits better at first base, but he'll be given every opportunity to stick at third.
Five-Year Prediction: Suarez (2023-24), Locklear (2025-27)
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Present: Nolan Arenado (Age: 31)
Arenado is now locked into the final five years of his contract after passing on opt-out opportunities each of the past two offseasons. He will be 36 years old in the final season of his deal in 2027, and he could be putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame resume at that point.
Future: Jordan Walker (Tier 1)
Walker was drafted as a shortstop, but he spent the final two months of the 2022 season playing corner outfield in anticipation of a position change in the majors. The 20-year-old might have the highest offensive ceiling of any prospect in the minors, but it would take an injury to Arenado for him to see any extended action at third base.
Five-Year Prediction: Arenado (2023-27)
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Present: Isaac Paredes (Age: 23)
With Yandy Díaz expected to be the everyday first baseman after Ji-Man Choi was traded, third base is a bit of a question mark for the Rays, though they have plenty of potential answers. Paredes tied for the team lead with 20 home runs in just 381 plate appearances last season, but he hit just .205 with a .304 on-base percentage in the process. Up-and-comer Jonathan Aranda will also get a long look this spring.
Future: Curtis Mead (Tier 1)
Mead was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in an under-the-radar deal for left-hander Cristopher Sanchez prior to the 2020 season. The 22-year-old put himself on the map with a stellar 2021 season, then hit .298/.390/.532 with 40 extra-base hits in 76 games in the upper levels of the minors last year to cement his status as a top-tier prospect. Expect to see him in the majors before the All-Star break, if not on Opening Day.
Five-Year Prediction: Paredes (2023), Mead (2024-27)
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Present: Ezequiel Duran (Age: 23)
Acquired from the New York Yankees in the Joey Gallo trade, Duran hit .302/.344/.555 with 33 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI in 78 games in the upper levels of the minors last season. However, he struggled to a .277 on-base percentage and 87 OPS+ over 220 plate appearances in the majors, and that has left his role up in the air for the 2023 season.
Future: Josh Jung (Tier 1)
Jung has played just 179 professional games since he was selected No. 8 overall in the 2019 draft, with a stress fracture in his foot and a torn labrum in his left shoulder both costing him significant time. The 25-year-old finally made his MLB debut as a September call-up, and he had five home runs and 14 RBI in 102 plate appearances. The starting third base job is his to lose this spring.
Five-Year Prediction: Jung (2023-27)
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Present: Matt Chapman (Age: 29)
The Blue Jays signed Chapman to a two-year, $25 million extension to buy out his final two years of arbitration after he was acquired from the Athletics last offseason. With elite defense and 30-homer power, he has already racked up 26.8 WAR in six big league seasons. Will the Blue Jays let him walk next offseason?
Future: Orelvis Martinez (Tier 2)
Martinez was sent to Double-A as a 20-year-old last season, and while he launched 30 home runs, he hit just .203/.286/.446 with 140 strikeouts in 118 games. He might need more time to develop than hoped, which could necessitate a stopgap option in 2024 before he makes a play for the starting job in 2025. Tucker Toman is also one to watch after going in the second round of the 2022 draft.
Five-Year Prediction: Chapman (2023), Free Agent (2024), Martinez (2025-27)
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Present: Jeimer Candelario (Age: 29)
Candelario looked like a star on the rise in 2021 when he posted a 121 OPS+ with 42 doubles, 16 home runs and 3.8 WAR, but he struggled last season to the point that the Detroit Tigers opted to non-tender him. The Nationals scooped him up on a one-year, $5 million deal, and he will be one of baseball's more interesting reclamation projects in 2023. A healthy Carter Kieboom could also get another look at third base.
Future: Trey Lipscomb (Tier 3)
Lipscomb hit .355/.428/.717 with 22 home runs and 84 RBI in 66 games for a stacked University of Tennessee squad last spring, and the Nationals selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. He was sent straight to Single-A, where he hit .299/.327/.392 in 101 plate appearances, and he'll be one to watch in a restocked Nationals system.
Five-Year Prediction: Candelario (2023), Free Agent (2024-25), Lipscomb (2026-27)
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