MLB State of the Position 2025: Every Team's 5-Year Plan at Third Base
Third base has long been one of the deepest positions in baseball, and José Ramírez, Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, Austin Riley and Matt Chapman are among the biggest stars at the position.
Mark Vientos could join that top-tier group with another strong season, while Matt Shaw (CHC), Coby Mayo (BAL), Jace Jung (DET) and Brady House (WAS) are among top prospects who could break through in 2025.
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, which reflects where he was slotted in Bleacher Report's most recent farm system rankings.
Think of this as the team's five-year plan at the position.
Catch up on the State of the Position series: Shortstops
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Present: Eugenio Suárez (Age: 33)
The D-backs exercised a $15 million club option on Suárez after he posted a 116 OPS with 30 home runs and 101 RBI in a 3.1-WAR season. He got off to such a slow start last year that he looked like a candidate to be released, but he then went on an absolute tear down the stretch, posting a .942 OPS and 20 home runs after the All-Star break.
Future: Gino Groover (Tier: 3)
With a 60-grade hit tool, Groover has a chance to carve out an everyday role even with average power and limited value outside of his offensive contributions. He hit .281/.367/.474 in 61 games over three minor league levels last year. And while third base could be where top prospect Jordan Lawlar is slotted to start his career, Groover could eventually be the long-term answer at the hot corner.
Five-Year Prediction: Suárez (2025), Lawlar (2026-27), Groover (2028-29)
Athletics
2 of 30
Present: Gio Urshela (Age: 33)
After a solid run with the Braves last season filling in for the injured Austin Riley, Urshela landed a one-year, $2.15 million deal to serve as the primary third baseman for the Athletics. He was a 3.0-WAR player just two years ago in Minnesota and has the potential to be one of the better value signings of the winter.
Future: Max Muncy (Tier: 2)
With Jacob Wilson in place as the shortstop of the present and future, Muncy will need to shift positions once he reaches the big leagues, and he has the power profile and strong arm to fit at third base.
The 22-year-old was slowed by hand and oblique injuries last season, but he put up the best offensive numbers of his career in the 58 games he did play, hitting .292/.378/.525 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 38 RBI in 233 plate appearances while reaching Triple-A.
Five-Year Prediction: Urshela (2025), Muncy (2026-29)
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Present: Austin Riley (Age: 27)
In the three seasons prior to an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, Riley hit .286/.354/.525 for a 135 OPS while averaging 35 doubles, 36 home runs, 99 RBI and 6.2 WAR as one of the game's brightest offensive stars. The Braves signed him to a massive 10-year, $212 million extension prior to the 2023 season that could keep him in Atlanta through 2033 if a club option is exercised.
Future: David McCabe (Tier: 3)
With Riley entrenched at the hot corner, the Braves don't really need a third baseman of the future, though McCabe could find his way into a bench role where he sees time at both infield corners. The 24-year-old had a breakout 2023 season and continued to impress in the Arizona Fall League, but injuries limited him to just 35 games last year.
Five-Year Prediction: Riley (2025-29)
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Present: Jordan Westburg (Age: 25)
Somewhat overshadowed during his time in a stacked Orioles farm system, Westburg broke through last season and earned an All-Star selection. He hit .264/.312/.481 for a 129 OPS with 26 doubles, 18 home runs and 63 RBI in 107 games while splitting his time between second base and third base, but he should settle in at third now that Jackson Holliday is slotted at second base. He is controllable through the 2029 season.
Future: Coby Mayo (Tier: 1)
Mayo has little left to prove in the minors after posting a .926 OPS with 22 home runs in 89 games at Triple-A last year, but he went just 4-for-41 with 22 strikeouts in his first taste of the big leagues. His likely long-term home is across the diamond at first base, but he will continue to see action at third base while Ryan Mountcastle and Ryan O'Hearn are still on the roster.
Five-Year Prediction: Westburg (2025-29)
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Present: Rafael Devers (Age: 28)
It's only a matter of time before Devers transitions to being a full-time designated hitter, as he has long been a below-average defender at third base and the Red Sox have a wealth of young infield talent. A future infield of Kristian Campbell at second base, Franklin Arias at shortstop and Marcelo Mayer at third base would leave first base as his only potential defensive home, and Triston Casas looks like the guy there despite offseason trade rumors.
Future: Marcelo Mayer (Tier: 1)
Mayer has never possessed the quick-twitch athleticism generally associated with future shortstops. And with a strong arm and a 55-hit, 55-power offensive profile, he should be a clean fit at third base. The 22-year-old has yet to play 100 games in a season, so he needs to prove he can stay healthy, but the tools are there for him to be Boston's next homegrown star on the infield.
Five-Year Prediction: Devers (2025), Mayer (2026-29)
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Present: Jon Berti (Age: 35)
The Cubs used seven different starting third basemen last year—Christopher Morel (73 games), Isaac Paredes (48), Miles Mastrobuoni (12), Nick Madrigal (11), Patrick Wisdom (11), David Bote (6) and Luis Vázquez (1)—and none of them are on the roster heading into 2025. Berti will serve as a utility option off the bench and insurance for top prospect Matt Shaw, who appears to have a clear path to a starting job.
Future: Matt Shaw (Tier: 1)
The No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Shaw hit .284/.379/.488 with 21 home runs, 71 RBI and 31 steals in 121 games between Double-A and Triple-A in his first full professional season. He then starred for Team USA in the Premier12 tournament, hitting .412 and leading the entire field with 14 RBI in nine games. The 23-year-old will need to show he's ready for the big leagues this spring, but the job is his to lose.
Five-Year Prediction: Shaw (2025-29)
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Present: Josh Rojas (Age: 30)
The White Sox inked Rojas to a one-year, $3.5 million deal after he was non-tendered by the Mariners, and he looks like the leading candidate for the starting third base job. They also have Brandon Drury and Nick Maton in camp as non-roster invitees, and both have a real shot at winning a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Future: Bryan Ramos (Tier: 3)
Ramos showed significant offensive upside in the lower levels of the minors, but he logged a lackluster .707 OPS in 88 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year. The 22-year-old then hit .202/.252/.333 for a 67 OPS over 108 plate appearances in his first taste of the majors, so he will need to play his way back into the MLB picture early in 2025.
Five-Year Prediction: Rojas (2025), Ramos (2026-29)
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Present: Jeimer Candelario (Age: 31)
Candelario turned a resurgent 2023 campaign into a three-year, $45 million deal with the Reds, but he hit just .225/.279/.429 and tallied minus-0.7 WAR in 112 games in his first season with the team. He also started 26 games at first base last year and could again see action at both infield corners. The hot corner could eventually belong to Elly De La Cruz for years to come.
Future: Noelvi Marte (Age: 23)
Marte is technically no longer a prospect, but he has also yet to establish himself at the MLB level. After serving an 80-game PED suspension last year, he hit .210/.248/.301 for a 49 OPS in 242 plate appearances with a 31 percent strikeout rate. The 23-year-old still has plenty of upside, but his minus-1.8 WAR in 66 games made him one of the least valuable players in baseball in 2024.
Five-Year Prediction: Candelario (2025-26), De La Cruz (2027-29)
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Present: José Ramírez (Age: 32)
With an impressive 52.4 WAR over 12 seasons, J-Ram already ranks sixth in Cleveland franchise history, and he will continue adding to that total in the coming years as he plays out a seven-year, $141 million contract. That deal will keep him in a Guardians uniform through 2028 and his age-35 season, but it would not be surprising to see him re-up so he can play his entire career with one organization.
Future: Juan Brito (Tier: 2)
Brito will compete for the starting second base job this spring, but he could also be the next man up at the hot corner if Ramírez were to go down with an injury. The 23-year-old had an .807 OPS with 40 doubles, 21 home runs and 84 RBI in 144 games at Triple-A last season.
Five-Year Prediction: Ramírez (2025-29)
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Present: Ryan McMahon (Age: 30)
McMahon has averaged 29 doubles, 22 home runs, 72 RBI and 3.1 WAR over the past four seasons, and he was an All-Star for the first time in 2024. His first-half (.797 OPS, 35 XBH, 14 HR) and second-half (.592 OPS, 13 XBH, 6 HR) splits were drastic, and that could be part of the reason a trade market never materialized this winter. He has three seasons left on his six-year, $70 million extension, but he could be playing elsewhere before that deal is up.
Future: Charlie Condon (Tier: 1)
Condon hit .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs in 60 games at Georgia last spring before going No. 3 overall in the 2024 draft. He fits best at a corner outfield spot, but the Rockies are giving him a look at third base to begin his pro career. And with a long list of quality outfield prospects, the 21-year-old sticking there would be the best-case scenario. Will he hit enough to fully tap into his 70-grade power?
Five-Year Prediction: McMahon (2025-26), Condon (2027-29)
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Present: Matt Vierling (Age: 28)
Vierling played all over the diamond for the Tigers last season, starting double-digit games at all three outfield spots and third base. He posted a 107 OPS with 28 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBI in a career-high 567 plate appearances, and he ranked fourth on the Detroit roster with 3.0 WAR. He should continue to see sporadic action at the hot corner while Jace Jung settles in.
Future: Jace Jung (Tier: 1)
Jung posted an .831 OPS with 23 doubles, 14 home runs and 60 RBI in 91 games at Triple-A last season before making his MLB debut in mid-August. He hit .241 with a .362 on-base percentage and 16.0 percent walk rate over 94 plate appearances in the majors, though manager A.J. Hinch opted to go with Vierling and Zach McKinstry at third base in the postseason.
Five-Year Prediction: Jung (2025-29)
Houston Astros
12 of 30
Present: Isaac Paredes (Age: 25)
The Astros acquired their third baseman of the present and future in the deal that sent Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, and Paredes comes with club control through the 2027 season. After a 31-homer season in 2023, he was an All-Star for the first time last year before he was traded from the Rays to the Cubs at the deadline. He has also seen time at first base and second base in his career, and there have been some rumblings of using him at second and shifting Jose Altuve to left field.
Future: Cam Smith (Tier: 1)
Smith immediately became the top prospect in the Houston system after he was acquired from the Cubs. The 21-year-old posted a 1.142 OPS in 66 games at Florida State last spring, then hit .313/.396/.609 in 32 games across three levels in his pro debut after going No. 14 overall in the 2024 draft. He has legitimate middle-of-the-order run producer upside and should have no problem sticking at third base.
Five-Year Prediction: Paredes (2025-26), Smith (2027-29)
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Present: Maikel García (Age: 24)
García had 39 extra-base hits and 37 steals in 157 games last season while providing solid defense at third base, but his 72 OPS ranked 129th out of 129 qualified hitters. He probably fits best in a utility role where his bat is not overexposed, but he is slated to again be the starting third baseman in 2025.
Future: Austin Charles (Tier: 3)
Charles has some of the best raw power in the Kansas City system, and he is shaping up to be a major steal as a 20th-round pick in the 2022 draft. He posted a .739 OPS with 15 doubles, 10 home runs, 64 RBI and 36 steals in 117 games at Single-A last season, and he will be 21 years old for the entire 2025 season as he looks to take another step forward.
Five-Year Prediction: García (2025-26), Charles (2027-29)
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Present: Anthony Rendon (Age: 34)
The Angels have heavily insulated themselves against Rendon missing significant time again after he played a grand total of 257 games over the first five seasons of his seven-year, $245 million contract. Yoán Moncada was inked to a one-year, $5 million deal, while Carter Kieboom and J.D. Davis will also be in came as non-roster invitees.
Future: Joswa Lugo (Tier: 2)
Lugo was one of the top 2024 international prospects, signing for $2.3 million last January before hitting .301/.370/.466 with 19 extra-base hits and 18 steals in 53 games in the Dominican Summer League. With a 6'3", 187-pound frame that could lead to him outgrowing shortstop and a power-hitting profile, he looks like the future at third base. Don't be surprised if he is a consensus Top 100 prospect by the end of the 2025 season.
Five-Year Prediction: Rendon (2025-26), Free Agent (2027), Lugo (2028-29)
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Present: Max Muncy (Age: 34)
With 190 home runs and 23.4 WAR in seven seasons with the Dodgers, Muncy stands as one of the best scrapheap pickups in recent MLB history. He had a 141 OPS in 73 games last year, and he is under contract in 2025 with a $10 million club option for the 2026 season. That is a team friendly enough price point to expect his option to be exercised, though the club should start thinking about the future of the position.
Future: Emil Morales (Tier: 2)
Morales signed for $1.9 million last January and turned in one of the best pro debuts of anyone from the 2024 international class. He hit .342/.478/.691 with 11 doubles, 14 home runs, 46 RBI and almost as many walks (40) as strikeouts (45) over 46 games in the Dominican Summer League. Fellow top prospect Joendry Vargas could beat him to the majors, and both may ultimately profile best at third base despite starting their pro careers at shortstop.
Five-Year Prediction: Muncy (2025-26), Vargas (2027), Morales (2028-29)
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Present: Connor Norby (Age: 24)
The Marlins acquired Norby and outfielder Kyle Stowers from the Orioles last summer in exchange for left-hander Trevor Rogers, and he was one of the team's best hitters down the stretch. He logged a 104 OPS with eight doubles, seven home runs and 17 RBI in 36 games, and should be a long-term building block with club control through the 2030 season.
Future: Graham Pauley (Tier: 3)
Pauley was acquired in the deadline deal that sent Tanner Scott to the Padres, and he has shown some solid power potential while climbing the minor league ranks. The 24-year-old logged a .725 OPS with 38 extra-base hits in 113 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year, and a hot start at Triple-A this year could quickly earn him a role in an anemic offense.
Five-Year Prediction: Norby (2025-29)
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Present: Caleb Durbin (Age: 24)
The Brewers acquired Durbin in the deal that sent Devin Williams to the Yankees, and after a terrific showing in the Arizona Fall League, he will compete with Oliver Dunn, Andruw Monasterio and Tyler Black for the starting third base job this spring. A run at free agent Paul DeJong still makes sense, but for now those are the leading in-house candidates to handle the hot corner.
Future: Jesus Made (Tier: 2)
Made had a huge pro debut, hitting .331/.458/.554 with 21 extra-base hits, 28 steals and more walks (39) than strikeouts (28) over 51 games in the Dominican Summer League to send his stock soaring. He looks like the future at third base, but he is still only 17 years old and years from reaching the majors. In the meantime, Brock Wilken, Eric Bitonti and Mike Boeve are prospects to watch who could push for the starting third base job.
Five-Year Prediction: Durbin (2025), Wilken (2026-27), Made (2028-29)
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Present: Royce Lewis (Age: 25)
Lewis has legitimate superstar potential if he can find a way to stay on the field. Injuries limited him to 140 games over the past two seasons after years of missing time in the minors, but he has averaged 35 home runs, 111 RBI and 3.6 WAR per 162 games over the course of his MLB career. He is controllable through the 2028 season, but he could emerge as an extension candidate if he proves he can stay on the field.
Future: Billy Amick (Tier: 3)
Amick hit .306/.387/.639 with 23 home runs and 65 RBI in 65 games at Tennessee last spring after transferring from Clemson, and the Twins took him No. 60 overall in the 2024 draft. With a 50-hit, 55-power offensive profile and a strong 6'1", 220-pound frame, he fits the mold of a power-hitting third baseman who could move quickly through the minors.
Five-Year Prediction: Lewis (2025-29)
New York Mets
19 of 30
Present: Mark Vientos (Age: 25)
After struggling to find his footing in the big leagues in 2023, Vientos was one of the breakout stars of last season, posting a 135 OPS with 22 doubles, 27 home runs, 71 RBI and 3.1 WAR in 111 games. He also crushed five home runs in 13 games in the playoffs, and he has staked his claim to the starting third base job ahead of Brett Baty on the depth chart.
Future: Ronny Mauricio (Tier: 2)
Mauricio missed the entire 2024 season recovering from a torn ACL, but he was knocking on the door for a big league role before he got hurt. With Francisco Lindor blocking his path at shortstop, a move to second base or third base seems likely, and he could play all over the place in a super-utility role if he hits enough to warrant playing time.
Five-Year Prediction: Vientos (2025-29)
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Present: Oswaldo Cabrera (Age: 25)
The general consensus right now seems to be that Jazz Chisholm Jr. could bounce between second base and third base depending on who is on the mound, leaving some combination of Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and DJ LeMahieu to handle the other spot. None of those options will provide much offensively, but Cabrera was at least a 1.3-WAR player in 108 games on the strength of his defense.
Future: Roderick Arias (Tier: 2)
Assuming Anthony Volpe is entrenched at shortstop for the foreseeable future, Arias will need to move off shortstop at some point, and he has the power potential to fit nicely at third base. The 20-year-old spent the entire 2024 season at Single-A, hitting .233/.335/.393 with 21 doubles, 13 home runs, 74 RBI and 37 steals as one of the youngest everyday players in the Florida State League.
Five-Year Prediction: Cabrera (2025), Free Agent (2026-27), Arias (2028-29)
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Present: Alec Bohm (Age: 28)
Bohm was a popular name on the trade market at the start of the offseason, but it looks like he will be staying put and again serving as a key run producer in the middle of the Philadelphia lineup. His production dipped after a terrific first half that saw him earn his first All-Star selection, but he still finished with a 117 OPS while tallying 44 doubles, 15 home runs, 97 RBI and 3.0 WAR in 143 games. He has two more years of arbitration eligibility before he reaches free agency.
Future: Aidan Miller (Tier: 1)
Miller reached Double-A in his first full professional season, and while he has looked better than expected at shortstop, his long-term home is still likely to be third base with Trea Turner blocking his path at shortstop. The 20-year-old hit .261/.366/.446 with 28 doubles, 11 home runs, 60 RBI and 23 steals in 102 games last year, and he is just scratching the surface of his power potential.
Five-Year Prediction: Bohm (2025-26), Miller (2027-29)
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Present: Ke'Bryan Hayes (Age: 28)
The Pirates signed Hayes to an eight-year, $70 million extension hoping he could be a long-term building block. He logged back-to-back 4-WAR seasons on the strength of his elite defense to kick off that long-term deal, but he has yet to develop into even a league-average offensive player. He hit a punchless .233/.283/.290 for a 61 OPS in 396 plate appearances in 2024, but the Pirates have him on the books through 2029 with a club option for 2030.
Future: Yordany De Los Santos (Tier: 3)
Signed for $1.2 million in 2022, De Los Santos made some noise last season when he hit .344/.407/.505 with 17 extra-base hits and 24 steals over 57 games in rookie ball before earning a promotion to Single-A. The 19-year-old has room to grow into his 6'2", 170-pound frame, which could eventually push him from shortstop to third base.
Five-Year Prediction: Hayes (2025-29)
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Present: Manny Machado (Age: 32)
Machado is signed through the 2033 season with his 11-year, $350 million deal, and while he does not have the same range he did earlier in his career, he is still a sure-handed defender. There is no reason to think he will move off the hot corner any time soon, and with 1,900 hits, 342 home runs and 1,049 RBI, he figures to be chasing some major milestones before his time in San Diego comes to an end.
Future: Kale Fountain (Tier: 3)
The Padres gave Fountain second-round money as a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft with a $1.7 million signing bonus. With a strong 6'5", 225-pound frame and 60-grade power, it's not hard to dream on his offensive upside, but he will need to prove he can make enough consistent contact to fully utilize his over-the-fence potential.
Five-Year Prediction: Machado (2025-29)
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Present: Matt Chapman (Age: 31)
The Giants signed Chapman to a six-year, $151 million extension before he had a chance to exercise an opt-out in his contract, and he will join Willy Adames going forward to form what should be one of the better left sides of the infield in baseball. The five-time Gold Glove winner is one of the best defensive players in baseball, and he managed a 125 OPS and 27 home runs last year despite playing his home games in pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
Future: Walker Martin (Tier: 3)
The Giants do not have a pressing need for help on the left side of the infield, so Martin's long-term home could end up being second base. The 20-year-old was a second-round pick in 2023, and the club went way over slot to sign him to a bonus of nearly $3 million. He has drawn some comparisons to a young Corey Seager, and he will be one to watch in the coming years.
Five-Year Prediction: Chapman (2025-29)
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Present: Jorge Polanco (Age: 31)
The Mariners declined a $12 million club option on Polanco at the start of the offseason after he hit .213 with a 93 OPS in 118 games as the team's primary second baseman last season. Three months later, he was brought back on a one-year, $7 million deal that includes a 2026 vesting option and $750,000 buyout. With a 109 OPS for his career and a 33-homer season on his resume, he is capable of more than he showed last year.
Future: Colt Emerson (Tier: 1)
The Mariners' future infield could end up being Michael Arroyo at second base, Cole Young at shortstop and Emerson at third base, though all three have seen time at shortstop in the minors. Emerson, 19, has one of the best hit tools of any prospect and room to add more in-game power as he matures. The M's have a history of jumping top prospects over the Triple-A level, so don't be surprised if he sees the big leagues in the near future.
Five-Year Prediction: Polanco (2025), Emerson (2026-29)
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Present: Nolan Arenado (Age: 33)
The Cardinals have been unable to find a taker for Arenado this offseason on the trade market, due in part to the money he is still owed but also because of his diminished production. He was still a 2.5-WAR player last year, posting a 101 OPS with 16 home runs and 71 RBI in 152 games. However, he is still owed $74 million over the next three years, with $10 million covered by the Rockies.
Future: Nolan Gorman (Age: 24)
If and when the Cardinals find a way to unload Arenado, his logical replacement is Gorman, who shifted to second base in the minors to give him a clearer path to a big league job. His defensive metrics at second base (-11 DRS, -8.0 UZR/150) have not been good, and returning to his natural position could help him take the next step in his overall development.
Five-Year Prediction: Arenado (2025), Gorman (2026-28), Padilla (2029)
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Present: Junior Caminero (Age: 21)
Caminero stands as the centerpiece of Tampa Bay's offensive rebuilding efforts, with the potential to develop into a perennial All-Star. In his first extended MLB action last year, he posted a 105 OPS with 16 extra-base hits in 177 plate appearances as the fourth-youngest player to appear in a MLB game. He will be under club control through the 2030 season.
Future: Brayden Taylor (Tier: 1)
With Carson Williams and Caminero looking like the long-term answers on the left side of the infield, it remains to be seen how Taylor fits into Tampa Bay's future plans. The No. 19 overall pick in the 2023 draft posted an .858 OPS with 27 doubles, 20 home runs, 62 RBI and 29 steals in 114 games while reaching Double-A in his first full professional season.
Five-Year Prediction: Caminero (2025-29)
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Present: Josh Jung (Age: 26)
After earning an All-Star nod as a rookie in 2023, Jung was limited to just 46 games last season while missing time with a fractured right wrist. Injuries have been an issue since he was taken No. 8 overall in the 2019 draft, but the Rangers have a fantastic insurance policy in Josh Smith waiting in the wings if he misses time again. On the flip side, if he can string together a couple healthy seasons, Jung will be a clear extension candidate ahead of hitting the open market following the 2028 season.
Future: Yolfran Castillo (Tier: 3)
Third base could be where top prospect Sebastian Walcott winds up, but he is also a candidate to move to the outfield once he is ready for the big leagues. Instead, let's focus on Castillo, who had one of the best pro debuts of any 2024 international prospect. The 18-year-old hit .377/.481/.415 last season, and the Rangers brought him over for his stateside debut down the stretch.
Five-Year Prediction: Jung (2025-29)
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Present: Ernie Clement (Age: 28)
A late-bloomer who found his way into a regular role last season, Clement ended up posting a 3.4-WAR campaign in 139 games. He had a 95 OPS with 21 doubles, 12 home runs, 51 RBI and 12 steals, and he shined defensively with elite metrics at shortstop (314.1 INN, 6 DRS, 13.3 UZR/150) and third base (661.0 INN, 9 DRS, 0.0 UZR/150). He is controllable through the 2028 season.
Future: Charles McAdoo (Tier: 3)
McAdoo was acquired in the deadline deal that sent Isiah Kiner-Falefa to Pittsburgh, and he immediately jumped onto Toronto's Top 10 prospect list. The 22-year-old was a 13th-round pick in 2023, and he has already blown past expectations by hitting .279/.364/.479 with 27 doubles, 17 home runs, 78 RBI and 21 steals in 124 games between High-A and Double-A in his first full season.
Five-Year Prediction: Clement (2025-26), McAdoo (2027-29)
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Present: José Tena (Age: 23)
The Nationals acquired Tena last summer in the deadline deal that sent Lane Thomas to Cleveland, and he hit .274/.305/.363 with five doubles, three home runs and 15 RBI in 164 plate appearances down the stretch. With no outside additions made to shore up the hot corner, he enters spring training as the favorite for the third base job. Trey Lipscomb and Amed Rosario could also see time at third base.
Future: Brady House (Tier: 1)
Regardless of who lines up at third base on Opening Day, they are likely just keeping the position warm for House. The 21-year-old spent the 2024 season in the upper levels of the minors, and while he took some lumps, he still tallied 21 doubles, 19 home runs and 66 RBI in 129 games. Third base belongs to him as soon as he looks ready for the job.
Five-Year Prediction: Tena (2025), House (2026-29)
