The strength at third base cannot be ignored. I’ve already talked about why I wouldn’t wait on a sleeper at this position, based on the top being so loaded.
Even with the potential for greatness for your fantasy baseball roster, there are still some land mines to sort through.
Here are three third basemen who have bust potential in the 2018 fantasy baseball draft.
Manny Machado, 3B, Baltimore Orioles
Machado is moving to shortstop, but he’ll be offered in your fantasy baseball league as a third basemen. The flexibility will be nice, since he’ll likely qualify for two positions, but I don’t feel good about Machado this season.
His offseason was tumultuous, at best. He wasn’t happy, but now with the organization giving him what he wanted, I’m supposed to believe that everything is right in his world?
I’m not buying it.
His numbers were down last season across the board, especially in the batting average category. Despite his age, he’s well-worn, with at least 82 games played in the last five MLB seasons.
He’s ranked as the third-best third basemen, with an overall average draft position of 18. That’s too rich for my blood. I’d skip Machado this season.
Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington Nationals
A drop in production is the likeliest scenario for Rendon.
He has an ADP of 48th overall, eighth among third basemen. Last year was a career-year for the five-year pro, but I’m not seeing a continued uptick in production.
Previously, he had never gotten more than 85 RBI, before exploding for 100 in 2017. He also batted over .300 for the first time in his career, lifting his career average to .280.
Expecting similar power numbers from Rendon shouldn’t be your thought process this season. He’s been a liability for injury in the past, and I’m anticipating a drop in production this season.
Miguel Sano, 1B/3B/DH, Minnesota Twins
The versatility is nice. The career trajectory is nice. But the possibility of suspension is not so nice.
Allegations that Sano assaulted a woman are currently under investigation by Major League Baseball. Having a decision by the time you draft for fantasy baseball would be nice, but professional sports organizations are deliberate to a fault in these kinds of cases.
I like Sano’s on-field ability, with an uptick in production continuing this season. His power numbers are going to keep getting better, and an ADP of 95th overall isn’t bad value.
However, that’s still too high with the risk that Sano could miss a major chunk of the season. Skip Sano as long as there’s still a cloud of uncertainty over his playing time in 2018.
