Position scarcity is a major topic among fantasy baseball managers, and year after year the strategy pays dividends for disciplined owners. Much like having a dynamic tight end in football, rostering an elite bat at a premium position can feel like a cheat code. In the past, second base and catcher were the easiest spots to gain an edge, but this season third base looks like a barren wasteland.
Even the so-called sure things carry age or injury concerns, and there is little immediate help coming from the minors. For dynasty players, that reality makes securing a long-term fixture at third base more important than ever. At the top, the obvious names remain José Ramírez and Manny Machado, but both are beginning to battle Father Time. Ramírez is still head and shoulders above the field, comparable to a Gronk or Kelce if we stick with the tight end analogy.
Jazz Chisholm is not old, but durability questions linger, and his third base eligibility will disappear this season. Junior Caminero looks like a potential cornerstone for years to come, though it is fair to wonder how much his power was boosted by a hitter-friendly park, similar to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s inflated numbers in Dunedin. Maikel Garcia flashes upside but does not dominate any single category. Austin Riley has now posted two down seasons and carries injury concerns. Eugenio Suárez returns to Cincinnati, where he could hit 40 homers again or struggle to clear .200. Alex Bregman found a new home as well, but underlying metrics suggest his power may decline. Max Muncy and Isaac Paredes face potential platoon risks, while the incoming international rookies remain unproven.
Outside of Ramírez, there is no true lock at the position, and the drop-off is steep. Managers who miss the top two or three options might be better off waiting on the boring vets like Alec Bohm, who will hit 4th in Philly, Bo Bichette and his position change, or Matt Chapman. One thing is for sure this isn't the slugging position we are all used to and might not be for a long time.