Ben Verlander
FOX Sports MLB Analyst
Break your cooler. It may not be warm outside during this winter, but the world of baseball remains muggy. Free agency was electrifying and spring training was just around the corner. “MLB 23 The Show”.
In all this heat, it’s only natural to show some love for a hot corner in the latest edition of “Flippin’ Bats.” Last week was a time for second basemen to shine. This week is about three bags.
Let’s dive into it!
elite: Manny Machado, Jose Ramirez, Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, Austin Riley, Nolan Arenado
These guys are the best of the best. It’s very simple. All of these figures are part of the MVP conversation every year. Machado and Arenado were hot in last year’s National League, and Riley was part of the conversation for a while. I’m relieved that Riley went on record as winning his MVP in his career.
Bregman is a star, a two-time World Series champion, and something to consider here. Devers just signed that huge contract and Ramirez is one of the most underrated players in baseball. Machado might just be the best player he’s had in the last year. This guy is unbelievable, he beat dragons with the Dodgers and is very good defensively.
MLB Third Base: Manny Machado and Nolan Arenado Headline The Elite
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry rank MLB third basemen, with Padres’ Manny Machado and Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado in The Elite. do you agree?
Almost elite: none
This is for people just below the “elite” and nobody. Looking at the third layer, is the person “almost elite”?
MLB third basemen: Few elite third basemen
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry are ranked MLB third basemen, and most elites do not have third basemen. do you agree?
really good: Eugenio Suarez, Anthony Rendon, Gunnar Henderson, Max Muncy Justin Turner, Matt Chapman, Kebrian Hayes, DJ Remahu, Yandi Diaz
There was a time when Rendon was in the “elite” category. During his time with the Nationals, he was one of the best players in baseball. Currently with the Angels, he has not appeared in his 60 games each in the past three seasons. He couldn’t get enough when it came to ratings. Let’s also highlight Henderson. A rookie for the Orioles, he is considered the number one prospect in baseball, and his first hit in the big leagues was a home run. I can see why everyone is talking about him.
MLB Third Base: Eugenio Suarez & Max Muncy Headlines The Really Good
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry rank MLB’s third basemen, and Mariners’ Eugenio Suarez and Dodgers’ Max Muncy are on a really good tier. do you agree?
Pretty solid: Jose Miranda, Josh Rojas, Jean Segura, Ryan McMahon, Christopher Morrell, Yoan Moncada, Josh Donaldson, Wilmer Flores, Jamer Candelario, Luis Urias, Eduardo Escobar, Alec Baum
Escobar would have been in the “really good” category a few years ago. He was a key piece for the Mets, whose deal with Carlos Correa fell through. Moncada is similarly acclaimed and sees a nice flash in his career. But last year was tough. I think Bohm managed to fit into that “really good” category, improving both offense and defense significantly.
MLB Third Base: Josh Donaldson & Alec Baum Headline The Pretty Solid & The Rest
Ben Verlander and Alex Curry rank MLB third basemen, while Yankees’ Josh Donaldson and Phillies’ Alec Bohm rank in the Pretty Solid & The Rest tier. do you agree?
remaining: Josh Jung
This guy is a huge prospect for the Rangers. I think he will be an absolute stud.
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