Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy: 3B Sleepers & Busts (2025)

Joe Pisapia and Chris Welsh highlight the top infielders primed to shine in 2025. We break down the sleepers, busts and must-haves you should target for your lineups. Whether you’re building for dynasty leagues or prepping for your next draft, this is your one-stop shop for prospect intel. Here is our fantasy baseball draft strategy for infielders.

Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategy

???? Third Base Overview

• Top Tier: José Ramírez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Yahoo Only), Rafael Devers, Austin Riley, Manny Machado
• Risky but High Upside: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jordan Westburg, Royce Lewis
• Mid-Tier Options: Mark Vientos, Jake Burger, Matt Chapman, Eugenio Suárez
• Strategy:
  • Third base lacks depth, so don’t wait too long if you want a reliable bat.
  • If you miss on the top tier, look for high-power, mid-tier values like Vientos or Burger.
  • Corner infield spots should ideally be filled by first basemen due to better depth.

???? Third Base Sleepers

1️⃣ Jake Burger (TEX)

• Why Target Him?
  • Crushed 29 HR with Miami last season and now moves to a much better lineup in Texas.
  • More RBI opportunities behind Seager, Semien, Langford.
  • Similar profile to Josh Donaldson in his prime → Elite Barrel Rate (12%) + Hard Hit Rate (47%).
  • Could hit 35+ HR in Texas with improved batting average (~.260-.270).

2️⃣ Matt Shaw (CHC)

• Why Target Him?
  • Projected as the Cubs’ third baseman, coming off a 20 HR, 30 SB minor league season.
  • Great plate discipline and contact skills.
  • Could be this year’s breakout rookie if the Cubs don’t sign a veteran at third.
  • Currently drafted outside the Top 200, making him a low-risk, high-reward pick.

???? Third Base Busts

1️⃣ Royce Lewis (MIN)

• Why Avoid Him?
  • Injury-prone → Has never played more than 70 games in a season.
  • ADP is too high (~Top 100 overall).
  • When healthy, he’s great, but too much risk at his current cost.
  • Cheaper power-speed options exist at the position.

2️⃣ Josh Jung (TEX)

• Why Avoid Him?
  • Injury-plagued 2024 season (7 HR, .264 AVG in just 99 games).
  • Declining Barrel Rate and Hard Hit metrics.
  • Moving down in the lineup due to Texas’ stacked offense → Fewer RBI chances.
  • If he returns to 2023 form (23 HR, .266 AVG), he’s fine, but not worth the ADP risk (~200 overall).

???? Third Base Must-Haves

1️⃣ Mark Vientos (NYM)

• Why Draft Him?
  • Breakout star in 2024 after a strong minor-league track record.
  • Projected to bat behind Juan Soto & Francisco Lindor → Huge RBI potential.
  • 30+ HR upside with 100 RBI potential if he stays healthy.
  • If Pete Alonso stays in New York, even more lineup protection.
  • Massive value at current ADP (outside Top 100).

2️⃣ José Ramírez (CLE)

• Why Draft Him?
  • Elite consistency → One of the few third basemen who hits for power AND steals bases.
  • Locked in as a Top 5 fantasy player at the position.
  • If you want safe, elite production at a weak position, he’s worth the early pick.

???? Third Base Draft Strategy

• If you draft early: José Ramírez, Rafael Devers, or Austin Riley are safe picks.
• If you wait on third base: Mark Vientos, Jake Burger, or Matt Shaw provide huge value.
• Avoid injury-prone, high-ADP players like Royce Lewis or Josh Jung unless you’re comfortable with risk.

???? Best Value Third Basemen: Vientos, Burger, Shaw
???? Avoid: Lewis, Jung
???? Elite Must-Haves: Ramírez, Devers, Vientos