The third base position lacks depth entering the 2026 fantasy baseball season, with a significant talent drop-off after the elite options. Three third basemen are expected to underperform in the upcoming campaign, including one player projected for a top-25 average draft position (ADP).
Three Third Base to Consider Avoiding in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
Is Junior Caminero Overvalued at His Current ADP?
Junior Caminero is the player currently carrying an ADP inside the top 25. The star slugger produced a massive breakout in 2025, his first full season in the majors, finishing with 45 home runs. However, several factors could lead to a step back in 2026.
First, Caminero is due for statistical regression as pitchers adjust to his tendencies. While his power is legitimate, he may struggle to replicate his 2025 totals if his chase rate remains high. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays will return to Tropicana Field in 2026 after playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field in 2025.
This move shifts the team from a hitter-friendly environment to a notorious pitcher’s park. Caminero should remain one of the premier third basemen in baseball, but at an ADP of 22, he may struggle to provide a return on such a high investment.
The Risks of Drafting Eugenio Suárez for His Return to Cincinnati
Eugenio Suárez enjoyed a major bounce-back year in 2025, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 118 runs while splitting time between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. Despite that production, expectations should be tempered for 2026. The veteran infielder returned to the Cincinnati Reds this offseason and will likely serve as their primary designated hitter.
Suárez will turn 35 this year and could show signs of age-related decline. He continues to struggle with high strikeout rates, having led the majors with 196 strikeouts last season. His declining contact skills remain a significant concern for fantasy managers.
While third base lacks impact talent, fantasy managers can often find better value at other positions in the 145 ADP range. A more reliable strategy may involve drafting a solid middle-of-the-order bat elsewhere and targeting an unspectacular, steady third baseman later in the draft.
Jordan Westburg’s Injury Outlook with the Baltimore Orioles
The primary concern with Jordan Westburg heading into 2026 is health rather than talent. The Baltimore Orioles infielder provided solid production in 2025 but is currently sidelined by a serious injury. Westburg is recovering from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow suffered during spring training.
He received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection and is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2026 season. This continues a troubling trend of durability issues for the 27-year-old. Westburg was limited to 85 games in 2025 and 128 games in 2024.
He carries significant risk at his current ADP, which typically falls in the 10th or 11th round of 12-team formats. Because there are so few difference-makers at the hot corner, managers should look for alternatives in this range who do not carry such high injury risk.
Leave a Reply