MLB The Show 23is the latest iteration of the acclaimed baseball simulator. The game features the beloved Franchise, Road to the Show, and Diamond Dynasty modes with updated rosters and graphics.
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One of the first things players want to know is player ratings. What’s known as the “hot corner,” third basemen must have quick reflexes and strong arms to make defensive plays and throw runners out from across the diamond. The following players are the cream of the crop third basemen and control the “hot corner” of the diamond.
7Rafael Devers - 84
After making two straight All-Star selections, the Boston Red Sox locked up their star third baseman with a massive 11-year $331 million contract. These types of contracts are more about what the team expects the player will continue to grow into, and based on this deal, the Red Sox expect Devers to possibly be the best third baseman in the league.
Devers isn’t the greatest defender with low marks in fielding (60) and accuracy (50) but the 26-year-old is a monster at the plate. Devers crushes right-handed pitching (88 contact, 93 power) and excels in hitting breaking pitches. He isn’t necessarily a good clutch performer (79) but he’s generally unfazed when he’s behind in the count.
6Alex Bregman - 84
The Houston Astros have slightly retooled over the years, having to replace the likes of Carlos Correa, Zack Greinke, George Springer, and now, Justin Verlander. But Alex Bregman has remained a consistently good contributor at third base. He was selected to back-to-back All-Star games in 2018 and 2019, then suffered two consecutive down seasons.
In 2022, Bregman played his part in helping the Astros win the World Series. He’s a decent all-around hitter with good vision (88) and discipline at the plate (90). Bregman is equally as average on defense (75) as he is at the plate, but because he’s not terrible in an area, it adds up to him being a reliable player.
5Matt Chapman - 85
Over the course of his six-year career, Matt Chapman established himself as a top third baseman with the Oakland A’s. He received one All-Star nomination but for the most part, has been a consistent hitter and fielder. The Toronto Blue Jays acquired the third baseman in the 2021 offseason.
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Chapman’s hitting has slowly declined in the last three seasons but he remains a solid folder (85). He has decent arm strength (72) and accuracy (75) to make good throws across the diamond, especially with his high reaction time (80).
4Austin Riley - 93
The talent gap becomes a bit more apparent when talking about players like Austin Riley. One of the cornerstones of the Atlanta Braves, Riley is coming off a sensational season where he hit 38 home runs and collected 57 walks en route to an All-Star nomination.
Overall, Riley is one of the best young hitters in the National League. He terrorizes left-handed pitching (97 contact, 92 power) and holds his own against righties (80 contact, 84 power). His defensive abilities aren’t anything to write home about but his offensive capabilities hold more value.
3Nolan Arenado - 94
For most of his ten-year career, Nolan Arenado has been regarded as one of the best third basemen in the majors, both offensively and defensively. He’s collected ten Gold Glove awards in his career and has received seven All-Star nominations.
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Arenado is a difference-maker at the plate and on the field. He has a perfect mark in power-hitting against left-handers (99) and smashes fastballs. Defensively, Arenado’s glove is a magnet for the ball as he has a perfect rating in fielding (99). There’s no question the 31-year-old will remain a top third baseman for a few more years.
2Jose Ramirez - 94
Jose Ramirez earned his fourth All-Star nomination in the last six seasons last year and finished fourth in the American League MVP voting. The 30-year-old led the American League in doubles (44) and collected a career-high 126 RBI.
Ramirez is a solid offensive threat for the Cleveland Guardians and specializes in hitting breaking balls and balls thrown outside the strike zone. He tends to swing for power over contact against all pitchers and performs well in the clutch (96). Ramirez has underrated speed (74) and will take advantage of the base paths if you don’t respect him.
1Manny Machado - 95
Claiming the top spot among third basemen is San Diego Padres Manny Machado. The 30-year-old remains a prolific hitter and high-quality defensive player. Machado’s in the middle of a slight resurgence coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons.
Machado is a threat against any pitcher but he favors contact hitting against righties (92) and power hitting against lefties (92). He has a perfect clutch rating (99) and performs well against breaking pitches. When you mix his high offensive potential with an above-average fielding rating (82), you rightfully get the best hot corner player in MLB The Show 23.
