Get ready, baseball fans! The buzz is building as MLB Pipeline prepares to reveal its much-anticipated 2025 Top 100 Prospects list on Friday, January 24, at 7 p.m. ET, which will air on MLB Network and MLB.com.
In the lead-up to this exciting announcement, let’s delve into the future stars at the third base position.
Currently, the third base landscape is experiencing a significant shift.
The MLB Network’s Top 10 third basemen feature a striking majority—seven players—who are over 30 years old, with half of them already 32 or older.
But don’t let their seniority fool you.
A new generation of talent is bursting onto the scene, with names like Royce Lewis, Mark Vientos, and Jordan Westburg, all just 25, ready to shine this upcoming season.
As the veterans begin winding down their careers, fresh opportunities are opening up for rising players to take center stage.
Top 10 Third Base Prospects
- Coby Mayo, Orioles (2025)
- Matt Shaw, Cubs (2025)
- Cam Smith, Astros (2026)
- Brayden Taylor, Rays (2026)
- Cam Collier, Reds (2026)
- Jace Jung, Tigers (2025)
- Brady House, Nationals (2025)
- Tommy White, Athletics (2027)
- Zach Dezenzo, Astros (2025)
- Mike Boeve, Brewers (2025)
Among these prospects, six are on track to make their Major League debuts by 2025, including standout talents Coby Mayo from the Orioles and Matt Shaw of the Cubs.
Although Mayo’s path may be complicated by the presence of Westburg in Baltimore, his impressive power has already earned him a taste of the Major League experience.
The Cubs, on the other hand, have created a clear path for Shaw, especially after trading Isaac Paredes to the Astros.
Skills Breakdown
One of Mayo’s most impressive assets is his powerful throwing arm, which cements his status as a formidable player at third base.
Brayden Taylor and Brady House both bring solid defensive skills to the table.
Taylor’s versatility aligns perfectly with Tampa Bay’s strategic needs, while House has shown significant improvement at third after starting his career at shortstop.
- Hitting Ability: Matt Shaw truly shines with his exceptional hitting grade of 60.
As the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, his unique batting stance and disciplined approach have allowed him to maintain a stellar .303 batting average while keeping his strikeout rate under 20%.
- Power: Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Coby Mayo has established himself as a power hitter, boasting seasons with more than 25 home runs in the Minors.
His raw strength was on full display during his short time in the Majors, where he recorded impressive exit velocities.
- Speed: While speed may not be the first trait that comes to mind for third basemen, Shaw breaks that mold.
He showcased surprising agility with 31 stolen bases across various Minor League levels in 2024.
Notable Highlights
Mayo stands out in the Top 100 due to his extraordinary power.
If he secures his position at third, he could become one of the league’s premier power hitters.
With a nearly Major League-ready skill set, Shaw combines effective hitting, speed, and athleticism, positioning himself for a versatile role within the Cubs lineup.
Shaw is in a prime position with the Cubs, who are eager to leverage his talents in a competitive season.
His chances of securing a Major League roster spot this spring look promising.
Keep an eye on Eric Bitonti from the Brewers.
Selected in the third round of the 2023 draft, he faced some contact challenges initially, but his power potential shone through with 16 home runs in his debut year—hinting at an exciting sophomore season.
In summary, the future of MLB’s third base position is vibrant and full of promise.
With young prospects ready to make their mark, the time for their ascension is right around the corner!
