Staff Post: Third Basemen to Target in 2019

I’m so grateful for Zack’s target, which allowed me to include Justin Turner’s luscious man-beard into Friday’s happenings. I mean, if you had a crappy Valentine’s day and need a pick-me-up, just ogle Turner’s epic redbeard (I made up this word) for a time. Such an awesome experience.

Anyway, Third Base Week is drawing to a close, which means it is time for our staff targets. It’s a “quality over quantity” sort of morning, as we have four really solid choices for you to peruse.

Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs (Heath Capps)

NFBC ADP: 35.26

Bryant’s .188 ISO from 2018 was the pale spectre of the Kris Bryant that we’ve all come to know and love. Prior to last year’s shoulder woes, Bryant posted marks of .242, .262, and .213. In his injury-riddled year, Bryant still slashed .272/.374/.460 with a .359 wOBA and 125 wRC+. His batted ball profile reads like he traded some angling for home runs in order to settle for line drives last year, which makes sense when you consider the shoulder pain. Now fully healthy, I expect a rebound to elite levels, and I’ll snag him a round early in 2019 to acquire his services. I have him ranked aggressively compared to the consensus, since I would take him around pick 24 (he has an ECR of 31 on FantasyPros).

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Rendon, Nationals (Punk Is Dead)

NFBC ADP: 47.76

How does 25 home runs, 90 RBIs, 90 runs, a .300 average, and a .900 OPS player sound? Like a third round player? Fourth round at the worst? Well, Anthony Rendon is currently going in the fifth round! Every year Rendon is overlooked and he always outperforms. Don’t let him fall past the fourth round this season.

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Josh Donaldson, Braves (Mark Abell)

NFBC ADP: 104.74

After a lackluster start to last year with the Toronto Blue Jays, almost all of his metrics improved after he returned from injury with the Cleveland Indians. His hit % went up, on a per at -bat basis he had more home runs, more RBIs, more walks, fewer strikeouts, and his average went up almost 20%. Oh and did I mention he might be batting second in a lineup that features Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna?

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Turner, Dodgers (Zack Waxman)

NFBC ADP: 111.49

Justin Turner’s .299/26/92/91 600 at-bat pace over the last four seasons is only marred by his injury history. At an ADP of 108 in the NFBC, he is being drafted behind players with similar injury risk, like Wil Myers and players with playing time concerns like Miguel Andujar. He is 34 years old, but the rewards certainly outweigh the risks with a selection this late.

That’s it for targets, be sure to circle back around this afternoon for staff avoids!