Buster Olney Ranks MLB's Best Third Basemen: Ramirez, Bregman, and Machado

Buster Olney identifies the premier talent at the hot corner, ranking Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, and Manny Machado among the top 10 third basemen in MLB.

Jose Ramirez, Alex Bregman, and Manny Machado headline the 2024 rankings of the best third basemen as compiled by MLB analyst Buster Olney. This definitive top 10 list evaluates the premier talent at the hot corner based on a combination of defensive metrics, offensive production, and overall value to their respective franchises. The assessment places these three veterans at the forefront of a position currently defined by high-velocity defensive reactions and elite power hitting.

Jose Ramirez continues to anchor the Cleveland Guardians' lineup, maintaining his status as one of the most consistent performers in professional baseball. His placement in the upper echelon of this list is supported by his perennial presence in the American League MVP conversation and his ability to generate extra-base hits from both sides of the plate. Olney’s evaluation highlights how Ramirez’s baserunning intelligence complements his 30-home run potential, making him a dual-threat asset that few other infielders can match.

Alex Bregman enters the final year of his current contract with the Houston Astros, bringing a career .373 on-base percentage into the 2024 campaign. The ranking acknowledges his disciplined approach at the plate, where he famously maintains a walk rate that often rivals his strikeout rate. Defensively, Bregman’s reliability at third base has been a cornerstone of the Astros' sustained postseason success, providing a steady glove that stabilizes the left side of the diamond during high-leverage innings.

Manny Machado remains a focal point of the San Diego Padres' strategy, despite undergoing elbow surgery during the offseason. His inclusion in the top 10 reflects a career total of over 300 home runs and multiple Gold Glove awards, underscoring a legacy of excellence that spans over a decade. Olney notes that Machado’s arm strength remains a benchmark for the position, allowing him to make throws from the shallow outfield grass that most other third basemen cannot execute.

The middle tier of the rankings features emerging stars and established veterans who have redefined the statistical expectations for the position. These players are judged on their Range Factor and Ultimate Zone Rating, metrics that quantify their ability to prevent runs through superior lateral movement. The list serves as a comparative tool for fans to see how the current generation of talent measures up against the historical standards of the hot corner.

Buster Olney’s methodology involves consulting with league scouts and front-office executives to ensure the rankings reflect the internal industry perception of player value. This collaborative approach ensures that the top 10 is not merely a reflection of past box scores but an indicator of projected performance for the upcoming season. The resulting hierarchy distinguishes the elite starters from the league-average contributors, providing a clear view of the positional landscape.

Statistical analysis for these rankings includes Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+), which allows for a direct comparison of offensive output regardless of home ballpark dimensions. By utilizing this data, Olney can accurately rank players like Ramirez and Bregman against peers who play in more hitter-friendly environments. The final list of ten individuals represents the pinnacle of professional skill, showcasing the athletes who currently dictate the competitive balance of the MLB infield.