Baseball’s third base is where the action never stops. Nicknamed the “Hot Corner,” this position demands lightning-fast reflexes, a cannon for an arm, and the ability to contribute offensively at a high level.
Throughout MLB history, some of the game’s greatest players have anchored third base, wowing fans with stellar defense and power at the plate. Here’s a look at the top 15 third basemen to ever play the game.
15. Ken Boyer
Let’s kick things off with Ken Boyer, the 1964 NL MVP who spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. A clutch hitter and defensive stud, Boyer hit over 20 home runs in eight different seasons, racking up five Gold Gloves. While he often flies under the radar, he’s the kind of player Cardinals fans will never forget.
14. Home Run Baker
You can’t make a list like this without tipping your cap to the OG of power hitters. Frank “Home Run” Baker earned his nickname back in the dead-ball era when hitting home runs was a rarity. A four-time home run leader and a key figure in the Philadelphia Athletics dynasty, Baker is a throwback legend who deserves his spot on the list.
13. David Wright
“The Captain” of the New York Mets was a fan favorite for his consistency and leadership. David Wright may have been derailed by injuries, but during his peak, he was a seven-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner. Wright’s combination of power, speed, and likability cements his legacy as one of the best Mets of all time.
12. Graig Nettles
If you’re a Yankees fan, you already know why Graig Nettles is here. Nettles was a defensive wizard who made jaw-dropping plays look routine. He also had some pop, with 390 career home runs, and was a key part of the Yankees’ success in the 1970s. Oh, and those postseason heroics? Iconic.
11. Paul Molitor
While Molitor wasn’t strictly a third baseman for his entire career, he played enough of it to earn his place here. With over 3,000 hits and a reputation as one of the smartest hitters of all time, “The Ignitor” was a true offensive machine. He also shined in October, winning World Series MVP in 1993.
10. Ron Santo
A Cubs legend through and through, Ron Santo was the heart and soul of the team during the 1960s. Known for his power, patience at the plate, and stellar glove work, Santo was a nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner. His long-overdue induction into the Hall of Fame in 2012 was a feel-good moment for baseball fans everywhere.
9. Scott Rolen
One of the newest members of the Hall of Fame, Scott Rolen was the complete package. With eight Gold Gloves, a 70 WAR, and a World Series ring from his time with the Cardinals, Rolen could do it all. His combination of power, defense, and quiet consistency makes him one of the most underrated players on this list.
8. Brooks Robinson
If defense is your thing, Brooks Robinson might be your favorite player. Known as “The Human Vacuum Cleaner,” Robinson won 16 Gold Gloves (yes, 16!) and made some of the most iconic plays in World Series history. Add in 2,848 hits and you’ve got one of the greatest defensive players in baseball, period.
7. Wade Boggs
You want pure hitting? Wade Boggs is your guy. The man hit .328 over his career, racking up five batting titles and over 3,000 hits. Oh, and he also had a thing for eating fried chicken before every game. With his consistent bat and sneaky-good defense, Boggs is an all-time great.
6. George Brett
Speaking of hitters, George Brett might have been the most intense player on this list. A career .305 hitter, Brett famously flirted with a .400 batting average in 1980 and had a knack for coming up clutch in big moments. Royals fans still dream about his pine-tar explosion!
5. Adrian Beltre
Adrian Beltre was the total package—defense, power, personality, you name it. A five-time Gold Glove winner with over 3,000 hits and 477 home runs, Beltre somehow made greatness look effortless. Plus, no one could touch his iconic head-pat avoidance moves!
4. Chipper Jones
Few players were as beloved by their fan base as Chipper Jones. A lifelong Brave, “Larry” was a switch-hitting marvel who won an MVP award, hit over .300 for his career, and smashed 468 home runs. Oh, and he’s one of the few players to ever homer in his first MLB at-bat. Casual.
Read More: Home Run Kings: Ranking the 30 Best in MLB History
3. Eddie Mathews
If you’re building an all-time lineup, you want Eddie Mathews hitting in the middle of it. One of the best power hitters of his era, Mathews clubbed 512 home runs while playing excellent defense. He also spent most of his career protecting Hank Aaron in the Braves’ lineup.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best First Basemen in MLB History
2. Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt is the gold standard for third basemen. With 548 home runs, 10 Gold Gloves, and three MVP awards, Schmidt was the guy in Philly for nearly two decades. Whether it was hitting game-winning homers or vacuuming up grounders, Schmidt did it all—and then some.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Second Basemen in MLB History
1. Nolan Arenado
While this might be a bold pick, Nolan Arenado’s case is impossible to ignore. With 11 Gold Gloves and counting, Arenado might already be the best defensive third baseman we’ve ever seen. Add in his consistent power and knack for highlight-reel plays, and you’ve got a player who’s redefining what it means to play third base.
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