Thanks to guys like Jose Ramirez and Junior Caminero, third base is a top-heavy position as it has been for the past several years. Today, we will take a look at five options that you should likely avoid at cost. From Alex Bregman’s park downgrade to Mark Vientos’ playing time concerns, searching through the bargain bin may very well return better value than reaching for any of these guys.
Alex Bregman (Cubs)
After looking like a superstar in his new Boston Red Sox jersey during the first half of 2025, Bregman regressed back to the guy we’ve known for years in the second half, finishing with 64R/18HR/62RBI and a .273 average through 433 AB.
Playing in a notoriously tough park for righties, Wrigley Field, along with Bregman’s lack of speed is a tough sell. He has an injury history and is approaching age 32, so he may have his best days behind him with the limited upside.
There is a little to like here, as he should be OK for 70/20/70, but you can do better at cost potentially reaching for sleepers at the position with a similar ceiling such as Isaac Paredes and Addison Barger.
Mark Vientos (Mets)
© Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
After looking like a potential star in 2024, Vientos took a massive step in the wrong direction in 2025, going from an outstanding 132 WRC+ to a below-average 97 WRC+. Surprisingly, his eye was worse in 2025 than 2024, and as a guy who already is a poor contact hitter, this was a killer to his counting stats.
A bounce back seems unlikely, as he will be fighting to be an everyday player with guys like Brent Baty and Jorge Polanco. At best, he will be a lefty masher who hits a bunch of home runs along with a poor batting average.
Stay away — let somebody who can’t let his 2024 season and potential go and select a safer third baseman.
Alec Bohm (Phillies)
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Bohm has had a few productive seasons in his career, but nothing in his profile suggests that he has the potential to be a great hitter. He has very little pop and zero speed, so he relies on base hits to drive in runs batting behind stars Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.
His expected batting average and BABIP indicate that he is actually a good contact hitter — however, the recommendation to pass on him comes from his ability to only contribute in two out of the five necessary categories.
Look to draft somebody with a higher all-around ceiling come draft day.
Royce Lewis (Twins)
© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Oh Royce … if only you could stay healthy so we can truly know what kind of player you are.
After a very poor 2025, it is finally time to leave him on the wire.
B
A savant profile like this to go along with a massive injury history suggests that he may not be draftable in 2026. I suppose drafting him in the last round is fine, but do not expect him to be one of those guys who is great until they inevitably get hurt, such as his teammate, oft-injured Byron Buxton.
Let somebody who still can’t let the potential go reach for him. Ultimately, the fantasy team that wins it all is the team that stays the healthiest.
Noelvi Marte (Reds)
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Similarly to Lewis, there is not much to love here, even with him playing in one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the MLB. The profile suggests that he was very lucky with his production in 2025 and may be a bust this upcoming season.
B
He does have speed and a little bit of power, however his poor plate approach and inability to make contact should lead to a lack of counting stats in 2026. If he stays healthy and off the PEDs, he may be able to provide a little bit in the steals department but don’t expect much else.
Conclusion
In 2026, it may be worth it to reach for a top third baseman as the position is notoriously thin. If not, prioritizing upside and consistent at-bats is the best way to look for value. Avoid reaching on Bregman and Bohm for their name value, and stay away from playing time risks such as Vientos, Marte and Royce Lewis.
Good luck!
Fantasy Baseball Third Basemen Busts FAQs: Top Projections, Avoidance Tips, and Regression Insights for 2026
Who are the top third base busts for 2026 fantasy baseball?
Alex Bregman, Mark Vientos, Alec Bohm, Royce Lewis, and Noelvi Marte all carry ADP risk relative to category return.
Why is Alex Bregman risky in 2026 drafts?
Park context and declining power indicators limit his upside, making him a thin-margin return at cost.
Is Mark Vientos safe to draft at current ADP?
Only at a discount; contact instability and role questions create real batting average downside.
What is Alec Bohm’s fantasy ceiling in 2026?
A solid average with modest power, but limited speed and category juice cap overall impact.
Why is Royce Lewis considered a bust risk?
Recurring injuries reduce projected games played, making it hard to rely on full-season production.
Should fantasy managers draft Noelvi Marte in 2026?
Speed helps, but poor plate approach and contact issues suppress both average and reliable counting stats.