The Best 3B in Major League Baseball

On Thursday, Manny Machado hit his 14th home run of the season. Matching the highest total of his young carer. So, I pose the question; is he the best third baseman in the league?

Certainly the talent pool surrounding the hot-corner is abundant. Mike Moustakas of the Kansas City Royals is currently the AL leading vote-getter at the position. And Todd Frazier, Nolan Arenado, and Josh Donaldson are having outstanding seasons, but Machado does it all. Manning a position that historically, has required a power-first approach, Machado stands out as a five-tool player. When you think of the five tools, you struggle to find a downfall in his game.

Power: 14 HR and 34 RBI (on pace for 34 HR and 83 RBI)

Contact: .285 AVE (7th in MLB) and 83.5 Contact % (league average is ~ 80%)

Fielding: 2015 is a bit of a down year in the field, so far. However, he leads the league in put-outs (59) and is second in assists (141)

Arm: You can’t argue the arm strength.

Speed/Base Running: He’s the only 3B with double-digit steals (10)